Coping with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves breaking the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions. This can be difficult to do for clients who may feel compelled to perform specific rituals to ease the anxiety brought on by their thoughts or fears.
The OCD Coping Skills (PDF) handout teaches clients healthier ways to deal with OCD and gradually reduce their urge to perform specific actions or rituals. It explains what to do by using the OCD acronym to observe thoughts, challenge worries, and distract themselves. Clients are also guided by the three D's: Don't avoid fears, Don't isolate yourself, and Don't believe everything OCD tells you.
By using this handout, kids and teens can gain control over their thoughts and behaviors, and experience increased self-esteem as they successfully confront and overcome challenges that previously felt overwhelming. Supportive adults can further encourage and assist them in various settings. For example, they can help access therapy or obtain flexible accommodations at school to make sure they have the support they need without feeling limited by OCD.
This handout pairs well with our OCD Coping Statements Handout, which provides a wide variety of encouraging and positive affirmations for OCD.
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References:
- Futh, A., Simonds, L. M., & Micali, N. (2012). Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents: Parental understanding, accommodation, coping and distress. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 26(5), 624-632. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2012.02.012
- Sravanti, L., Kommu, J. V., Girimaji, S. C., & Seshadri, S. (2022). Lived experiences of children and adolescents with obsessive–compulsive disorder: Interpretative phenomenological analysis. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 16(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-022-00478-7
- Walitza, S., Melfsen, S., Jans, T., Zellmann, H., Wewetzer, C., & Warnke, A. (2011). Obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents. Deutsches Ärzteblatt international. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.2011.0173
