Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Many of us have heard of the term ‘Obsessive Compulsive Disorder’, and perhaps you yourself have laughed with friends about certain rituals that you do in your day-to-day life that are particular to you but that others may perceive as odd or strange.
Although many of us do feel the need to carry out certain rituals or have the occasional obsessive thought, sometimes these thoughts and behaviours can begin to have a significantly negative impact on our lives, to the point where these thoughts and behaviours are hard to control and make day-to-day living difficult. If you feel that you or someone you care for is experiencing this, it may be useful to know what help and support is available to you, and how to regain control and reduce the negative impact that such thoughts and behaviours have on your life.
This article gives an overview of what Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is, and how you can access help in Brighton & Hove, as well as offering self-help materials that have been widely used to help with OCD.
What is OCD?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition affecting up to 60,000 people across Sussex, that involves having obsessive, unwanted and often distressing thoughts which leads to acting out certain behaviours in order to cope. Obsessive thoughts often lead us to experiencing anxiety, a strong human emotion relating to things in our environment. In an attempt to relieve these anxieties, people suffering with OCD feel the need to perform certain behaviours; although these behaviours offer some relief from the initial anxiety, the relief felt is only temporary, and the obsessive thoughts initially experienced surface again, creating a cycle that people feel trapped in and have little control of. Further adding to the distress felt, the compulsive behaviour used to try and cope with these obsessive thoughts becomes in -itself distressing, and any relief from the anxiety that this behaviour creates is often short-lived.
The OCD Cycle
Like many mental health conditions, the symptoms of OCD vary in severity, ranging from mild to severe. Some people with OCD may spend an hour or so a day engaged in obsessive-compulsive thinking and behaviour, but for others the condition can completely take over their life.[1]
Although we all can develop minor obsessions (worrying about certain things) and compulsions (having certain rituals), these thoughts and behaviors are considered a disorder when they impact negatively on your day-to-day life, preventing you from carrying out day-to-day chores and maintaining relationships.[2]
“I have to keep checking things three times and have to have certain items on me to help me feel safe.”
Causes of OCD
Although there are many theories about the causes of OCD, no single theory has been able to fully explain every person’s experience. It is likely, however, that most cases of OCD can be explained by either ‘dysfunctional beliefs’, ‘personal experience’ or because of biological factors. For more information about the possible causes of OCD please click here.
How to get help
If you think you or someone you care for may be suffering with OCD, it is important that you get the help that you need.
A good place to start is to talk with your GP about your experiences and concerns. Your GP will open the door to gain access to services and inform you about self-help methods that are effective in managing the symptoms of OCD.
If you’re worried about speaking to your GP, are unsure what to say, and need support, you can contact our Advice and Information team by calling 01273 666950 or emailing info@mindcharity.co.uk. Our Advice Workers are here to listen to you and can help you make an informed decision and point you in the right-direction towards getting the help you need.
OCD UK Online Support
OCD UK runs online groups and forums offering a space to talk to others. For more information please click here.
Support Groups in Brighton & Hove
In Brighton & Hove, there is an OCD and BDD Support Group run by OCD Action – click here for more details.
Useful Organisations
There are number of useful national organisations that offer support for people with OCD and their carers, which you may want to look at:
OCD Action
They provide support and information to anybody affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), working to raise awareness of the disorder amongst the public and frontline healthcare workers, and striving to secure a better deal for people with OCD.
Phone: 0845 390 6232
Website: www.ocdaction.org.uk
OCD UK
OCD-UK is the charity dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of almost one million people in the UK whose lives are affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
03332 127 890
Website: www.ocduk.org
