More thoughts on OCD-type symptoms
This is an addendum to the article: “Does My Kid Have OCD?”
Here are some topics that often come up when I have conversations with people about how to start exploring their child or teen’s symptoms and struggles.
The “busy brain” – when our brain has a thought that “something is not right”, sometimes the area of the brain that is designed to close the door on that thought gets stuck open. It isn’t the end of the world or life threatening, but it takes some time and work to learn to manage that kind of brain. I believe it also comes with incredible areas of giftedness. But it can be exhausting to have to process things constantly.
Some people learn how to not bother anyone with their struggles. They learn to deal with it silently, so that no one has to worry with it. But that silence isn’t healthy, and causes the ruts to run deeper. Dealing with it now teaches him tools that he will use the rest of his life (and most likely pass onto others.) It is not something you ignore and hope it goes away.
What fires together wires together. Like Pavlov’s dogs, we have mental triggers that are wired together. When there is an obsession/compulsion that are wired together, we can work towards putting a space between the thought and the reaction. Learning to pause before reaction, and learning healthy distraction tools are part of what a professional would teach him.
Scrupulosity – the psychological term for getting “stuck” on spiritual issues. A busy brain gets stuck in ruts. For those of us to whom Spiritual rightness is the most important thing, it is natural that this is the area in which the brain sometimes gets stuck.
Neuroplasticity – the more we think or do something, the more strengthened that neural pathway becomes. They also become very quick and automatic – God designed the brain to be incredibly efficient. You can kill connections that you don’t want by not tending to them, or ignoring them. But we have to learn to grow new reactions at the same time. (Christian Psychologist Caroline Leaf explains this process really well. You could look up her books, articles, and pocasts.)
IDEAS FOR NEXT STEPS:
Do a quick assessment of physical factors (sleep, vitamins, exercise, stress, screen time, etc.)
Start gathering tools. Books, articles, understanding, and behavioral practices. I sent the link to my blog with some things to get started.
Consider having at least one conversation with a professional. The relief of talking to someone who deeply understands the issues and has answers for progress is worth every penny.
