OCD Resources
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by:
-
Obsessions – unwanted, intrusive, and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter the mind (e.g., fear of germs, harm, or symmetry).
-
Compulsions – repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce the anxiety caused by obsessions (e.g., excessive handwashing, checking, counting, or repeating words).
Key points:
-
OCD is more than just being “perfectionistic” or “meticulous”; the obsessions and compulsions are intense, time-consuming, and interfere with daily life.
-
The behaviors are driven by anxiety, not by enjoyment or habit.
-
OCD can affect anyone, and severity ranges from mild to debilitating.
Some may experience psychological symptoms such as:​
​
-
Intense anxiety or distress if rituals are not performed
-
Frustration or guilt about inability to control thoughts or behaviours
-
Avoidance of situations that trigger obsessions
-
Persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges
Some may experience physical symptoms such as:
​
-
Repetitive actions performed to reduce anxiety
-
Muscle tension or pain
-
Fatigue – due to time-consuming rituals or poor sleep
-
Skin irritation or damage – from excessive washing or cleaning
When should you seek help with OCD?
​
If you are experiencing extreme symptoms (either physical, psychological or both), emotional distress and physical impact or damage or if symptoms are getting in the way of normal daily functioning, it may be time to seek help with your OCD.
​
Below, you’ll find a variety of resources that may help support you with your OCD. Please take a moment to explore them.
​