In time, you may find that your ability to manage your OCD improves on its own, with support from the people in your life, or with tools to help you cope.

However, if things don’t improve or you’re having difficulties with your mental health more generally, please make sure that you contact your GP to ask for help.

The organisations below may also be helpful:

• OCD UK – The national OCD charity, run by and for people with lived experience of OCD. Phone: 03332 127 890 or can email via form on website – https://www.ocduk.org/
• iThrive (previously Edspace): an online space for mental health and wellbeing in Edinburgh. https://ithriveedinburgh.org.uk/
• The Silverline: a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice for older people. Phone: 0800 470 80 90 (free to call, open 24/7, 365 days per year). https://www.thesilverline.org.uk/
• Breathing Space: free and confidential phone service if you are feeling low, anxious or depressed. Phone: 0800 83 85 87 (free to call, Mon-Thur 6pm-2am; Friday-Mon 6pm-6am) https://breathingspace.scot/
• The Samaritans: emotional support for anyone in emotional distress. Phone: 116 123 (free to call, open 24/7, 365 days per year) https://www.samaritans.org/
• SAMH: offers support and information about mental health problems. Phone: 0344 800 0550 https://www.samh.org.uk/
• Managing loneliness. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/loneliness-in-older-people/
• Domestic abuse support:
  • National Domestic Abuse helpline: 0808 200 246 (free to call, open 24/7) https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
  • Scottish Woman’s Aid: Tel 0800 027 1234 https://womensaid.scot/
  • Abused Men In Scotland (AMIS): Tel 0808 800 0024 (free to call, open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm) https://amis.org.uk/