Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects around 2% of the population. Here, one woman diagnosed with OCD explains how the mental illness and intrusive thoughts affect her life.

What it's really like to live with OCD

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The intrusive thoughts in my head range from starting fires, to causing car accidents, murder and other possibilities

I had to consistently ensure I had eliminated any possibility of hurting others, by checking appliances, doors, and at one point my emails

“Exhausted and unable to sleep one night, I finally admitted to myself that I needed help.”

What it’s really like living with OCD: “I saw danger and possible harm everywhere in my flat”