OCD is a type of anxiety that means people have unwanted thoughts and worries (obsessions) followed by an urge to do something (compulsions)

Common examples of OCD include:

• I have left the house unlocked (obsession) - I have to check the door again (compulsion)
• I'm dirty I might get a disease (obsession) - I need to clean my hands (compulsion)

Dealing with the unwanted thoughts and behaviours can be exhausting as people may have to go through them hundreds of times a day. It can impact upon peoples’ abilities to live everyday life – e.g. by interfering with work schedules, relationships, where a person can go and what a person can do.

To find out more about OCD please visit OCD UK or to Headmeds.

For support around OCD and to learn more about young peoples experience of OCD visit OCD Youth.