OCD Explained: What It Is and What It Isn’t
OCD can feel like living with a mind that won’t let you rest. You know the door is locked, but something inside whispers, what if it’s not? So you go back and check, again and again. Not because you want to, but because your anxiety convinces you something terrible might happen if you don’t. It’s exhausting, isolating, and so often misunderstood. Behind every OCD-related behavior is someone just trying to feel safe in their own skin—someone who wishes they could let go, but can’t…yet.
What exactly is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where a person experiences persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress. To relieve this discomfort, they may perform certain behaviors or mental responses repeatedly, even if they know it doesn’t truly help. These cycles of obsession and compulsion can interfere with daily life and make one feel trapped in a pattern the mind won’t let go of.
Symptoms:
Persistent unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress
Performing repetitive behaviors or mental acts to ease anxiety
Repeated hand washing or cleaning
Counting, tapping, or repeating words silently to prevent harm or bad outcomes
Ordering or arranging items until they feel “just right”
Causes and Risk Factors:
Genetic Factors: a family history of OCD or other anxiety disorders can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Brain Chemistry and Structure: chemical imbalances and structural differences in certain brain areas can contribute to OCD.
Stressful Life Events: traumatic experiences or overwhelming stress can trigger or worsen OCD in certain individuals.
Common Myths and Misconceptions:
“OCD is just about being neat or organized.”
OCD involves unwanted thoughts and compulsions that go far beyond wanting things clean or tidy. Many symptoms are invisible mental struggles.
“OCD is a rare or unusual disorder.”
The disorder affects millions of people worldwide, making it much more common than many realize.
“People with OCD can stop their behaviors if they really want to.”
OCD is caused by intense anxiety and a need to relieve that distress, making it extremely difficult to control or stop without treatment.
Treatments and Coping Methods:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy which involves helping a person change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It can help people with OCD in facing feared thoughts or situations without performing compulsions.
Certain medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed to help balance brain chemistry and reduce symptoms of OCD.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help manage anxiety.
For years, I felt trapped by constant, intrusive fears that something terrible would happen if I didn’t check the stove or lock the door—sometimes dozens of times a day. The compulsions gave me brief relief but left me frustrated, making me feel alone and misunderstood. Learning that OCD is a brain disorder, not a personal flaw, helped me realize my struggles weren’t my fault. With therapy and patience, I began to face my fears without giving in to previous habits, slowly reclaiming control over my life.
Resources:
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): A website that offers help in finding OCD therapists, clinics, and support groups in your area.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): A website that provides information and support for individuals with OCD and their families.
OCD Hotline: For immediate assistance, you can call the OCD Hotline at 866-903-3787.
Works Cited:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/obsessivecompulsive-disorder-ocd?
https://iocdf.org/blog/2017/10/03/help-seperate-ocd-myths-from-the-facts/
