“Charles” is a professional footballer and occasional TV presenter. Though he is still at the top of his game, he became increasingly unable to concentrate on the pitch, distracted by the jersey numbers of certain of his team-mates.
Knowing nothing at all about OCD, Charles eventually confided in the team’s sports doctor, who rang out of concern for his increasing levels of anxiety.
An array of other fears and doubts, especially about his long-suffering girlfriend’s past relationships, unfolded. Charles hated what he had been putting her through, but couldn’t seem to resist questioning her – searching in vain for inconsistencies in her answers.
Seldom able to get a full-night’s sleep, he was also worried about media exposure were his team-mates to comment about his behaviour.