OCD

We can all have thoughts and habits that we repeat occasionally. But people with OCD have frequent thoughts and habits that interfere with their life.

Obsession

This is an unwanted and unpleasant thought, picture or urge. This will continuously come into your head and make you feel uneasy, anxious and disgusted.

Compulsion

This is a repetitive behaviour that you have to do to relieve the bad feelings created by the obsessive thought.

Types Of OCD

OCD can show up in many different ways but usually falls into one of these 4 categories, although they can also overlap.

Checking

These are things like checking doors are locked, lights are off or you’ve switched off the iron.

Contamination

Is when you fear that everything is dirty or you have a compulsion to clean. You can also suffer from emotional/mental contamination.

Symmetry & Ordering

This is when you have the need to line things up in a certain way. Everything has to be “just right” and if it isn’t you may think that something will happen.

Rumination & Intrusive Thoughts

This is where people have unwanted trains of thought usually around distressing themes or topics that can be hard to stop.

I suffer from contamination OCD so will be going into more detail about this in another blog.

Seeking Help

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

It can be hard to ask for help when you are suffering from OCD because it can make you feel ashamed and embarrassed.

OCD is a mental health condition so there is nothing to feel ashamed or embarrassed about.

If you think you or a friend or family member are suffering from OCD it is important to speak to your GP as OCD does not go away by itself.

For more help and support  you can visit Mind.