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How to get rid of OCD and stress?
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Mental & Emotional Health
Question #20312
1 day ago
30

How to get rid of OCD and stress? - #20312

Nirushan

Hi doctor, I am a college student. For quite a long time, i have noticed OCD symptoms in myself. I am unable to focus in one activity.Due to .For example; If i am sending an email i have to recheck the email over and over again, a fear always haunts me if i would send anything bad to someone. I have to wash my face many times a day, if not i get some sort of headache. I have to do certain mental rituals to satisfy myself. I face many issues everyday but i am unable to explain it properly. I have repeated unwanted thoughts that cause a lot of anxiety. To reduce that anxiety, I feel forced to repeat certain actions or thoughts. Even when I know it’s unnecessary, I can’t stop.It’s affecting my focus, studies, and daily life. My parents dont understand me when i say this.

Age: 18
Chronic illnesses: No
Ocd
300 INR (~3.53 USD)
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
1 day ago
5

What you are experiencing is most consistent with OCD. It is real, common, and treatable. With professional help, you can regain control of your thoughts and life.

1116 answered questions
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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
23 hours ago
5

Hello dear See for ocd it is probably relaxation of mind to know that everything is normal. Iam suggesting some tips for improvement Do meditation Consider in case you donot perform the things according to your need, Still the world will go normal Consider it as a strong ability but not a diseases Assume to leave the things slowly and slowly You can replace your ocd habits with hobbies Kindly do these things for 2 month. In case of no improvement consult psychiatrist in person for better clarity Improvement will occur definitely Regards

1313 answered questions
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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
19 hours ago
5

Hello,

You likely have OCD with anxiety. It’s not your fault and it’s treatable.

Stress feeds OCD, and OCD increases stress — a vicious cycle.

You can do CBT with ERP therapy (best treatment) Medication (SSRIs) if symptoms are strong Don’t repeat rituals (rechecking, washing); delay them gradually

This is uncomfortable at first, but very effective.

Label thoughts: “This is OCD, not a real danger”

Reduce stress: sleep well, exercise, limit caffeine

Important: See a psychiatrist or psychologist. Early treatment works very well. Many students improve dramatically with therapy and medication. OCD responds extremely well to treatment Starting at 18 is an advantage — early treatment works best

I trust this helps Thank you

581 answered questions
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Dr. Nirav Jain
I am a qualified medical doctor with MBBS and DNB Diploma in Family Medicine from NBEMS, and my work has always been centered on treating patients in a complete, not just symptom based way. During my DNB training I rotated through almost every core department—Internal medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery, Orthopedics, ENT, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency medicine. That mix gave me the skill to manage acute illness, long term disease and preventive care together, something I find very important in family practice. In psychiatry I worked closely with patients who struggled with depression, anxiety, stress related problems, insomnia or substance use. I learned not just about medication but also about simple psychotherapy tools, psycho education and how to talk openly without judgement. I still use that exp in family medicine, specially when chronic disease patients also face mental health issues. My time in General surgery included assisting in minor and major procedures, managing wounds, abscess, sutures and emergencies. While I am not a surgeon, this gave me confidence to recognize surgical cases early, provide first line care and refer fast when needed, which makes a big difference in online or OPD settings. Now I work as a consultant in General medicine and Family practice, with focus on both in-person and online consultation. I treat conditions like fever, infections, gastrointestinal complaints, respiratory illness, and also manage diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and lifestyle related chronic diseases. I see women for PCOS, contraception counseling, menstrual health, and children for common pediatric issues. I also dedicate time to preventive health, lifestyle counseling and diet-sleep-exercise advice, since these small changes affect long term wellness more than we often realize. My key skills include holistic diagnosis, evidence based treatment, chronic disease management, mental health support, preventive medicine and telemedicine communiation. At the center of all this is one thing—patients should feel heard, safe, and guided with care that is both professional and personal.
13 hours ago
5

Hi Nirushan, Thank you for explaining this so honestly. What you’re describing fits Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and the most important thing I want you to know is: this is a real medical condition, not a weakness, and it is treatable.

Kindly consult and certified Psychiatrist for initiation of CBT with ERP. This is the best treatment that’s available. The psychiatrist might also start some oral medications to help your condition.

WHAT YOU CAN START TODAY (VERY IMPORTANT)- 1. Stop fighting thoughts- Thoughts are not actions. Let them come, don’t argue, don’t neutralize. 2. Delay compulsions- If you feel urge to recheck or wash, delay by 10 minutes. Gradually increase delay. 3. Reduce reassurance-seeking- Rechecking emails repeatedly feeds OCD 4. Lifestyle- Fixed sleep schedule. Daily physical activity. Reduce caffeine. Short mindfulness practice (10 min/day).

You are not alone. You are not going crazy. OCD does NOT define you. With treatment, people return to normal life.

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Medicine

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Dr. Prasannajeet Singh Shekhawat
I am a 2023 batch passout and working as a general physician right now, based in Hanumangarh, Rajasthan. Still kinda new in the bigger picture maybe, but honestly—every single day in this line teaches you more than textbooks ever could. I’ve had the chance to work under some pretty respected doctors during and after my graduation, not just for the clinical part but also to see how they handle people, real people, in pain, in panic, and sometimes just confused about their own health. General medicine covers a lot, right? Like from the smallest complaints to those random, vague symptoms that no one really understands at first—those are kinda my zone now. I don’t really rush to label things, I try to spend time actually listening. Feels weird to say it but ya, I do take that part seriously. Some patients just need someone to hear the whole story instead of jumping to prescription pads after 30 seconds. Right now, my practice includes everything from managing common infections, blood pressure issues, sugar problems to more layered cases where symptoms overlap and you gotta just... piece things together. It's not glamorous all the time, but it's real. I’ve handled a bunch of seasonal disease waves too, like dengue surges and viral fevers that hit rural belts hard—Hanumangarh doesn’t get much spotlight but there’s plenty happening out here. Also, I do rely on basics—thorough history, solid clinical exam and yeah when needed, investigations. But not over-prescribing things just cz they’re there. One thing I picked up from the senior consultants I worked with—they used to say “don’t chase labs, chase the patient’s story”... stuck with me till now. Anyway, still learning every single day tbh. But I like that. Keeps me grounded and kind of obsessed with trying to get better.
11 hours ago
5

Hello Nirushan Thank you for sharing this with me—it takes courage to talk about these experiences. What you’re describing does sound a lot like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) that you feel driven to do, even though you know they’re not really needed. It’s also common for OCD to make it hard to focus and cause a lot of anxiety.

You’re not alone in this, and many people with OCD feel misunderstood, especially by family. The important thing is that OCD is treatable, and things can get better with the right help.

1. Professional Help - Psychiatrist or Clinical Psychologist: They can diagnose OCD and suggest the best treatment plan. - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Especially a type called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is very effective for OCD. - Medication: Sometimes, doctors prescribe medicines like SSRIs (a type of antidepressant) to help reduce symptoms.

2. Self-Help Strategies - Routine: Try to keep a regular daily schedule for sleep, meals, and study. - Mindfulness: Simple breathing exercises or meditation can help manage anxiety. - Journaling: Write down your thoughts and rituals—this can help you notice patterns and triggers.

3. Support - Support Groups: Online or in-person groups can help you feel less alone. - Trusted Person: If you have a friend, teacher, or counselor you trust, sharing your feelings can be a relief.

Would you like to talk about what kind of support or treatment options are available, or do you want tips for managing these symptoms day-to-day? I’m here to listen and guide you, whichever way you prefer.

Thank you

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