In recent years, the scientific community has become increasingly aware of the impact of habits on our daily lives.

Habits are the automatic behaviours that we do without much conscious thought, such as brushing our teeth in the morning, or checking our phones as soon as we wake up. They can have a profound impact on our mental health, as they affect our sense of control and self-efficacy, as well as our overall well-being.

In this article, we will explore the rise of a new mental disorder: habits, and discuss what can be done to manage it.

What are habits?

Habits are behaviours that we perform automatically, without much conscious thought. They are formed through a process called habituation, which occurs when the brain learns to associate a particular stimulus with a specific behavioural response.

For example, when we smell coffee, our brain automatically triggers the behaviour of pouring ourselves a cup. This learned response becomes automatic over time, and we may no longer even be aware of the stimulus that triggers it.

Habits can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the behaviour they control. For example, brushing our teeth twice a day is a beneficial habit that promotes good oral hygiene and overall health.

On the other hand, smoking cigarettes is a harmful habit that can lead to a myriad of health problems. In general, habits are formed to make our lives easier, as they allow us to perform routine tasks without having to devote conscious thought to them.

The impact of habits on mental health

Habits can have a significant impact on our mental health, both positive and negative. Positive habits, such as exercise or meditation, can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.

Negative habits, such as smoking or overeating, can have the opposite effect, leading to poor health outcomes and decreased quality of life.

Perhaps the most significant impact of habits on mental health is their effect on our sense of self-control. When we feel like we are in control of our habits, we feel empowered and confident.

However, when we feel like our habits are controlling us, we may experience feelings of helplessness and anxiety. This loss of control can lead to a downward spiral of negative emotions, which can be difficult to break free from.

The rise of habits as a mental disorder

In recent years, the scientific community has begun to recognise habits as a distinct mental disorder.

This disorder is characterised by an inability to control or modify automatic behavioural responses, which can negatively impact a person’s life. Habits can become so ingrained that they override a person’s conscious desires and priorities, leading to feelings of frustration, helplessness, and anxiety.

Some common signs of a habit disorder include feeling like you are unable to break certain habits, feeling like you are not in control of your behaviour, and experiencing negative emotions when your habits are interrupted or interfered with.

Managing habit disorders

If you are experiencing a habit disorder, there are several strategies that you can use to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. One of the most effective strategies is to break your habits into manageable components.

Instead of trying to break the habit as a whole, focus on breaking it down into smaller, more achievable steps. For example, if you are trying to quit smoking, you might start by reducing the number of cigarettes you smoke each day, or by avoiding smoking in certain situations.

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or breathing exercises, can also be helpful in managing habit disorders.

These practices can help you become more aware of your automatic behavioural responses, and can teach you how to interrupt them with conscious and intentional decisions. Additionally, engaging in healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can help improve your mental health and overall well-being.

Conclusion

Habits are a natural part of our daily lives, but when they become problematic, they can negatively impact our mental health and overall well-being.

If you are struggling with a habit disorder, it is essential to seek help and support from a mental health professional. By taking a proactive approach to managing your symptoms, you can improve your quality of life and regain control over your automatic behavioural responses.