What can trigger OCD at school?

When we think of OCD, most of us immediately think of the compulsion bit, such as washing hands.

But what about the trigger?

The bit that leads to children carrying out compulsions in the first place.

Take school for example.

We may notice that a child is suffering from contamination OCD simply by observing them hand sanitising or spraying surfaces.

But how many of us stop to think of what the trigger for this behaviour might be?

And how we can reduce the chances of this happening.

Here is an example of what a school OCD trigger might look like.

To the outside world, Annabelle is a bubbly, confident child.

She appears to have it all.

She's pretty.

She's clever.

And she's popular.

But for Annabelle, this can be exhausting as she lives in fear of something happening to burst her bubble.

Then, the unthinkable happens.

And provides OCD with the perfect trigger.

Someone remarks about a blemish on her face.

👉Everyone is pointing and sniggering.

Everyone, that is, except Annabelle.

Annabelle is feeling humiliated and embarrassed.

And wants the ground to open up and swallow her.⁉️

This is where OCD seizes an opportunity to move in.

And bombards Annabelle with endless scenarios of what could happen next.

⁇ Friends start to avoid hanging out with her, thinking she's 'uncool'.

⁇ A new blemish appears, leading to a repeat performance of being in an unwanted spotlight.

⁇ She develops a rash on other parts of her body, too.

But OCD won't stop there.

It will then up the ante and bombard Annabelle with lists of compulsions that she needs to follow to avoid any of the above scenarios.

Things like:

>> Washing her face a set number of times.

>> Hand sanitising over and over.

>> Repeatedly showering.

The list can be endless.

Because the minute Annabelle complies with one order.

Others will follow.

Until Annabelle's life and any future plans can end up being destroyed.

That's why it's so crucial for parents and schools to be on the lookout for potential triggers.

And to act on them straight away.

I cover more potential OCD triggers (and how to act on them) in my Mind Monsters books for children aged 5-8 years old.

If you'd like to purchase signed copies for your child or school, click the link below.

The Mind Monsters book bundle.

Alternatively copies can be purchased via Waterstones, WH Smith, Amazon and most other online book retailers.

When you purchase copies of my books, you will also support CAMHS as I donate 50% of what I make to them.

#ocdawareness #ocdrecovery #childrensmentalhealth