Obsessions/Compulsions

Obsessions and compulsions are an anxiety-related condition that can affect anyone. Despite is being a serious and having the ability to affect your daily life, they can be treatable. Obsessions and compulsions can form Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and these are:

Obsessions –These can be intrusive and unwanted thoughts, worries, images, impulses, feelings or doubts that can cause anxiety and distress.

Everyone’s obsessions can vary, but common ones may be:

  • worrying about something bad happening, like your home burning down or someone you love dying.
  • worrying that you’re going to hurt someone else or have already hurt someone else.
  • worrying about becoming contaminated – for example with germs, viruses, infections, dirt or dangerous chemicals.
  • intrusive sexual thoughts or images.
  • intrusive violent thoughts or images.
  • having a general feeling or sense that something is wrong, or that something bad is going to happen.

Compulsions – These can be rituals or behaviours that individuals can carry out to stop an obsession. These compulsions may be carried out to:

  • help reduce any anxieties
  • ‘stop’ something bad from happening
  • become certain about something you are in doubt about

Compulsions can be different for everyone, but some can include:

  • checking things – for example that you’ve locked windows and doors or turned switches off.
  • checking memories – for example to check that you didn’t hurt someone in the past.
  • asking other people for reassurance – for example asking people to tell you that something bad hasn’t happened.
  • repetitively cleaning or washing – this could be your own body or objects.
  • having internal arguments about whether you’ve done something bad.
  • counting or repeating phrases.
  • arranging objects in specific patterns.

How can I look after myself?

Managing OCD can be an ongoing process and you may find that there are times where things feel manageable and though you are in control, and other times it may be much harder. Try to be patient with yourself and remember that different things work at different times. If something isn’t working for you or doesn’t feel like you can do that right now, try something else. Things to try are:

  • Getting it off your chest – Talking about how you feel and what you are experiencing can often be the first steps to feeling better in yourself. Whether you just want someone to listen, or you need someone to help distract you when you’re feeling anxious, it’s okay to say what you need.
  • Find a distraction that works for you – When you are feeling overwhelmed you may like to listen to music, put on the tv, message a friend, get outside or do something creative. Although these are not a solution, it is a helpful tool to distract yourself for a little while.
  • Try to accept intrusive thoughts – It’s understandable to want to get rid of thoughts that you find distressing or worrying. But often, the more we try to get rid of a thought, the more it comes into our mind.

Try to sit with your thoughts rather than trying to get rid them straightaway. If the compulsions then come, aim to try and resist or delay them. This can be difficult at first but will become easier overtime the more you practice.

Where can I receive support?

Seek help from your GP

NHS Central Access Point – If you need mental health support, you can call this service on 0808 800 3302 – 24 hours a day.

Maternal OCD – Offers support and guidance around perinatal OCD.

NoPanic – Support those struggling with panic attacks, phobias and obsessions and compulsions.

Hoarding UK – A national charity for people impacted by hoarding behaviours.

OCDAction – Offers support and information to anybody effected by obsessions and compulsions.

How can we help?

Learner Welfare Drop-Ins

The Learner Welfare Team offers a range of drop-ins including confidential 1-1s, mixed drop-ins and wellbeing walks with our therapy dogs. We will also offer specific drop-ins including Sexual Health Drop-Ins and drop-ins for our Looked After Children (LAC) learners.

Please see the current timetable below:

Day Time Type Room Time Type Room
MONDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in 1909 Social Space 12-1pm 1:1 Drop-in B009
8:30-9:30am Sexual Health Drop-in S006
TUESDAY 12-1pm Inclusion Drop-in S006 3-4pm Afternoon Drop-in 1909 Social Space
3:30-4:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
WEDNESDAY 8:30-9:30am Early bird Drop-in The Hub 1:30-2:30pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
THURSDAY 11-12pm 1:1 Drop-in S006 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3:30-4:30pm Afternoon Drop-in The Hub
FRIDAY 8:30-9am Dog walk and talk Meet at 1909 Social Space 12:30-1:30pm Sexual Health Drop-in S006
3-4pm 1:1 Drop-in H101b
Group sessions
1:1 sessions
Sexual Health

Early Bird Drop-in/Afternoon Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with the Learner Welfare Team and mingle with other students.

1-1 Drop-in – Confidential 1-1 session (10-minute slots) with a member of the Learner Welfare Team. No appointment necessary.

Sexual Health Drop-in – Make an appointment on the Student Dashboard to get advice and support from our Wellbeing Mentors.

Dog Walk and Talk – Enjoy a short walk around the outskirts of our campus with our therapy dog.

Inclusion Drop-in – No appointment necessary, drop by for a chat with our Inclusion Officers.

Mental Health First Aiders

We offer a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) service where students are able to call the Mental Health First Aid phone available Monday-Friday 08:30-16:30 if they feel they need someone to talk to. Our staff will support you with various issues such as academic pressure, bullying, wellbeing support, panic etc.

Please call 07483 956433 or 07483 956434 if needed.