Mind Maintenancewith Dr. Ballas
When OCD Turns on Itself: Understanding Meta OCD
It’s one of the more unsettling experiences in OCD recovery: you start to gain ground, feel more confident, even have moments of relief—and then suddenly, a new wave of anxiety hits.
When OCD Latches onto Real-Life Risks—Why It Happens and How to Break Free
OCD doesn’t just create random, irrational fears. One of the trickiest and most distressing parts of the disorder is its ability to latch onto real-life situations—mistakes we’ve actually made, health concerns that are legitimate, or relationship conflicts that genuinely need attention.
What Is “Pure O” OCD? Understanding the Invisible Struggle
When people think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), they often picture physical compulsions—excessive handwashing, repeatedly checking locks, or arranging objects symmetrically.
Breaking Free from OCD: Understanding, Managing, and Reclaiming Your Life
Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel like being trapped on a never-ending rollercoaster of anxiety and doubt. One moment, you’re overwhelmed by a disturbing thought or worry; the next, you’re performing rituals or mental checks, hoping to ease the fear.
What If You Stopped Letting OCD Make the Rules?
OCD can feel like a relentless storm, but you have the power to choose how you respond. Will you follow OCD’s demands, or will you take action based on your values?
Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable: Embracing Uncertainty on Your Path to Living a Full Life
OCD and anxiety thrive on doubt and the relentless search for certainty. They convince you that if you just find the “right answer,” ask “one more time,” or eliminate every possible risk, the anxiety and discomfort will disappear.
Defusion: Recognizing Thoughts as Just Thoughts
OCD is a master trickster, and one of its favorite tricks is convincing you that your thoughts are dangerous, real, or reflective of who you are. But here’s the truth: thoughts are just thoughts.
Navigating Relationship OCD (R-OCD) Around Valentine’s Day
You’re not alone. If you or your partner experience R-OCD, understanding what it is, how it affects relationships, and how to manage it—especially around emotionally charged times like Valentine’s Day—can help you stay grounded and connected rather than consumed by doubt.
Are You Speaking Your Partner’s Love Language This Valentine’s Day?
Love isn’t just about how we feel—it’s about how we express and receive it. You might be showing love in a way that feels natural to you, but if it’s not how your partner receives love best, it might not fully resonate with them
The Vicious Cycle of OCD: Anxiety, Reassurance, and the Never-Ending Loop
When intrusive thoughts take hold, they trigger intense anxiety. To calm that anxiety, people with OCD turn to compulsions—repetitive behaviors or mental actions performed to reduce distress or prevent a feared event from happening.
The Faulty Alarm System: When Your Brain’s Alarm System Alarm Won’t Stop Ringing
The brain’s alarm system exists for a good reason: to keep us safe. This system is an ancient survival mechanism that helped our ancestors respond to life-threatening dangers, like predators or natural disasters.
Kind Is the New Bold: Resolutions You’ll Be Able to Keep
The start of a new year is an opportunity to create resolutions that support your well-being and personal growth. By focusing on small, realistic goals and treating yourself with kindness, you can make meaningful changes that last
SUBSCRIBE TO
Dr. Ballas’s Monthly Updates
Helpful tips related to OCD, perfectionism, and trauma.
Learn what it means to live a values-based life.