Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can develop at any age. You may be experiencing frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts. This can result in you carrying out repetitive compulsion behaviours to relieve the feelings brought on by the thought. Compulsions can bring some relief, but it is usually temporary and they reoccur if your obsessive thought or fear is triggered.
Living with OCD can be have a big impact on your daily life. It can affect people differently but usually causes a particular patter of thoughts and behaviours.
- Obsession - where an unwanted, intrusive and often distressing thought, image or urge repeatedly enters your mind.
- Anxiety - the obsession provokes a feeling of intense anxiety or distress.
- Compulsion - repetitive behaviours or mental acts that you feel driven to perform as a result of the anxiety and distress caused by the obsession.
- Temporary relief - the compulsive behaviour temporarily relieves the anxiety, but the obsession and anxiety soon returns, causing the cycle to begin again.
It's possible to just have obsessive thoughts or just have compulsions, but most people with OCD will experience both.
Should I tell my friends and family about OCD?
Having OCD can make you feel ashamed and some people will try to hide it from friends and family. Talking to someone close to you about it can be daunting, but opening up about how you are feeling can be the first step to help you to feel like yourself again. If you don't want to talk to your family or friends, you could talk to someone external, like TALKWORKS.
How TALKWORKS can help with OCD?
At TALKWORKS, our therapists can teach you a range of tools and techniques to help you manage your OCD and move towards overcoming it.
Please don't feel that you have to struggle in silence. The sooner you take the next step and contact us, the sooner we can help you to feel like 'you' again.
How to access our service
If you are struggling, TALKWORKS is here to help. Here's how you can self-refer to our free, NHS service:
- Complete our online self-referral form
- Call 0300 555 3344
- Email dpt.talkworks@nhs.net
- Speak to your GP
You must be over the age of 18 and living in Devon (excluding Plymouth) to access TALKWORKS. If you are living in Plymouth and would like to access support, please contact Plymouth Options .