Smartphone snaps: The new remedy for travel anxiety

Many individuals have experienced anxiety after leaving home. Did I turn off the hob? Are the doors locked? These thoughts can ruin any trip – rather than enjoying the holiday, the mind keeps returning to images of the flat. Increasingly, people are admitting that they've found a way to alleviate this kind of tension.

An excellent method to alleviate these symptoms is to take a picture. People use their phones to take a photo of the hob, taps turned off, or closed windows. Some record a short video showing the door being locked. Many who have started using this method claim it has significantly improved their peace of mind. It's worth noting that wondering whether something was done before leaving the flat is behaviour most of us recognise.

These types of thoughts most often occur when we leave home for an extended period and involve a sense of losing control over our surroundings. This kind of caution is not alarming. However, suppose such thoughts start occurring frequently, even with daily trips to work, and are accompanied by strong tension. In that case, it may be a signal that we're dealing with something more, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects about 2 per cent of the population. It manifests as persistent, difficult-to-control thoughts that often cause intense anxiety. To alleviate this anxiety, people with OCD perform specific actions, known as compulsions. This might include repeatedly checking if the door is locked.

Obsessions can vary in severity, from mild, which only slightly complicate life, to severe, which prevent daily functioning. If you notice such thought patterns and behaviours in yourself, it's worth consulting a specialist. Treating OCD is possible and practical. It usually involves cognitive-behavioural therapy and pharmacotherapy.