Obsessions and Compulsions

What are obsessions and compulsions?

Obsessions are unwanted and upsetting thoughts, images or urges that are usually about something bad happening, or thoughts that you might do something bad. Often people with obsessional thoughts know that the thoughts aren’t likely to happen, which can be frustrating for them. It can feel like their thoughts are taking over and controlling their behaviour.

Compulsions are things that people do to try and stop the discomfort or stress linked to obsessional thoughts.

A lot of people like to put their things in a particular place, keep things clean, or do things in a set order. This doesn’t mean that they have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

What is obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD?

Someone with OCD might:

• Feel like their mind is being invaded by horrible thoughts.
• Feel scared, disgusted, tearful, guilty, doubtful, or depressed.
• Have a strong urge to do something to stop the feelings.
• Feel better for a while after rituals.
• Need to ask people to check things for them or tell them that it’s okay.

Obsessions and compulsions can come in all shapes and sizes. When people have had compulsions for a long time, they often find that they don’t have obsessional thoughts unless they try to not do their compulsions.

Other people have very upsetting obsessional thoughts, but they don’t think that they have compulsions, because their compulsions are thoughts and ways of thinking.

Obsessional thoughts can be around things like danger, dirt and contamination, or worries around sexuality and religion. Some people feel guilty, or even ashamed of their thoughts, and they might find it very hard to tell you what they think about.

If you are worried that someone might have OCD, talk to someone or check out our Get Help support links below. You are not alone and neither is the person you are concerned about.

Everyone with OCD has a different lived experience of how it can impact their lives. The videos below from MH:2K and OCD UK share real people’s experiences with OCD.