Why do I constantly need reassurance?

You’re not alone — many people may experience doubt in a relationship and may occasionally need reassurance. Your need for reassurance could stem from general self-esteem issues or a history of toxic relationships.

Is it bad to need constant reassurance?

Excessive reassurance seeking is the need to check in with someone over and over again to make sure everything is OK with respect to a particular worry or obsession. While responding may seem supportive, it only serves to perpetuate OCD behaviors and thoughts.

How do I tell my partner I need reassurance?

How to Get the Reassurance You Need in Three Easy Steps

1. Give him the words you want to hear.
2. Believe the words; ignore the delivery.
3. Ask for reassurance in his language.

What is relational OCD?

Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (R-OCD) is an OCD subtype that is characterized by ongoing intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior around uncertainty of a relationship.

What causes ROCD?

What Causes Limerence and ROCD? The intrusive thinking involved in limerence and OCD and has been associated with low levels of serotonin and elevated levels of dopamine and norepinephrine—all neurotransmitters, or chemicals that act as messengers between brain cells.

Is it normal to ask for too much reassurance?

We ask for excessive reassurance when we feel that there is a danger; but, in fact, anxiety is driving the need for reassurance. When you stop receiving reassurance, it is normal to feel anxious. However, this might be a good opportunity to start using other, more helpful coping skills.

Does the constant need for reassurance ever go away?

While the constant need for reassurance may have gone away, now and again anxiety rears its ugly head and I find I’m reverting to old behaviors. Yep, it still happens. (See next: Anxiety in Relationships) That’s because I’m a work in progress. Luckily, those moments of anxiety are never as intense or debilitating as they once were.

Do you need reassurance?

Being human means needing reassurance sometimes. Even the most secure people have moments of self-doubt, insecurity, and feeling overwhelmed. Whether you need a little or lots of validation, this is nothing to be ashamed of. Many of us didn’t receive reassurance growing up.

What is excessive reassurance seeking and how is it treated?

Excessive reassurance seeking is a compulsive act done in hopes of reducing the anxiety associated with an obsession. 1 The compulsion often goes up when levels of distress are high and/or when the person feels unable to tolerate uncertainty.