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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

Don't worry. You're not alone.

What is OCDWhat is obsessive compulsive disorder?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can develop at any age. You may be experiencing frequent intrusive and unwelcome obsessional thoughts, resulting in you carrying out repetitive compulsive behaviours to relieve the feelings brought on by the obsessive 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 distressing and significantly interfere with 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?

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?

At TALKWORKS our staff are trained professionals who can teach you a range of tools and techniques to help you manage your OCD and move towards overcoming it.

You can self-refer to TALKWORKS without needing a referral from your GP. Simply fill in our online self-referral form below, or call the team on 0300 555 3344 (our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am - 4:45pm). Alternatively, you can reach out to your GP, who may be able to make a referral on your behalf.

complete our online self-referral form

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.


Your experience with us

Your feedback matters

“I could not fault the service I received. I was listened to and given so many different resources to help my anxiety and depression. I was so very low a year ago but with the amazing support from my therapist I feel more and more myself every day. Thank you TALKWORKS.”

“The therapy gently supported me to both understand and come to terms with my diagnosis and how it has impacted on me as a person for so many years. I felt I could be open and honest in a very safe space. I not only feel better, I understand myself better too.”

“I was apprehensive about using the service thinking I wasn't "bad" enough but a talk to the cardiac group by a TALKWORKS practitioner gave me confidence to self-refer. I was referred with respect and taken seriously throughout, felt safe and was given tools and advice to help myself take control of my situation.”