#100 TRENDING IN Mental Health 🔥

Obsessed Much? How to Find Balance in a Fixated World

Mental Health

July 25, 2024

Have you ever had a crush on someone and could not get them off your mind? Do you obsess over small details and stress out about them for the rest of the day?

You're not alone if the answer is "yes" to any of these questions. Welcome to the world of teen obsessions and fixations.

Most teens face having hyper-fixations and obsessions. These can be anything from K-pop bands to the way your books are lined up, and while sometimes they can fuel creativity and passion, sometimes they become overbearing and can feel like they're hogging all the space in your brain.

So, why do we latch onto things so intensely? Psychologists say it could be because our brains are wired for deep dives. Think of it as a superpower – we can absorb information and get crazy good at stuff we love. But, sometimes, that superpower goes rogue.

But what's the difference between obsessions and hyper-fixations, and how can you manage it?

Hyper-fixations mean that you have an extra interest in something. You can latch on to anything depending on your current preferences. When people fixate, they direct all their energy and attention toward their interests.

Typically, they are enjoyable and do not cause harm or distress. They can help to regulate stress and bring relaxation.

Obsessions are repetitive actions, unwanted thoughts, images, urges, sensations, or feelings. They can come from a place of fear and anxiety. Sometimes, a person with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) can obsess over small things, such as constantly worrying about cleanliness and symmetry, which can lead to distress and anxiety.

Most people focus on people, places, food, shows, and hobbies. When teens hyper-fixate on a person, it's often because they feel strong emotions toward the individual. This focus can be either positive or negative, but it's essential to manage it to ensure a healthy relationship is formed and maintained.

It's important to note that if you are severely struggling with obsessions, then you should consider getting professional help, but if you're like me and would like some peace of mind from a certain someone or something, then here are some ways to help you cope that worked great for me.

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Meditate

One way that I found helped me with my fixations and develop the skill to manage them healthily is by meditating. It helps you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, including those fixations buzzing around in your brain all day. This can be the first step to gaining control.

It also helps to strengthen your ability to focus your attention on something else. This lets you choose where you direct your mental energy, allowing you to shift your mind away from fixations and onto something else more important.

Image Credit: Jess Bailey on Unsplash

Take the Quiz: Are You Obsessed or Fixated?

Answer these question to know if you are fixated or obsessed. Self-awareness is the first step to stopping.

Keep Yourself Busy

When you are in the middle of another activity, it gives your brain no room to think about other things. This gives the mind a break from those repetitive thoughts, and hopefully, you can discover a new healthy hobby along the way. By keeping yourself busy with a variety of new different things, you are training your brain to be more flexible.

I tried to keep busy by journaling, gardening, or hanging out with my friends. Find what works for you and stick with it.

Remember, fixations and obsessions are a normal part of being a human. The key is finding a healthy balance and ways to manage it so it doesn't control your life. You can find Zen in this fixated world by reading through this article and following the tips.

Daisy Calderon

Writer since Jun, 2024 · 2 published articles

Daisy Calderon is an aspiring reporter, writer, and editor. She is enrolled in the journalism program at Mohawk College and has a natural talent for crafting compelling stories. Daisy strives to inform, inspire, and captivate her audience, whether it's through writing or on camera.

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