Question: I'm concerned a young girl I know has OCD and might begin to self-harm. She taps on surfaces and has to do certain things like shutting a door more than once and washing her hands several times. She believes if she doesn't do these things something bad will happen. She asked if I thought she was weird. How can I help?
Tracie Trimmer-Platman: I hope you have explained she is not weird. Around 1 in 100 people have OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).
There isn't necessarily a link between OCD and self-harm but if you have reason to believe it's a risk in this case then clearly that's something you need to look into. OCD is something that can be treated relatively easily if symptoms are not too severe. Reassure this young woman she is not alone and can get help. Organisations that can offer advice and information for both you and her include YoungMinds, and OCD-UK. Also, thecalmzone.net links up young people with OCD and offers practical ways of dealing with it.
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