It is more likely than not that you or someone you know has their very own Facebook page. Every day consists of scrolling through your dash filled with nonsensical status updates from 500+ friends about their day. It can range from everything to silly music lyrics to whiny complaints that truly serve no purpose to your personal day-to-day life and/or make you feel like you’re being left out of social events. Some of the things people share can seem idiotic (especially when frustrated by their poor grammar or their love lives), while others can be rather comical.
However, stressing about catching up with all your friends and family while maintaining an occasional whimsical status update that you hope will be well liked by anyone who happens to read it can induce unwanted anxiety-like behaviors.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, otherwise known as OCD, is an anxiety disorder persisted by intrusive thoughts that produce worry, fear and uneasiness that are usually accompanied by repetitive behavior consisting of obsessions and compulsions. Some of these traits include excessive washing of the hands, cleaning, checking objects and appliances, focusing on particular numbers and repeating tasks and rituals. These rituals are created to reassure themselves that nothing bad will happen in particular, a simple fear they feed that continues to grow.
It is to be noted that those with OCD are not psychotic, but they are rather aware of their obsessions and feel as if they are irrational, thus becoming more distressed about their situation.
So What’s Facebook Got To Do With It?
Those who are relaxed by nature never give a second thought to logging out and waiting until whenever to check their pages again, while those with compulsive behaviors, such as OCD suffers, demonstrate the exact opposite.
Repeatedly updating your social networking sites for some can trigger your anxiety to unwanted proportions. It’s been said that this fear feeds off the idea that nothing they do is good enough. It is already a given pressure to regularly check and update Facebook while the fear of not making the “right” comment is at the forefront. Most feel it has to be funny, witty or knowledgeable and that only the best comments will do.
Once this becomes a part of someone’s daily routine, it generally becomes habit. It’s easy to fall to the pressures of social networking; it already has the obvious attractions that lead to obsession.
How To Break The Habit
Most already have the easy answer, “Simple, distraction!”
But such an option is far from easy, especially those that are struggling. Sure, distraction can help for some time. Reading a book, watching television, running errands, getting things done around the house, going out with a friend for the day, or even taking a walk. But what about those that have their iPhone or Blackberry attached to their hip?
This may take some extra practice by turning off your device or having someone like a friend or family member try the experiment with you. Resist any feelings you may have of visiting and if you happen to give in, only check in with those that you are close to.
Another suggestion would be to follow the updates from people you are particularly inspired by, thus reading uplifting updates that would provide a sense of encouragement throughout the day and less anxiety.
Do Not Be Ashamed (Or Assume The Worse)
Those that have been diagnosed by a professional with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder should take the precautionary measures to ensure they’re getting the help they need to help with their anxiety struggles. If you are one of the few that happen to obsess over such things as social networking, don’t fret, look at all the hundreds and thousands of celebrities that feed off the public with their personal sites! You’re not alone! Maybe your favorite entertainer updates just as much as you do. Heck, even the Dalai Lama has his own Twitter account!
If you think you may have OCD or have not been officially diagnosed by a professional, do not fear the worst and jump to conclusions. The best you can do is talk to someone about your concerns and work through your habits.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any mental illness. If you have concerns about your mental or physical health, please consult with a qualified professional.
Annie Martin - Annie Martin is a freelance writer specializing in songwriting, blogging, articles, music websites and more.
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