I'm worried about my obsessive thoughts

Obsessive thoughts can be distressing and significantly interfere with your life, but treatment can help you keep them under control.

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours are a sign that you may have obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), a common mental health condition that affects many people.

Your symptoms may cause confusion, distress and worry.   

Living with OCD can be difficult, and talking about it can be too. But it's important to realise that you shouldn't be embarrassed about the thoughts you are having. 

What to do

There are two main ways to get help:

• Refer yourself to TALKWORKS, Devon's NHS Talking Therapies Service where you may be offered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• See your GP - they can talk to you about your symptoms and recommend the best treatment for you.

If you are in crisis call  111  and select the mental health option or visit urgent help for more information.