Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted intrusive thoughts. People with OCD perform repetitive behaviors to reduce the anxiety and distress caused by these thoughts. These behaviors are called compulsions. Compulsions don’t always make sense to others. They can feel overwhelming to live with, and you’ll sometimes find yourself in routines that no one else understands.
Living with OCD can feel like being stuck in an endless loop. A distressing thought occurs, then you perform a ritualistic behavior to get rid of the thought. For example, you’re lying in bed ready to go to sleep, when you begin to worry about whether or not you locked the back door. You worry that someone might break into the house. So, you go downstairs to check the door. This happens over and over again.
This can cause you to feel exhausted. You also feel isolated because this isn’t something you feel like you can talk to others about. In your mind, they won’t understand. To others, this might look like a habit or behavior that you are in control of. This misunderstanding can make it hard to reach out for help.
The truth is that OCD isn’t a “quirk” or a personality trait. It’s a neurological condition, and it responds well to the right kind of support. Therapy approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can help you confront thoughts that trigger compulsions. Medications can also be very helpful for OCD.
Most importantly, OCD doesn’t define you. It’s just a part of your story. People with OCD can live full, happy lives with treatment and support.