When a child refuses to go to school, it is easy to focus on the most visible problem: attendance. Parents often find themselves worrying about missed assignments, falling grades, and how much school their child is missing. While these concerns are understandable, school refusal is rarely just about getting a child through the school doors. In most cases, school refusal...[ read more ]
When most people think about summer, they picture vacations, backyard barbecues, festivals, and long evenings spent outdoors. What they don't always realize is that these same activities can create incredible opportunities to practice Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). If you're living with OCD or an anxiety disorder, summer doesn't have to become another season of avoiding what feels uncomfortable. In...[ read more ]
People with Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) often spend a great deal of time focused on perceived flaws in their appearance. These concerns can feel overwhelming and can lead to significant distress, self-consciousness, and disruption in daily life. While many people occasionally feel insecure about aspects of their appearance, BDD involves a level of preoccupation that goes far beyond typical appearance...[ read more ]
When the clocks fall back each November, many people look forward to that extra hour of sleep. But for others, especially those who live with anxiety or OCD, the shorter days and early darkness can bring new challenges. You’re not imagining it — the time change really can affect your mood, energy, and overall sense of calm. Your Internal Clock...[ read more ]
Every year during OCD Awareness Week, we’re reminded not only of the importance of education and advocacy but also of the quiet courage it takes for someone to reach out for help. At The OCD & Anxiety Center, we know that seeking treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not easy. It often begins with fear, shame, and uncertainty, especially when...[ read more ]
This week marks OCD Awareness Week, a time to raise awareness, promote education, and reduce the stigma surrounding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. At The OCD & Anxiety Center, we see the strength and courage it takes to face OCD every day, and we’re proud to join the global effort to bring understanding and hope to those affected. OCD is often misunderstood...[ read more ]
When a loved one struggles with OCD, it’s natural to want to help. Parents may reassure a child over and over again, partners might check locks for the tenth time, or friends may avoid certain words or places to prevent triggering anxiety. These actions come from a place of love and care. But in OCD treatment, we call this family...[ read more ]
Does your child pull out their hair? While it’s quite common for very young children under 7 to engage in hair-pulling, it often resolves on its own. However, if your child is between 8 and 18 and you notice them pulling out their hair, eyelashes, or eyebrows, it may be a condition called trichotillomania. Your response is crucial. How you...[ read more ]
Do you often find yourself fixating on a part of your body that just doesn’t look “right”? Do you feel ashamed, distressed, or distracted by your appearance—even when others assure you there’s nothing wrong? If you spend hours each day thinking about perceived flaws, avoiding mirrors or social situations, or constantly seeking reassurance about your looks, you may be struggling...[ read more ]
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental health concerns, and for many people, they don’t show up alone. If you’ve been feeling stuck in a loop of worry, exhaustion, low motivation, and overwhelm, you’re not imagining it. Anxiety and depression often occur together, and when they do, it can feel especially hard to find relief. At The...[ read more ]
