Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What does it feel like?
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Persistent thoughts that replay in your mind no matter how much you try to dismiss them?
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A compulsion to check things — such as locks, switches, or messages — repeatedly “just to be certain”?
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Fears that you might hurt someone or make an error, even though you would never intend to?
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A need for everything to feel “just right” — rearranging, cleaning, or counting until it feels acceptable?
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Feeling anxious or guilty if you skip a specific ritual or routine?
Additional support and information on OCD can be found here:
OCDUK 0300 636 5478
ocdaction.org.uk
Information and support for people affected by OCD and hoarding, including online forums and local support groups.
Triumph Over Phobia (TOP UK)
topuk.org
Self-help therapy groups and support for those with OCD, phobias and related anxiety disorders.
How can therapy help you?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the first line of treatment recommended for OCD by the NICE guidelines. This is because of its effectiveness and time-efficiency compared to other types of therapy.
CBT employs a technique known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) that helps you in gradually exposing yourself to your fears and learning how to reduce your anxiety, without using your usual compulsions, whether physical or mental.
In therapy, you will learn to:
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Comprehend why OCD makes you feel the way it does and recognize that your thoughts are not harmful or a true reflection of who you are.
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Confront your fears in a safe and gradual manner, without resorting to the usual rituals.
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Suppress the desire to engage in compulsions and see that the anxiety subsides naturally.
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Question unhelpful beliefs and rebuild trust in yourself.
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Through CBT, you can discover that it’s not necessary to heed every thought or comply with every impulse. Gradually, the thoughts lose their significance, the anxiety diminishes, and you begin to feel calmer, freer, and more in control of your life.