Sometimes in life we experience moments of uncertainty. Times when we cannot definitely be sure of something. There might be some element of doubt that creeps into our mind, even when it’s an every-day task.
- Did I turn the gas off properly?
- Were all the electrical sockets switched off before we left?
- Did I lock the door properly?
- Am I sure I didn’t knock someone over just back there?
- Are my hands clean enough?
Having a healthy concern for cleanliness and hygiene, security or fire hazards is sensible. But what happens when this gets out of hand, perhaps when it becomes an obsession?
Anxiety that is felt when there is uncertainty in their mind can drive a person to a routine or ritual of checking. Until they are satisfied that they have checked, that anxiety may remain. Such compulsions can, if maintained, result in quite disruptive patterns of behaviour that would need to be overcome. This kind of problem might be described as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) approaches can be helpful in addressing such difficult thoughts, feelings and behaviours.