31 December 2015
Do you or someone you know suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
OCD is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations, or behaviours that make them feel driven to do something. It is estimated that 12 in every 1,000 people in the UK are affected by OCD.
To help raise local awareness of OCD, as well as provide strategies and tips to cope more effectively, NHS Borders is running a free information session in Galashiels on Thursday 14 January 2016 to provide information on ‘Overcoming Anxiety’.
The hour long session will be run by Sinead Murray and Jaime Black, both Clinical Associates in Applied Psychology for NHS Borders Mental Health Service.
Encouraging people to attend the session, Jaime said: “Men and women of all ages and backgrounds can be affected by OCD. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with some people spending perhaps an hour or so per day engaging in obsessive compulsive thinking and behaviours. For others it can be far more severe and can seem to take over their life.
“Many people with OCD feel embarrassed to ask for help. However, the good news is that small changes to our behaviours and challenging our thinking patterns can result in a reduction in symptoms.”
The session is not therapy and you will not be asked to talk about yourself or your personal circumstances. If you feel that you need one-to-one support then you will be encouraged to contact your GP for more appropriate support to be arranged. Support group contacts, self-help leaflets and DVDs will also be available at the classes.
The session will take place in Galashiels Library on Thursday 14 January 2016, between 5.30pm – 6.30pm.
The class is free to everyone, however booking is essential. If you would like to attend please contact the library on 01896 664170.