Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Awareness Week kicks off today — let’s talk about OCD spirals. Some people compare it to an “invasive weed” that can spread out of control. 🌿 “It starts out with one little thought, and then slowly that becomes the only thought that you’re able to have,” describes novelist johngreenwritesbooks (who lives with OCD). And the more frequent and intense the obsessions and compulsions, the more they can affect your daily functioning and quality of life. If you’re struggling with OCD spiraling, here are six strategies to help you end the unhealthy cycle of obsessions, anxiety, and compulsions: 1. Label your thoughts. One of the first steps in breaking the OCD cycle is learning to label and accept your thoughts. It’s normal to want to block out distressing thoughts, but research suggests that suppressing intrusive thoughts can actually make things worse. Remind yourself that these thoughts do not define you. 2. Recognize patterns and triggers. This awarene...