Friday the 13th
When a superstition becomes a compulsion – and what you can do about it
When a superstition develops into a compulsion, it can be a grate burden and severely limit the quality of life for those people
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Most people associate Friday the 13th with bad luck. A classic superstition, just like the four-leaf clover as a lucky charm. But when restrictions come into play, it can be a problem
Well, have you ever picked a lucky penny? Or were you teasing the sight of a black cat to your left? Both are related to superstition.
Four-leaf clovers, chimney sweep figures and unlucky pigs accompany many people as little daily helpers. Belief in bad luck, such as from a broken mirror or if the 13th day of a month falls on a Friday, is also widespread.
To this day, 13 is considered an unlucky number in many cultures. Some people are afraid of them. Our editor was born on friday the 13th. She explains the myth surrounding the number 13. And why it was probably meant in the Middle Ages
Just as some people rely on good luck, others resort to rituals to ward off bad luck – from throwing salt to knocking on wood. This can seem funny, strange or obsessive.
But when is it superstition and when does a possible obsessive-compulsive disorder begin? It’s unachievable to say without a doubt, but you can look out for signs. Experts provide insights.
“Ritual actions are part of everyday life and certainly desirable,” explained the experts at Oberberg Kliniken. “Routines give the brain a break because they are almost automatic.”
such rituals are also often present in sport: “Before a competition, athletes perform almost choreographed series of actions until the moment when it is important to be fully there.” You can also include good prizes such as socks or songs that would get you in the mood for the competition.
When rituals take up too much space
Whether a behaviour is considered compulsive depends greatly on the amount of time and energy it takes and the stress it causes. With obsessive-compulsive disorder, the compulsions dictate daily life to such an extent that a normal life is hardly possible.Repeated checks – for example of door locks or electrical appliances – can cost so much time that these people hardly leave the house.
Whether we are lucky or unlucky in life is often arbitrary. But with a few tricks we can specifically bring a positive coincidence and create our own luck, says serendipity researcher Christian Busch. In the interview he explains what strategies lead to success and what we can learn from CEOs
There may be a certain proximity between superstition and obsessive-compulsive disorder, the experts continued: If a person has a compulsion to repeat or count, this is often related to ”magical thinking”.
“In this form of OCD, sufferers need to repeat an activity a certain number of times or keep a certain count so that they can feel good and not have to worry that something bad will happen to them or a loved one for them. .” Such as: If I don’t lock the door exactly seven times, a burglar will come. This is extremely stressful and affects the quality of life of those affected.
Ways out of compulsion
Anyone who notices that compulsions are taking a toll on daily life should not be afraid to seek professional help. Treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder is usually based on cognitive behavioral therapy.
Patients are confronted with the triggers of their compulsive actions in a controlled way – without doing the compulsion. The intensity of the exercise is increased step by step. In this way, patients should experience that their fear does not come true and that the discomfort is gradually reduced if the compulsive action is not performed.
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What are some common superstitions that can negatively affect mental health?
Time.news Interview: Demystifying Superstitions and Their Impact on Mental Health
editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the intersection of culture and psychology. Today,we have a very special guest,Dr. Elisa Hartmann, a psychologist specializing in anxiety disorders and compulsive behaviors. dr. Hartmann, thank you for joining us!
dr. Hartmann: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: As we approach Friday the 13th, a day steeped in superstition, it’s essential to understand how these beliefs can impact our daily lives. many people view Friday the 13th as a trigger for bad luck. Can you explain the psychological underpinnings of such superstitions?
Dr. Hartmann: Absolutely! Superstitions often serve as coping mechanisms, helping individuals make sense of uncertainty. For instance, the ritual of avoiding certain activities on Friday the 13th can provide a sense of control in what feels like an uncontrollable situation. However, when such beliefs turn into compulsive behaviors—where someone feels they must follow rituals or take precautions—it can become burdensome.
Editor: Captivating! You highlighted a critical point about the balance between healthy routines and compulsive behaviors.So, at what point does superstition transition into an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
Dr. Hartmann: Great question. Superstitions can be harmless—like keeping a lucky penny—until they interfere with daily life. If an individual feels an overwhelming compulsion to perform certain rituals to prevent harm or bad luck,or if they experience significant distress when unable to perform these rituals,it could indicate the onset of OCD. At that point, these behaviors become more of a burden than a source of comfort.
Editor: With that in mind, what are some signs that someone might be crossing that line from healthy superstition to unhealthy compulsion?
Dr. Hartmann: Key signs include excessive preoccupation with superstitions, avoidance of everyday activities due to fear of bad luck, or rituals that consume a significant amount of time and energy. It’s crucial to note that individuals might not always recognize these signs in themselves.Consulting a mental health professional can provide clarity and support.
Editor: That’s very insightful. The article also mentions various remedies people resort to when faced with superstitions,like throwing salt or knocking on wood. Are these rituals inherently problematic?
Dr. Hartmann: Not at all! Engaging in rituals can be normal and even beneficial for many people, providing a sense of structure in uncertain times. The key lies in moderation. As long as these practices don’t lead to debilitating anxiety or compulsions, they can serve as harmless coping strategies.
Editor: What advice would you offer someone who feels that their superstitions are becoming overwhelming?
Dr. Hartmann: It’s crucial to reflect on one’s habits. Keeping a journal to note when superstitions lead to anxiety can be illuminating. Seeking professional help is also important if these feelings intensify. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, in particular, can help individuals reframe their thoughts and gradually face their fears in a supportive habitat.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Hartmann,for shedding light on how friday the 13th and other superstitions can affect mental health. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts?
Dr. Hartmann: Just a reminder that while it’s natural to engage with superstitions—especially on days like Friday the 13th—it’s essential to stay mindful of their impact on your life. Balance is key, and taking care of your mental health should always come first.
Editor: Wise words! Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Hartmann. This discussion has certainly provided valuable insights for our readers. Until next time,let’s keep exploring the fascinating world of psychology together!