sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Obsessive-compulsive disorder: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call your local emergency number or go to an emergency department if there is immediate danger, an overdose or serious injury has occurred, or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical help if symptoms are rapidly worsening, you are becoming unable to eat or drink, washing has caused significant skin damage, or rituals prevent you from carrying out essential daily tasks.

    Get urgent mental health support if you have thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or harming someone and are worried you may act on them.

    Unwanted intrusive harm thoughts are common in OCD and do not by themselves mean you are dangerous.

    The urgent concern is intent, a plan, loss of control, or an inability to stay safe.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if unwanted thoughts or repeated behaviours are causing distress, taking up significant time, or affecting sleep, work, school, relationships, or physical health.

    It is also reasonable to seek help if you are unsure whether your experiences are OCD.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Obsessive-compulsive disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.