Technology, Social Media, and OCD: Is Your Screen Making it Worse?

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 428 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast! Today, we delve into the intricate relationship between OCD, anxiety, and technology. Join us as we explore how social media and screen time can influence anxiety and OCD symptoms, often without us even realizing it. We start with a thought-provoking quote by Christian Luce Lange: "Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master." This sets the stage for a deep dive into how our daily interactions with phones and laptops might be exacerbating compulsive behaviors. From doom scrolling on TikTok to the pitfalls of cyberchondria, we examine the subtle ways technology feeds into OCD cycles. We also discuss practical strategies for managing tech use, such as setting rules and understanding the role of dopamine in our digital habits. Insights from research papers and expert opinions provide a well-rounded perspective on this pressing issue. If you find today's episode helpful, please consider subscribing to the podcast. Your support means a lot! For any questions or to arrange a free coaching session, visit www.robertjamescoaching.com. Don't forget to stay tuned for more episodes aimed at helping you take back control and live the life you choose. References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9407245/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26429148/ https://www.theguardian.com/global/2021/aug/22/how-digital-media-turned-us-all-into-dopamine-addicts-and-what-we-can-do-to-break-the-cycle https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/how-social-media-can-trigger-ocd-and-ways-to-respond Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 427 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the hidden world of mental compulsions. Discover how to understand these thoughts better and learn to bring more compassion and acceptance to them. We explore strategies to let go of the urge to fix every unwanted thought and focus on reducing their impact on your life. By bringing awareness, observing your thoughts, and employing techniques from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you can start living a more fulfilling life despite OCD and anxiety. Don't miss out on practical tips and insights to help you navigate your journey with more ease and empowerment. Tune in now! Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 426 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we delve into the importance of mixing things up when dealing with OCD. Often, we find ourselves stuck in a rut, applying the same techniques and getting the same results. Robert discusses how changing our approach, even in small ways, can lead to significant progress. Using personal anecdotes and insights from acceptance commitment therapy, Robert explains how to break free from the trap of compulsions and perfectionism. Learn how to let go of unhelpful thinking, focus on the present, and embrace uncertainty to improve your mental well-being. Tune in to discover practical tips for shaking things up in your routine and taking steps towards a more fulfilling life. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.            

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 425 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching! In this episode, we delve into the concept of framing OCD as a hero's journey, inspired by the mythologist Joseph Campbell. Discover how adopting a growth mindset and viewing your struggles as challenges to overcome can transform your experience with OCD. We'll explore how compassion, especially self-compassion, plays a crucial role in managing anxiety and OCD. Learn about the stages of the hero's journey, from the call to action and facing fears, to experiencing setbacks and ultimately achieving transformation. If you're looking for a new perspective on OCD and want to find ways to take positive steps in your journey, this episode is for you. Don't forget to subscribe and follow the podcast for more insightful discussions and support Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.          

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this compelling episode of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, host Robert James engages in a heartfelt conversation with Naomi Riley, a motivational speaker and founder of Text Pledge. Naomi shares her incredible journey of overcoming a childhood illness and a traumatic brain injury caused by a distracted driver. Despite these challenges, she has become a beacon of hope and change in mental health and education reform. The discussion delves into Naomi's strategies for building resilience and self-compassion while managing anxiety. Listeners will gain insights into the importance of focusing on what can be controlled, practicing gratitude, and finding inner strength through spirituality and self-discovery. Naomi also introduces her impactful initiative, Text Pledge, which aims to address significant social issues and improve mental health among youth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and practical advice on overcoming life's toughest challenges and transforming adversity into positive action Links: https://naomilriley.com/#home https://textpledge.us Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.        

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 423 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, where we delve into the challenges of living with OCD and anxiety. In this episode, host Robert James draws inspiration from a stormy day and a classic children's story, "The Mousehole Cat," to explore the importance of finding hope amidst the turmoil of OCD. Robert discusses how the stormy seas of OCD can often feel overwhelming, much like the tempest faced by the fisherman in the story. He emphasizes the need to recognize when to brave the storm and when to seek shelter, advocating for self-compassion and patience during difficult times. Through the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Robert explains how focusing on values and maintaining hope can empower individuals to navigate their way back to calm waters. He encourages listeners to be kind to themselves, to wait out the storm, and to have faith that better days will come. Join us as we explore practical strategies for managing OCD and anxiety, and learn how to cultivate resilience and hope in the face of life's inevitable storms. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast for more insightful episodes, and visit robertjamescoaching.com for additional support and resources Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.      

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In  episode 422 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast, host Robert James introduces a straightforward yet highly effective breathwork technique designed to help manage high anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the body rather than getting trapped in overthinking. Robert begins with an insightful quote from Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh, setting the stage for the breathwork exercise. Listeners are guided through a step-by-step breathing technique aimed at activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to calm the mind and create space between thoughts. The episode concludes with encouragement to practice this technique regularly and a reminder to reach out for a free coaching session if further support is needed. Tune in to learn how to harness the power of your breath to combat anxiety and OCD Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.    

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 421 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the empowering concept of creating your own playbook to combat OCD, rather than adhering to its rules. Discover how embracing imperfection and uncertainty can be pivotal in managing OCD. Learn why it’s essential to face your fears directly, using strategies that allow you to take control of the situation. By challenging OCD on your terms, you can diminish its power and reclaim your life. Join us as we explore practical techniques to shift your mindset, develop a more tolerant attitude towards OCD, and implement effective approaches to regain your power. Tune in and start crafting your own rules to live the life you choose Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.  

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 420 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. In this episode, we delve into the delicate balancing act of living with OCD, exploring how to manage the tightrope between fear and trust. Learn how to accept your fears while maintaining a focus on your values and goals. Using the metaphor of tightrope walking, Robert shares insights on how to navigate life’s uncertainties, drawing inspiration from the famous tightrope walker Philippe Petit. Discover strategies to keep your attention on meaningful pursuits and not let anxiety dictate your path. Join us as we discuss practical steps to build resilience, find inspiration, and keep moving forward despite discomfort. This episode is packed with motivational advice to help you live a life driven by values rather than fear Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.        

Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 419 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast by Robert James Coaching. As summer draws to a close, many individuals struggling with OCD or anxiety may feel increased pressure to 'get better' quickly. In this episode, we delve into the significant impact of this pressure and how it can hinder progress. Using insightful analogies and a quote from Liverpool Football Club manager Jürgen Klopp, Robert discusses the importance of managing expectations and allowing oneself the necessary time and space to heal. Learn why rushing recovery can backfire and how embracing a bit of uncertainty can paradoxically lead to greater certainty and peace of mind. Disclaimer: Robert James Pizey (of Robert James Coaching) is not a medical professional and is also not providing therapy or medical treatment. Robert James Pizey recommends that anyone experiencing anxiety or OCD to seek professional medical help straight away to get a medical opinion and rule out other conditions or illnesses. The comments and opinions as written on this site are simply that and are not to be taken as professional medical opinions. Robert James Pizey provides coaching, education, accountability and peer support around Anxiety through his own personal experiences.