Why do I feel anxious every time I make a decision, even if it's the simplest in the world? What to eat, what to wear, sometimes even what to do. I let other people make decisions for me as to avoid any conflict.

Does this sound familiar? Those with OCD or anxiety often find themselves struggling to make decisions. Everyone has their reason why but I find it to be a very common feature.

Let's go through why you have a difficult time making a decision and what working to do about it. The truth is, many of us struggle with making decisions, but for those with anxiety and OCD, the stakes are often higher. The fear of making a "wrong" choice can be paralyzing.

Sometimes it is as simple as that. I do not want to risk making the wrong choice. I do not want to hurt somebody else by this choice. I cannot go back if I make the wrong choice. I just simply no I will feel anxious if all of this responsibility is on me. Those are some of the biggest reasons why somebody does not want to make a decision.

Responsibility with OCD

Responsibility. Man, throw it on somebody else. It takes all the stress away and if a catastrophe happens it is not your fault. When it comes to people pleasing it is to avoid any threat or worry that someone's not going to agree with the decision you made.

I have found some that have difficult times making decisions on big choices and some on the little small things. Do I wear the blue shirt or the redshirt? What if I eat the wrong thing today and I'm hungry?

The thing to all of this is that there is anxiety. It is not fun. In the ultimate compulsion is to completely avoid making this decision altogether. Staying silent when there's a time to choose.

So here's what we do about it. Make a decision..... There you go video over, but you never thought about that. Peace out!

Just kidding just kidding.... First let's identify all of the triggers that make it difficult for you to make a decision. His only when it involves somebody else? Is it the way other people are going to think about you?
You might spend time writing down all the specific triggers so you can understand yourself better. And this is where we start facing the fear. We typically start using what's called exposure and response prevention. We gradually expose ourselves to making a decision and we do it often.

Treatment for decision-making anxiety

I have individuals learn to make decisions within five seconds. They deal with whatever they think the consequences going to be. Maybe the put
the wrong shirt on today. Maybe someone is going to be mad at them. Maybe the royally screwed up. But this is the mindset that were keeping. Either I may or may not have made the wrong decision or I might say something like I sure hope I made the wrong decision today. It completely tells the brain that you're willing to accept whatever threat it throws your way.

People start learning to face these triggers often, feel the anxiety and choose not to correct it. Because not doing the compulsions is important as well. Obviously avoidance is not going to help you out. Asking for reassurance of other people's opinion is not a great option. You're going to learn to be more confident and make these decisions quickly. Maybe someone will disagree. But just like any skill, we learn over time how to get better.

Some people think that this is just going to turn you into a big old jerk because now you're making decisions without considering other people. But instead what you're really doing is practicing making a decision that could be right it could be wrong. You're actually building confidence. this doesn't mean you don't ever get to think about other people's needs. This just means that right now you are important.

If you don't know where to start have a friend or family member help you. All the decisions that need to be made are going to be from you. What the family is having for dinner, to even bigger decisions that matter quite a bit. Risk whatever the brains is going to happen and only problem-solving there's a problem.

Start changing your relationship with anxiety and OCD. It's only dangerous if we say it's dangerous.

Decision making can be incredibly tough for those dealing with anxiety and OCD, but Exposure and Response Prevention can be a game-changer. Remember, it's a gradual process, and it may take time to see significant improvements.

I want to help you with your decision-making, I go through this treatment step-by-step in my master year OCD course which will link down in the description.

To enhance your skills even more go watch this video right here. What decision you make?