Information on

Obsessive Behaviours & Thoughts (OCD)

Signs and Symptoms

  • Recurrent, unwelcome thoughts, images, ideas or doubts
  • Related behavioural acts (compulsions, rituals) to suppress or neutralise the distress or prevent a feared or perceived outcome.
  • Seeking constant reassurance and checking, ordering or arranging things.
  • Obsessively cleaning of the house or becoming obsessive around personal hygiene.
  • Fear of causing harm to others by something you might do.

“I get distressing thoughts often throughout the day, which is affecting my everyday life and my relationships with those close to me”

About OCD

Often people who experience intrusive thoughts or obsessive behaviours can be afraid of telling a health professional about it. They are often worried about being labelled as a risk to themselves or others.

There are many different theories about what causes OCD and some studies have suggested that it can become more pronounced during times of stress. However, none of the research can fully explain every person’s experience.

Reasons why OCD may present itself:

  • If you’ve suffered any painful or traumatic childhood experiences, you may have developed thoughts or behaviours to help you cope with anxiety or stress.
  • If your parents or carers showed signs of obsessive thoughts and behaviours, you may have learned OCD behaviours as a coping mechanism.
  • Experiencing a stressful event such as an accident, losing a job or bereavement can trigger OCD or make existing symptoms worse.
  • Pregnancy or giving birth can also trigger Perinatal OCD. You can read more about Perinatal OCD here.

Ways to help

Seeking help for yourself

Here at House of Light, OCD is something our team of therapists are very experienced in working with and we provide talking therapies to enable you to explore your experience at your own pace in a confidential space.

If you feel you would like to enquire about one to one therapy with us, please give us a call on 01482 580499 or email us at [email protected]

Seeking help for a loved one

Here at House of Light, OCD is something our team of therapists are very experienced in working with and we provide talking therapies to enable you to explore your experience at your own pace in a confidential space.

If you feel you would like to enquire about one to one therapy with us, please give us a call on 01482 580499 or email us at [email protected]

Speak over the phone

Our helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am until 5pm.

Call 01482 580499
Freephone 0800 043 2031

If you’d like to email

[email protected]
Online enquiry form

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