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Understanding OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by a cycle of intrusive thoughts and fears referred to as obsessions. These obsessions drive you to engage in repetitive actions, which are known as compulsions. Both the obsessions and compulsions can interfere with your everyday life and lead to significant distress. OCD symptoms differ from everyday worries because they are time consuming, with a feeling they are beyond our control. Although there are many categories of OCD, some common ones include: Checking, Contamination, Ruminations / Intrusive Thoughts, and Hoarding.
Are you experiencing any of these typical symptoms:
​Everyone experiences symptoms differently. These are common but not exhaustive.
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Mental intrusion: an image, thought or an impulse. It is experienced as intrusive and unwanted.
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Urge to neutralise the anxiety by using compulsive behaviours (e.g. with contamination OCD, washing hands to avoid catching germs), which give temporary relief, until the cycle begins again.
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Anxiety or distress resulting from that.
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Low mood arising from the lack of control and the feeling of being ‘trapped’ by your thoughts and behaviours, and the interference with everyday functioning.
You are not alone.
1 in 40
adults have OCD or will develop it at some point in their lives, with differing levels of severity, according to the International OCD Foundation. Traditional media and social media frequently reference OCD, often inaccurately. As a consequence, while a greater number of people discuss having OCD-related quirks, many do not genuinely possess the disorder.
Self-help For OCD
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Challenge the unhelpful thoughts. First by recognising them as such. Then checking them for the truth.
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Focus on reducing compulsions. For example gradually reducing the amount of time spent on a compulsive behaviour.
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Use the 10-minute rule. When the urge to carry out a compulsion arises, allow yourself 10 minutes before carrying it out. After this period of time has elapsed, the urge may not be as strong.
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Speak to someone you trust. And ask for support in resisting compulsions for example by distracting you and staying with you until the urge passes.
