Doing things over and over such as checking doors, arranging things, or cleaning

Ritualistic behaviorshappen when you do something over and over again, often in the same way, like checking a door many times to make sure it’s locked.

Repetitive movementsare actions you do repeatedly, sometimes on purpose and sometimes without thinking about it. This can be simple, like blinking your eyes, or more complex, like touching something in a specific way.

Sometimes these actions become a kind of ritual or habit. It may seem strange to others, but for the person doing it, it can bring a feeling of relief or security. For some people, these behaviors only happen occasionally, but for others, they can appear very frequently and interfere with daily life.

What is typical?

Most people like routines because they feel safe and predictable. We have routines for the morning, school, homework, and bedtime. Sometimes, changing a routine can be stressful, but it can also be exciting.

Routines are things we needto do, like brushing our teeth. Rituals are things we do because they make us feelbetter. They might help us feel less stressed or anxious.

Some repetitive behaviors, routines, and rituals are normal. These are part of each person’s way of being and are not a problem when they do not interfere with your life. For example:

• Repeating jokes or lines that make people laugh.
• Having a specific way to warm up before physical activity or sports.
• Having little quirks, like always using the same favorite pen or organizing school supplies in the same way.

These are okay as long as they do not take over your life.

When should I be concerned?

If you do these behaviors too much and it’s hard to stop, or if they affect your life and the lives of others, it might be a problem. It’s worth paying attention when these behaviors start to happen all the time, take up a lot of your day, or cause you stress.

Concerning repetitive movements:

• Blinking a lot
• Clearing your throat often
• Body twitches, or moving your shoulders, mouth, or other parts of your body a lot
• Touching things repeatedly
• Shoulder shrugging
• Facial grimacing
• Sniffing a lot or smelling objects repeatedly
• Making sounds repeatedly

Concerning rituals:

• Washing or cleaning things, yourself, or others over and over
• Avoiding touching things or people because you do not want to get sick or dirty
• Checking locks, doors, or belongings repeatedly
• Asking for reassurance over and over to confirm that everything is okay
• Straightening, lining up, counting, or touching things repeatedly
• Checking or asking repeatedly if you caused something bad
• Asking others to be with you to make sure you do not harm yourself or others
• Going over conversations or actions in your mind to make sure you did not do anything wrong
• Repeating phrases or actions until things feel “right”
• Praying or repeating words repeatedly to prevent bad things or stop unwanted thoughts
• Spending more than an hour a day doing these things
• Avoiding things, places, or people because of these actions
• Feeling like you need to do these things to calm down, even if you don’t want to
• Trying to stop but not being able to, and feeling anguish, fear, or a racing heart as a result

If you are feeling this way, know that there are ways to deal with these behaviors without suffering.

What can I do if I (or a friend) struggle?

Repeating actions over and over can be difficult to deal with, especially when it starts to cause discomfort. Here are some things that might help:

1. Talk to someone you trust.This could be a parent, family member, teacher, or other adult who will listen without judgment. Talking about what’s happening can be reassuring.
2. Observe what’s happening.Pay attention to when the behaviors appear and how you feel before and after. This can provide clues about what is behind the repetitions.
3. Find other ways to calm down.Simple things like deep breathing, listening to music, drawing, writing, or taking a walk are ways to relieve tension and shift your focus.
4. Offer respectful support.If a friend is struggling, the most important thing is to listen carefully, without joking or criticizing. Being there and showing you care are valuable ways to support them.
5. Be patient.Change can take time, and that’s okay. Start small, celebrate each step of progress, and maintain support along the way.

Dealing with these behaviors can be difficult and sometimes embarrassing, but you can seek help. The goal isn’t to completely eliminate the behaviors, but to find healthier ways to deal with them without causing discomfort.

What kind of professional support can I seek out?

If you’re dealing with these behaviors, do not feel embarrassed or guilty. Help is available.

You can share your difficulty with a professional at your school, or a doctor, such as a pediatrician, general practitioner, or a professional at your nearest Basic Health Unit (UBS). This professional will listen to you, understand what’s going on, and, if necessary, refer you to a psychologistor psychiatrist, who specialize in mental health.

Asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s a way of taking care of yourself.

Public services are also available through the Unified Health System (SUS). You can find support at places like your local Basic Health Unit (UBS), Child and Adolescent Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS i), and public outpatient clinics.