Turning Point Psychological Services
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“The strongest underlying mechanism of obsessive-compulsive disorder is the inability to tolerate uncertainty,” says Anna Prudovski, clinical psychologist and director of Turning Point Psychological Services.
"According to Prudovski, people without illness anxiety might experience discomfort when they read a coronavirus-related story, but they can bat the thought away."
“When anyone reads about a new disease they may question, ‘Do I have it?’ But for a person with illness anxiety they feel compelled to engage,” said Anna Prudovski.
“Many of us spend our days worrying about the future or ruminating about the past, thus, missing a great deal of what is happening in the here-and-now.”
"Non-sufferers [can] usually quickly dismiss those thoughts and continue with their day," Anna Prudovski, psychologist and clinical director of Turning Point Psychological Services, tells Bustle. "But individuals with OCD tend to take those thoughts very seriously.."
"[Distraction] is often recommended by self-help books and even by professionals," Anna Prudovski, psychologist, clinical director of Turning Point Psychological Services, tells Bustle.
"If you have social anxiety, you probably heard numerous suggestions about relaxing, practicing deep abdominal breathing and thinking positive thoughts.," Anna Prudovski, psychologist and clinical director of Turning Point Psychological Services, tells upjourney.com.
"A person [with OCD] may ask endless questions about the possibility of them having a serious disorder or a possibility of having unknowingly done something that may be morally wrong," Anna Prudovski, psychologist and clinical director of Turning Point Psychological Services, tells Bustle.
Anna Prudovski, an Ontario psychologist and clinical director of Turning Point Psychological Services, defines OCD as a sliding scale or a continuum with hardly noticeable symptoms on the one end and extremely severe presentation on the other end.
"It’s natural to ask those around you for help but if you’re constantly peppering your loved ones with questions, asking them to verify the health issues you think you have, you may be a hypochondriac."
"Things that they are doing to ease the child’s anxiety, fears, and phobias are often the very things that make those problems worse."
"Cognitive therapy is evidence-based and very effective because it helps people learn how to develop more realistic thinking based on facts."
"After our vacation to Italy, we now have ciccheti for brunch and bake amaretti cookies."
"I know from personal experience that our thoughts can make us go pretty crazy sometimes—but the thing is, they’re just thoughts. And we really shouldn’t take them so seriously."
"It’s not a heart attack or other life-threatening condition, but panic attacks can still have a significant impact on your physical health and personal well-being."
"The Trendiest Toys ... They cost a lot. And they create a lot of sensory stimulation—sounds, changing lights, movement, etc. which is not so great for young kids."
“Start seeing your thoughts as what they are: thoughts. They are not facts. They are not threats.”
“If you have been struggling with anxiety, problematic relationships, and low self-esteem for most of your life, don’t expect to hear a single pearl of wisdom that will dramatically change your life. Therapy involves hard work."
Anna Prudovski of Turning Point Psychological Services at Your Morning show talks about how to deal with anxiety around coronavirus.