Have you ever had trouble making a decision? Perhaps you were torn between a career choice or where to relocate after losing a job or switching to remote work. Having difficulty making a choice is referred to as decision paralysis, but it is often much more complicated for people living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For them, decision paralysis can be just as the name describes: paralyzing.
If you think that you or a loved one might be showing signs of OCD—like decision paralysis—our services for mental health treatment in Texas can help you cope. Promises Brazos Valley offers a variety of mental health treatment programs to suit your needs.
Understanding Decision Paralysis
Decision paralysis describes a situation in which a person becomes overwhelmed by their options. They can get so hung up on trying to make a choice that they may not make any decision at all. Many people experience some level of decision paralysis at some point in their lives, especially regarding critical decisions like choosing the right job, school, partner, or place to live.
However, some people experience decision paralysis to such an extreme that they may find themselves entirely paralyzed by even the most minor decisions, such as what to eat for breakfast. Cases like these often occur in people living with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Do You Struggle with OCD-Related Decision Paralysis?
How do you know if you might have decision paralysis related to OCD? Consider whether you relate to any of the following:
- You are often overwhelmed by the prospect of making decisions, no matter how small.
- You feel anxiety or fear when trying to make a choice.
- You believe there is a perfect choice, and it is essential that you find it.
- You are overwhelmed with worry about not discovering the perfect choice and fear that any other choice will have disastrous results.
The primary difference between everyday decision paralysis and OCD-related decision paralysis is the intensity of the anxiety or fear surrounding decisions and the disruption it can have in one’s life. Also, it is not uncommon for a person living with OCD to second-guess a decision afterward and continue worrying they did not make the best choice.
How Can Decision Paralysis Impact Your Life?
For some people, decision paralysis has minimal effect, but those with obsessive-compulsive disorder can find it challenging to manage because:
- It can be time-consuming – Carefully analyzing each decision you make throughout the day can take up quite a bit of time, making it hard to keep up with all of your daily responsibilities.
- It can make you feel out of control – Feeling like you struggle to make even the most minor decisions can be incredibly frustrating.
- It can lead to avoidance – To prevent anxiety, you may find yourself avoiding situations where you might have to make a decision, which can limit the meaningful experiences you have in your life.
If OCD-related decision paralysis is interfering with your quality of life, it is essential to get help from a qualified therapist.
Other Common Signs of OCD
In addition to decision paralysis, individuals living with obsessive-compulsive disorder may experience some of these other symptoms:
- Compulsive behaviors like frequently checking that you have turned off the stove or that all the doors are locked
- Overwhelming fear of germs or contamination and washing one’s hands many times throughout the day
- Persistent intrusive thoughts or images, such as harming yourself or others
- A powerful need for things to be organized in a specific manner, such as everything being perfectly symmetrical
- Ritualistic behaviors or routines that must be performed in an exact order
Some people living with OCD may also hoard items, which can sometimes serve to reduce anxious feelings about throwing something away or experiencing a negative consequence due to discarding an item.
Connect with Promises Brazos Valley and Start on Mental Health Treatment in Texas
Alleviate the anxiety around making decisions by learning helpful strategies for coping with OCD and decision paralysis. Call Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086 or complete our online form today to enroll in OCD treatment.