Obsessions and Compulsions

 Sometimes we can feel compelled to check things repeatedly, or to repeat certain thoughts or actions to stave off anxiety or worrying thoughts. 

Troubling thoughts are sometimes called obsessions, and repeated checks or actions are sometimes called compulsions. 

These experiences are sometimes called OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

In terms of what can help, there are a number of self-help resources (e.g. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). 

Therapy or counselling can help to identify and understand what might have led to our feelings of anxiety, what drives our obsessions and compulsions, and what might be keeping it going. It can help us find ways to support ourselves and to regulate our physical and emotional states.