Stress and Anxiety

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness characterised by recurrent unpleasant thoughts or feelings (obsessions) or a strong need to repeat a behaviour (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can coexist in some persons. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterised by a pattern of unwanted thoughts and anxieties (obsessions) that cause you to engage in repetitive actions (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions create severe distress and interfere with daily tasks. You can try to ignore or stop your obsessions, but this will only make you feel worse. Finally, you feel compelled to engage in obsessive behaviours in order to relieve your tension. Despite attempts to ignore or eliminate troublesome thoughts or urges, they persist. This perpetuates the OCD's vicious circle of ritualistic activity.

OCD frequently revolves around certain topics. An extreme dread of being contaminated by microorganisms, for example. You can wash your hands till they're sore and chapped to alleviate your contamination anxieties. If you have OCD, you may feel ashamed and embarrassed about it, but there is help available.

Have you checked to see if you've secured the door or turned off the stove?

When things aren't in order or facing the right way, it causes a lot of stress.

Temptations to scream obscenities or act badly in public.

Embarrassing sexual photographs.

Avoiding circumstances that may cause obsessions, such as shaking hands.