Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. People with OCD may have obsessions, compulsions or both. Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that are obstructive, unwanted and make people anxious.

You can visit nhs.uk for specialist information about OCD.

People with OCD experience recurrent and persistent thoughts, images or impulses that are intrusive or unwanted. They may lead them to perform repetitive and ritualistic actions that are excessive, time consuming and distressing. Repetitive compulsions often feel necessary to temporarily relieve the unpleasant feelings brought on by obsessive thinking. For example, someone with an obsessive fear of being burgled may feel they need to check all of the windows and doors are locked several times. OCD is often prevalent in pregnant people or those who have just had a baby.

People with OCD may feel very ashamed and alone about the thoughts they experience. It may help by sharing your own emotions and explain your feelings to your peer and explain that they are not alone with their thoughts (only if you feel comfortable to). This may help your peer to not feel as isolated. Listening and providing emotional support is very

Therapy for OCD is usually a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention. This involves working with your therapist to break down your problems into separate parts ,such as your thoughts , physical feelings and actions. If therapy is a option that you don't want to take, you could always open up to a trusted adult e.g. family member, teacher .

• Talk to someone you trust

• Spend time with others 

• Develop code words or signs with people close to you. 

• Go to a talking therapy

• Distract yourself from the thoughts e.g listening to music or reading a book 

• Do calming exercises to keep your mind of the thoughts

• Try to improve sleep pattern 

• Think about your diet 

• Spend time in nature 

• Watch a favourite show