Help to alleviate Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
What is OCD?
OCD is a mental health condition where a person experiences frequent obsessive thoughts often followed by repetitive and compulsive behaviour. As many as 12 in every 1000 people suffer with OCD and it affects people of all ages, genders and social backgrounds. OCD presents itself in many forms and is often disturbing. People with OCD often realise that their obsessive thoughts are irrational, but they believe the only way to relieve the anxiety they cause is to perform compulsive behaviours. It can significantly interfere with the person’s ability to function on a day-to-day basis as the compulsive behaviours are very difficult to ignore.
OCD sufferers are often reluctant to seek help, as they feel a sense of shame or embarrassment because they suffer with OCD. OCD is a long term health condition and like any other condition, there are effective treatments that can help people to reduce and manage their symptoms so they won’t interfere with their daily life.
Why do people develop OCD?
Whilst there is no definitive medical explanation for what causes OCD, it is believed to develop when a person feels out of control, unhappy or unable to deal with a situation, they unconsciously look for ways to counteract this state of mind, for example by avoiding the actual problem and finding comfort in small ways that they can control, often by repeating the same action over and over and in a very particular way.
Common Symptoms Associated With OCD
- Obsessions including fear of being harmed or harming others, fear of disease or infection, a desire for order and control
- Intense anxiety and distress
- Feeling driven to perform repetitive tasks or behaviours to achieve order and control
Common Behaviours Associated With OCD
- Cleaning and hand washing
- Checking and re-checking, e.g. doors are locked, taps are off
- Over-thinking, trying to counteract obsessive thoughts with more thoughts that can themselves become obsessive
- Counting
- Ordering and arranging
Helping you to overcome OCD
OCD can be overcome by helping you to understand the root cause of your concerns and discomfort, often using others to help take control of difficult situations rather than avoiding them.
I provide help and support for clients suffering from OCD for the local Brighton, Hove and Sussex community. I draw on a unique blend of life-changing skills such as CBT,EFT, NLP, Transformational Life Coaching, Strategic Intervention Coaching, to facilitate change for you as an individual and transform your life.
Important Note: Whilst Therapies and Coaching can help to resolve a variety of problems, if you are concerned or in doubt please seek appropriate medical advice from your doctor.