Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD: Signs, Symptoms & Support in York, Manchester & online

What is OCD?

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition which often features a frequent pattern of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours which are time-consuming and interfere with daily tasks. OCD can affect people of all ages.

Obsessions tend to be unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, urges or worries which repeat in your mind. You might experience more than one type, and these are often linked together.

Compulsions are repetitive activities you feel you must do. Compulsive behaviour happens as a response trying to reduce or prevent the distress caused by obsessive thoughts. They might temporarily relieve this anxiety, but often the obsession will return, causing the cycle to repeat. You might feel that it doesn’t make sense to do these compulsive activities but find the idea of stopping the compulsive action frightening and extremely difficult.

 

Symptoms of OCD

The pattern of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours will be different for every individual with OCD, but there are some common themes.

 

Obsessions often revolve around a fear of something, for example:

Losing control

Harming someone or yourself

Damnation

Contamination

A lack of orderliness

A lack of certainty.

 

As such, obsessive thoughts can cause feelings of:

Anxiety

Discomfort

Fear

Distress

Shame

Disgust

Overwhelm

 

Compulsions might drive you to perform repetitive acts such as:

Checking

Counting

Ordering

Cleaning

Thinking repetitive thoughts

Thinking of repetitive images

Hand washing

Ritualistic practices.

Compulsions may also cause you to:

Experience unpleasant visual images

Feel the need to follow a strict routine

Avoid places or situations which may triggering obsessive thoughts

 

How to deal with OCD

Many people experience minor obsessions or compulsive behaviours which are relatively short-lived and don’t significantly interfere with daily living. But sometimes these thoughts and repetitive actions can be exhausting and difficult to live with.

Try talking to someone you trust about your OCD. Even if you are not ready to be fully open about it,  spending time with family or friends may help you feel more comfortable around them, which over time may lead you to share your experiences with them.

Make sure you are manging your physical health by getting enough sleep and following a healthy diet. Try doing a physical activity – anything that involves moving your body counts! Activities like walking, swimming and yoga can be great mood boosters.

 

How we can help with OCD

If you are finding your obsessions are distressing, or your compulsions are time-consuming and disrupting your day-to-day activities, relationships or mental health, then it may be time to seek professional help you might benefit from some professional support.

Our team of expert therapists can offer you a range of specialist psychological therapies to suit your needs. Our starting point for therapy is to offer an individual consultation to think with you about your worries or concerns and identify the approach to therapy that is most likely to help.

 

As an independent therapy service, we are delighted to be able to provide a highly personalised approach, informed by clinical research and best practice, professional expertise, and your own preferences.

We understand that seeking therapy can be daunting and that taking the first step can be challenging. We have a team of trained experts who can work with you to design a bespoke and flexible treatment that works best for you, which is available at our clinics in York, Manchester and online.

Please get in touch using the form below to find out more about how we can help.