What is OCD?
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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder where people have obsessive thoughts, causing them distress and giving them the urge to do certain behaviours to ease this anxiety - the relief is temporary and the cycle repeats.
When a person only has the obsessive thoughts without the compulsive behaviours this is called "Pure O" (Purely Obsessional).
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What are the symptoms of OCD?
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Symptoms of OCD often start during early adulthood, but they can develop at any time in our lives when we are very anxious.
The main symptoms of OCD are the thoughts & behaviours that come with it, but there can aslo be physical symproms because anxiety problems trigger the "fight or flight" response in our bodies:
Physical symptoms
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faster/irregular/noticeable heartbeat
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headaches
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feeling lightheaded and dizzy
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chest pains
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changes in appetite
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sweating
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breathlessness
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feeling hot
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shaking
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difficulty sleeping
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waking up during the night / early
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fatigue & tiredness
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changes in sex drive
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being hyperaware of breathing, walking, skin etc
Compulsive behaviour
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cleaning and hand washing
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checking eg. checking doors are locked or that the gas is off
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counting
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repeating certain rituals (perhaps a certain number of times)
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ordering and arranging
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hoarding
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asking for reassurance
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repeating words in your head
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avoiding places & situations that could trigger obsessive thoughts
Thoughts:
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"I know this isn't rational, but I'll do it just in case"
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unwanted thoughts
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thinking "neutralising" thoughts to counter obsessive ones
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fear of accidently / deliberately harming yourself / others
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fear of behaving in a sexually inappropriate way
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fear of contamination by disease, infection or a substance
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fear of losing control in public
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fear of the worst happening
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doubting that you've done things correctly
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worrying about sinning / being immoral
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worrying about the past or future
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a need for symmetry or orderliness
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problems with your memory
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trouble concentrating
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lack of interest in things you used to enjoy
Feelings:
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tense or nervous
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like you have to keep busy
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unable to relax
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detached from loved ones
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that noone else understands
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alone
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tearful
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difficulty experiencing positive emotions
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emotionally numb
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anxious
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depressed
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overwhelming guilt or shame
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irritability
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self-harm thoughts & feelings
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suicidal thoughts & feelings
Obsessive thoughts are very common and can be distressing, but with the right treatment you will soon be fine again & remember:
Your unwanted thougts don't define you, the fact that they're unwanted does!
How can I cope with OCD?
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Talking to a friend, family member, the Samaritans (by calling 116 123 or emailing: jo@samaritans.org) or calling NHS 111
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Exercise such as running, walking, swimming and yoga can help you burn off anxious energy & relax
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Calming breathing exercises calm the fight & flight response, and help you "rest & digest" instead
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A healthy diet with regular meals to keep your energy levels stable
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How long does OCD last?
Untreated it can potentially the rest for the rest of your life.
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Can I remove OCD?
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Yes, with treatment it can be removed very quickly!
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What is the best treatment for OCD?
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There are a number of OCD treatments available, including:
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Medical - see your GP for advice
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CBT - a therapist gradually helps you to confront your fears and to think about them more rationally
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Clinical Hypnotherapy - explains how your brain works & helps your subconscious feel better fast!
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How many Hypnotherapy sessions would I need?
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It varies from client to client, but for OCD people generally need 6-12 sessions.
Who would my Hypnotherapist be?
Hi!
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My name is Robin, I hold a Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma (HPD - the “Gold Standard” of Hypnotherapy) which I earned at the prestigious Clifton Practice, Bristol, and I have been a practising Clinical Hypnotherapist since May 2013.
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Since then I've helped hundreds of clients professionally with OCD, Anxiety and more at weekly clinics in Exeter, Bristol, Swindon & Online, completed additional training in specialist areas including PTSD, Weight Management and Sleep, and given talks, lectures and workshops in the UK and overseas.
It would be my pleasure to answer any questions you might have and help you, so feel free to ask me anything in 100% confidentiality using the form below! 😊
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Robin Smidowicz
HPD DHP Clinical Hypnotherapist
What do people say?
"After suffering with an anxiety disorder for some time, I visited Robin for Hypnotherapy.
The results were almost immediate, using positive focus and trance he helped me restore my normal sleeping patterns and diminish the former anxiety. I would highly recommend his services to anyone."
Ben Callon, "A Little Bit OCD"
“During consultations, Robin provides a clear and helpful explanation of how hypnotherapy works and how it can treat various problems.
He is clearly passionate about helping people and provides a calming and relaxing experience in sessions.”
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Dr. L. Otway, Exeter
“My anxiety subsided which resulted in better sleep (which was a huge issue of mine) and an overall happier me”
- Grace
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“I learnt why we have negative thoughts and how to overcome them” - Nile
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“I am amazed at how different I feel now, I would recommend this amazing experience to anyone”
- Gwen
Cost
Phone Consultation:
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Regular session:
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Half & half session:
FREE
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£60
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£30
Discounts available for NHS, Military, Benefits & more
"Half & half" session - half live with therapist & half recording, saving you money!