![]() ![]() In other words, your compulsive behavior fuels that part of your brain that gives out these many unwarranted alarm signals. Birthday candles are the same as a blazing fire. What does that mean you are telling your brain when you engage in these behaviors? You are reinforcing the brain’s idea that you must be in danger. ![]() Now consider that your compulsive behaviors are your attempts to keep yourself safe when that alarm goes off. This is one of the cruelest parts of this disorder. Unfortunately, with OCD, your brain tells you that you are in danger a lot, even in situations where you “know” that there is a very small likelihood that something bad might happen. When your anxiety “goes off” like an alarm system, it communicates information that you are in danger, rather than “pay attention, you might be in danger.” OCD takes over your body’s alarm system so that instead of only warning you of real danger, that alarm system begins to respond to any trigger (no matter how small) as an absolute, terrifying, catastrophic threat. But, imagine what would happen if your fire alarm went off every time you burnt a piece of toast or blew out birthday candles? That’s what happens in OCD. If your fire alarm goes off, what does it mean? The alarm is there to get your attention and prompt you to take action to protect yourself and your family. Think of anxiety as your body’s alarm system. You will get better at managing “everyday” levels of risk and uncertainty. ![]()
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