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OCD

HAVING A BABY IS A LIFE CHANGING EVENT THAT CAN IMPACT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AND TRIGGER STRUGGLES, HOWEVER WITH SUPPORT AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT IT CAN IMPROVE

It is not your fault that you have OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and having OCD does not mean you’re a bad parent. There is a range of support and treatments available including free support services at the bottom of the page. Seeking support does not mean your baby will be taken away as this only happens in very exceptional circumstances.

SYMPTOMS

  • Compulsive cleaning and hand washing
  • Repetitive behaviour
  • Compulsive checking, counting and ordering/arranging
  • Asking for reassurance
  • Hoarding
  • Avoiding places and situations that could trigger obsessive thoughts
  • Fear of harming yourself or others deliberately or by mistake
  • Need for symmetry or orderliness 
  • Fear of contamination by disease or unpleasant substance

TREATMENTS

  • Talking to friends, family or professionals
  • Joining groups for parents
  • Meditation and practicing mindfulness
  • Increasing physical activity such as walking, running, jogging
  • Trying relaxing therapies such as massage
  • Avoiding sugary food & drinks, caffeine, alcohol and smoking
  • Psychological therapy
  • Medicines

IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH, PLEASE SEEK SUPPORT. IF YOU HAVE A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION SEE A DOCTOR OR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL