You can see your GP about getting an OCD assessment. Your treatment programme is likely to involve behavioural therapy (to change the way you behave and reduce your anxiety) and
medication (to control your symptoms).
Many people with OCD do not report their symptoms to their GP because they feel ashamed or embarrassed. They may also try to disguise their symptoms from family and friends. However, if you have OCD, you should not feel ashamed or embarrassed. Like diabetes or asthma, OCD is a chronic (long-term) health condition, and it is not your fault you have it.
An example of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is when a person who fears becoming contaminated with dirt and germs may wash their hands 50 times a day, or may have the urge to repeat an action multiple times to try to “neutralise” the thought.
Use your body to help with difficult emotions. Accept they are there then breathe into them, relax large muscles and focus your eyes outwards on your environment.
Hating something is exhausting! Stop the struggle. Give in to the fact it is there, then decide if you can do something about it. Sometimes you can’t!
There is a big difference between feeling an emotion, and acting on it. It is okay to feel hurt or angry; it is not okay to intentionally hurt others.
When something sad happens, allow yourself to feel the sadness without over-analysing. It will pass. Increasing your capacity to tolerate your feelings without repression is important.
People have feelings come up that are difficult to tolerate, and unconsciously send them away. This is known as repression. To avoid these uncomfortable feelings, our minds often employ defense mechanisms like pain or anxiety.
We asked celebrities what they would tell their younger self. The common themes: “everything will turn out okay” and “believe in yourself”.
Remember the phrase “What you think of me is none of my business”. Try to use this phrase all week whenever you feel judged.