seekingnormal05
08-05-2004, 08:52 PM
This may sound stupid but I'm having a hard time getting my brain around what compulsion versus obsession means.
Can anyone give me definitions maybe using examples of what compulsive behaviour is versus obsessive?
Thanks lots.
Can anyone give me definitions maybe using examples of what compulsive behaviour is versus obsessive?
Thanks lots.
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openseason
08-05-2004, 09:33 PM
An obsession is just a thought that is repeated over and over in a persons brain. A compulsion is a physical act or ritual that is the counterpart to the obsession. An example is alcoholism which is an obsession with alcohol coupled with "compulsively" drinking alcohol. Alcoholics plan their whole day and activities around alcohol because they are "obsessed" with it.
seekingnormal05
08-05-2004, 09:51 PM
Thank you so much.
Knowing that one is thought and the other is action really helps.
Knowing that one is thought and the other is action really helps.
kingam
08-06-2004, 12:22 AM
one of the more common obsessive compulsive behaviors is germs...
germs and contamination are the obsessions...
handwashing is the compulsion in order to cleanse oneself of the germs...
the compulsion provides temporary relief, but no doubt, it comes back which starts the cycle over...
a compulsion is an attempt to "quiet" the obsession...
germs and contamination are the obsessions...
handwashing is the compulsion in order to cleanse oneself of the germs...
the compulsion provides temporary relief, but no doubt, it comes back which starts the cycle over...
a compulsion is an attempt to "quiet" the obsession...
seekingnormal05
08-06-2004, 06:37 PM
one of the more common obsessive compulsive behaviors is germs...
germs and contamination are the obsessions...
handwashing is the compulsion in order to cleanse oneself of the germs...
the compulsion provides temporary relief, but no doubt, it comes back which starts the cycle over...
a compulsion is an attempt to "quiet" the obsession...
So is it possible to have one without the other?
For me, for instance, I shop. I'm like a lot of people here. I don't get into money problems because it's not like I'm buying expensive stuff. I love health and beauty stuff. Body washes, shampoos. I have more than I need yet every time I go to the store, I buy more because I find a different brand, scent....something I want to try. So I'm trying to figure this out. It appears to me this is a compulsion. But I can't for the life of me figure out what the obsession is that drives it.
Big picture it's not a big deal. I can afford it. It does not appear to be the first step of a problem as I've been doing this for years and years. But, as silly as this may sound, I'm getting older. And the idea of dying and having my family find all these styling gels, nail polish etc., would embarrass me...if
that's possible after death. And I just don't need the stuff. Yet, I can pretty much bet that if I do to the store this weekend, I'll find something else to bring home.
Anyone have a clue? I don't.
germs and contamination are the obsessions...
handwashing is the compulsion in order to cleanse oneself of the germs...
the compulsion provides temporary relief, but no doubt, it comes back which starts the cycle over...
a compulsion is an attempt to "quiet" the obsession...
So is it possible to have one without the other?
For me, for instance, I shop. I'm like a lot of people here. I don't get into money problems because it's not like I'm buying expensive stuff. I love health and beauty stuff. Body washes, shampoos. I have more than I need yet every time I go to the store, I buy more because I find a different brand, scent....something I want to try. So I'm trying to figure this out. It appears to me this is a compulsion. But I can't for the life of me figure out what the obsession is that drives it.
Big picture it's not a big deal. I can afford it. It does not appear to be the first step of a problem as I've been doing this for years and years. But, as silly as this may sound, I'm getting older. And the idea of dying and having my family find all these styling gels, nail polish etc., would embarrass me...if
that's possible after death. And I just don't need the stuff. Yet, I can pretty much bet that if I do to the store this weekend, I'll find something else to bring home.
Anyone have a clue? I don't.