Help with OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder which has two main elements – obsessions and compulsions.

Young people that have OCD experience repeated unwelcome thoughts, images or feelings that are distressing. These can be known as ‘obsessions’ or ‘obsessive thoughts’ and can be around themes such as violence, sexuality, disease, illness or harm.  When the obsessions happens, young people often try to take actions that will bring relief and make the obsessive thoughts go away. Sometimes these actions can be helpful but when they become very repetitive they turn into compulsions which means you start to think you have to do them or something bad will happen to you or the people around you. Some repetitive behaviours include excessive checking, cleaning, washing or repeating certain words in your head.

The compulsive habits or rituals that come with OCD can end up making us feel worse as once the ritual is finished, anxious thoughts can arise and become extreme. Some people can get trapped in a cycle of doing the same action repeatedly and are unable to stop.

If you think you might have OCD then you could try to speak to someone you trust such as a parent/carer, teacher or school nurse. They might advise you to make an appointment with your GP who can then help you get the right support. Bolton CAMHS provide assessment, support and treatment for OCD and a range of professionals can refer to them such as your GP, School Nurse or Teacher.

There are helplines available such as OCD Action which is available 9:30am – 8pm Monday to Friday on 0300 636 5478 or by emailing the youth e-helpline on youthhelpline@ocdaction.org.uk No Panic also supports people struggling with OCD and can also provide support and information to your parents and carers too. The Youth Helpline is available 10am – 10am every day on 0330 606 1174 or you can email sarah@nopanic.org.uk