Counselling
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition with obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.
People of all ages can suffer from OCD. Symptoms can start early, around puberty, but usually begin early adulthood.
An OCD disorder can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life, but treatment can help you overcome it.
Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
You will usually experience frequent compulsive thoughts and behaviours if you suffer from OCD.
- Obsession refers to an unwanted and unpleasant thought, image or urge that repeatedly enters your mind, causing feelings of anxiety, disgust, or unease.
- Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that you need to alleviate unpleasant feelings caused by obsessive thoughts temporarily.
An individual with an obsessive fear of being burgled may check that all windows and doors are locked several times before leaving the house.
Pregnant or new mothers can sometimes experience OCD. Obsessions may include worrying about harming the baby or failing to sterilise feeding bottles properly.
Compulsions may include repeatedly checking the baby’s breathing.
Getting help for the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Because of their feelings of shame or embarrassment, individuals with OCD often hesitate to seek help.
OCD is a health condition like any other, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about it. You are not “mad” for having OCD, and it is not your fault you suffer from it.
There are two main ways to get help:
- refer yourself directly to a psychological therapies service – find a psychological therapies service in your area
- If you think a friend or family member may have OCD, try talking to them about your concerns and suggest they get help.
It’s unlikely OCD will get better without proper treatment and support.