Obsessive Compulsive disorder is a disorder relating to the brain and its behavior.

Obsession: A thought,image or urge that will not go away. A recurring thought.

Compulsion:. A repetitive behavior or thoughts that is believed to neutralize, counteract, or make the obsession go away A recurring action.

For example: The obsession and distress of contact with germs or dirt would be followed by a compulsive action of repeatedly washing or cleaning.

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a very hard thing to understand and something that is very misunderstood.

More examples of Obsessions:

• Harm to self or others – Fear of harming another person or yourself through careless actions
• Fear of dirt and germs – Fear of contact with germs or dirt.
• Symmetry – Fear of items not being ordered in a certain way. Colour,Size
• Perfection – Fear of things that are not perfect or ‘right’

More examples of Compulsions:

• Checking – Checking doors locks or items to make sure everything is right
• Washing or cleaning – Washing hands excessively even till they’re raw or bleeding
• Touching or counting – Touching or counting something a certain amount of times
• Ordering – Ordering or arranging items in a certain way

Unfortunately ‘obsessed’ is a word commonly used in every day language. “I’m obsessed with this new band”
Luckily being ‘obsessed’ with your new favorite band doesn’t leave you repeatedly washing your hands,checking the plug socket 20 times or unable to go out the house. Those with OCD often dislike to hear the word ‘obsession’ or ‘obsessed’ as it feels like it is downplaying or diminishes the real struggle of OCD.

 Ever heard: “I like things tidy,im so OCD”

Thoughts you might have:

• I’m responsible for that accident
• That was my fault because i didn’t ***
• What if I’m ill and i don’t know it and then I make **** ill because i touched or went near them?

Physical feelings you might have:

• Stomach pain
• Dizziness
• Racing heart
• Headaches
• Muscle tension
• Shortness of breath

Emotions you might feel:

• Anxiety
• Worry
• Anger
• Shame
• Fear
• Guilt

Behaviors or things you might be doing:

• Washing hands and body excessively
• Repeatedly checking things you have done
• Buying large amounts of cleaning products
• Repeating certain phrases
• Doubting something has been done correctly
• Redoing tasks
• Avoiding items or objects

Obsessive compulsive disorder can turn your whole life upside down.

It can also leave people avoiding a certain place or situation so they wont be triggered. This leaves people missing out on a lot of social situations and events or even just on general daily life tasks.