OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder has two main parts: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwelcome thoughts, images, urges, worries or doubts that repeatedly appear in your mind. They can make you feel very anxious. Compulsions are repetitive activities that you perform to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions. Examples of compulsions are checking many times that a door is locked, repeating a specific phrase to yourself, or washing your hands a specific number of times. 

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You might find that sometimes your obsessions and compulsions are manageable, but at other times they may make your day-to-day life difficult. They may also be more severe when you are stressed about other things such as life changes, health, money, work or relationships.

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The compulsions caused by OCD can take up a lot of time and the obsessions can be mentally exhausting. As a result you may avoid certain situations that trigger your OCD, limiting your ability to work, see friends and family, eat out or even go outside. You may feel the burden of hiding your OCD from people and may feel ashamed of it or despondent because you feel it can't be treated. This can be very isolating and can cause feelings of loneliness. Typically your obsessions and compulsions will lead to anxiety and stress and feelings of being out of control of your life.

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OCD is a treatable condition and in particular the counselling that I offer helps sufferers manage their condition and work towards eradicating it.