Clinical psychologist, Shai Friedland is inviting Facebook users to participate in online chats as part of his Facebook Friday online chats.
These chats offer more help and resources to those affected, in the comfort of their own homes, or while at work, or while out running errands.
The psychologist said this week they will be focusing on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Friedland said OCD is when people suffer from obsessions and compulsions adding that obsessions are repetitive thoughts or images that the person finds intrusive and inappropriate and that increases levels of anxiety.
He said compulsions are repetitive rituals (thoughts or actions) designed to counter obsessions and lower anxiety.
“Many individuals diagnosed with OCD may have intrusive thoughts around cleanliness and contamination and therefore may clean/wash themselves and/or their possessions.
“These individuals may also have intrusive thoughts about orderliness and may, therefore, keep certain possessions in a particular order, like keeping pens lined up in a perfectly straight line,” said Friedland.
He said, however, this is truly only rubbing the surface of OCD and for many individuals, their OCD symptoms expand beyond just wanting to be neat and clean, and/or have their possessions in order.
Often, said the psychologist, individuals portraying symptoms of OCD experience severe levels of anxiety, begin to spend hours a day on their intrusive thoughts and rituals and their overall functioning, whether relationships, studies, or work.
Cassey Chambers, from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), is supporting the Facebook Friday idea.
Chambers said the great advantage of the online chat is that people have access to top experts without paying the consultation fee and still get help.
“The great thing is that Facebook users that would like to remain anonymous can send a private message and Sadag will ask the experts on their behalf,” she said.
“If you can relate to the above then perhaps you should consider joining our Facebook Friday chat to ask psychologists questions focusing on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Hoarding.”
Join the Facebook Friday chat to ask Psychologists questions focusing on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Hoarding. Log on via Facebook: TheSouthAfricanDepressionandAnxietyGroup or through www.sadag.org and join the free Online Chat and get self-help tips on Friday, 25 August at 1pm-2pm and again at 7pm-8pm.
Details: Facebook: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group or www.sadag.org
Read: Sadag dispels misconceptions around OCD
Have you participated in the Facebook Friday before? Share your experience with us on the North Eastern Tribune Facebook page
