Living with OCD – Warren’s story

“I have struggled with this disorder since my younger years.”

Warren is an Expert by Experience at Team BSMHFT who has lived most of his life with an undiagnosed mental health condition, obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD as it is more commonly referred to as.

OCD is a disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviours (compulsions), or both. Contrary to what people might believe, OCD is not just about being neat and orderly – it is a health condition that should be taken seriously.

Speaking candidly, Warren shares what life is like living with OCD with the hopes it encourages others to seek support if they need it – help is always available.

"Hey, I'm Warren. I have suffered with OCD throughout my life in conjunction with my autism. I have struggled with this disorder since my younger years, and only in my early fifties have I finally received a diagnosis.

As someone with OCD, I always treble check everything I do, where most people check just once. People like me always question things and think of scenarios such as “is the window closed/locked?” or “have I packed my pyjamas in the suitcase?” over and over OCD thoughts smack my brain. “Is my work sufficiently good?” “do I dot the Is and keep crossing the Ts?”, “do I add tomato sauce, mustard or mayonnaise on the sandwich?”

"YES" I shout.

The impact OCD has on my daily life has some detrimental effects, like colleagues and friends not understanding my OCD compulsiveness. Many times, I have to advise them I have this diagnosis to gain their understanding. Colleagues and friends will discuss more openly with regards to assistance I require with the many decisions I have to make.

I have worked with fantastic staff at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust for many years, and I am currently an Expert by Experience, which allows me to share experiences with you all, outside in the big crazy world in which we live today.

Since receiving help, my concentration levels are more zoned into the particular workload/item I am dealing with at work or at home. I used to tend to get distracted by my compulsions with the smallest error and I would annoy myself with putting a fix to it.

I currently take prescribed medication that improves my anxiety/stress and over the past two years I have had help from Birmingham Healthy Minds to be able to deal with my stresses in life.

“Best wishes for a calmer you."

People living with OCD can often feel significant distress and are sometimes reluctant to seek help because they feel embarrassed or ashamed. We are here to help.

If you are experiencing obsessions and compulsions that influence your daily life, speak to your GP or health visitor. They can support you or refer you to our specialist mental health teams if you need it.