Understanding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where people experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and feel compelled to carry out repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) to relieve the anxiety these thoughts create. While most people experience the occasional intrusive thought, for someone with OCD these thoughts feel highly distressing, persistent and difficult to ignore.

The compulsive behaviours that follow may provide temporary relief, but the anxiety quickly returns, creating a cycle that can become overwhelming and time consuming. Left untreated, OCD can interfere with work, school, relationships and everyday life, often leaving people feeling distressed, isolated, or exhausted.

Symptoms of OCD

OCD typically involves both obsessions and compulsions:

Obsessions
Obsessions are intrusive, repetitive thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety, unease, or disgust. Common examples include:

  • Fear of germs, contamination, or illness
  • Fear of harm coming to yourself or others
  • Unwanted aggressive, violent, or sexual thoughts
  • A need for things to feel “just right,” ordered, or symmetrical
  • Blasphemous or religiously distressing thoughts

Compulsions
Compulsions are the actions or mental rituals carried out to try to reduce the distress caused by obsessions. These can be physical or mental and are often repeated many times. Examples include:

  • Excessive handwashing, cleaning, or checking
  • Repeatedly checking doors, locks, or appliances
  • Arranging or counting items until it feels right
  • Mental rituals, such as repeating words, phrases, or prayers
  • Seeking reassurance from others
  • Avoiding situations or objects that may trigger obsessions

These symptoms can consume hours each day and cause significant disruption to daily routines, responsibilities and relationships.

The OCD cycle

The experience of OCD often follows a repeating cycle: intrusive thoughts trigger anxiety → compulsions are carried out to relieve anxiety → temporary relief occurs → the thoughts return sometimes more strongly. Over time, this cycle reinforces itself making it harder to break without support.

When to seek help

Not everyone with OCD experiences it in the same way, for some, it may be mild and manageable, while for others it becomes severe and disruptive. Seeking professional help is recommended if:

  • You experience distressing thoughts or compulsions many times a day
  • You spend a significant amount of time on rituals before leaving home or going to bed
  • Your daily life, work, or relationships are affected
  • You avoid activities, social events, or responsibilities due to OCD
  • Your anxiety increases during periods of stress and worsens your symptoms

How I might be able to help

I will help you develop an understanding of how OCD forms and what keeps its cycle going. Together, we will identify your triggers and the early warning signs that your symptoms are increasing. I’ll guide you in learning healthier coping strategies to manage obsessions and resist compulsions and support you in challenging unhelpful thinking patterns while also building resilience.