O.C.D. manifests itself in three main categories:

• Obsessive thoughts with compulsive physical rituals
• Obsessive thoughts on their own
• Physical rituals on their own.

Young people may feel confused and even embarrassed about their feelings or the fear and keep it to themselves. Sometimes performing certain rituals is the only relief they get.

As all youths are different, so are the signs. Here are some examples; (this list is not exhaustive)

• Problems at school
• Trouble making decisions
• Lack of motivation
• Anxiety, sadness or irritability
• Difficulty in everyday tasks
• An extreme obsession with dirt or germs
• Repeated doubts
• Excessive attention to detail
• Too much worrying about something bad occurring
• Aggressiveness

Fear is a skill that we learn as we grow up. It is essential, at the ‘right’ time and keeps us safe. It stops us from jumping out of a plane without a parachute or putting our hand into an open fire. Fear is there to protect you.

A young child on the other hand, who has not yet learnt fear, will run out onto a busy road after a runaway ball oblivious to any danger.

Having established that we need fear to survive, what has this got to do with O.C.D.? The answer is quite simply, that over a long period of time, sufferers have learnt too much “fear” and so they become afraid when there is actually nothing to be afraid of.  After all, if the fears were truly a danger, wouldn’t all children experience the same symptoms?

How can No Panic help you?

No Panic specialises in self-help recovery and our services include providing people with the skills they need to manage their condition and work towards recovery. Our aim is to give you all of the necessary advice, tools and support that you will need to recover and carry out this journey.

Why not visit the Youth Hub which is aimed purposely for youths? Or give our Youth Helpline a call on 0330 606 1174 (open between 3pm and 6pm Monday to Friday and 6pm and 8pm Thursday and Saturday). Our volunteers that work on these youth services are by law all DBS checked.

Maybe you would like to become a Youth Member of the charity? We do have to charge a minimum membership fee of  £5 a year to cover costs. Youth Membership