​​​Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterised by:

• Obsessions: intrusive, unwanted, recurrent and persistent thoughts or urges; and
• Compulsions: excessive, repetitive behaviours or mental acts that the person feels compelled to perform, in order to prevent or reduce anxiety, and/or prevent disaster(s) from happening.

Individuals with OCD may experience obsessions, compulsions or both. Many of these individuals identify themselves as perfectionists, who are uncomfortable with uncertainty, have an inflated sense of responsibility and tend to over-estimate threat.

As a result, their uncontrollable obsessions or compulsions take up much of their time (e.g. more than an hour per day) and interferes with their ability to function in daily life.

Getting help

If you or someone you know is experiencing uncontrollable obsessions and/or compulsions, or are feeling unsure, seek professional help by contacting CHAT for a mental health check.

Practical tips for managing OCD

• Learn relaxation techniques
  Stress can trigger symptoms or make them worse. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help lower your overall stress levels and help you manage the obsessions and compulsions. Search these relaxation techniques up on YouTube!
• Refocus your attention!
  Try shifting your attention to something that you enjoy when you are experiencing the compulsions and obsessions. Jog, listen to music, play a video game, knit, or dance and do them for at least 15 minutes.