Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

“Living with OCD can feel like your mind is under the control of an invisible enemy, constantly issuing commands you can’t ignore. Your thoughts loop like a stuck gear, making it impossible to think or act rationally. To someone watching from the outside, it may look like it’s something you could just stop—but inside, it feels relentless, exhausting, and out of your control.”

Signs and Symptoms of Compulsions

  • Repeatedly washing hands or cleaning to reduce fear of germs

  • Checking locks, appliances, or personal safety repeatedly

  • Repeating tasks until they feel “just right”

  • Arranging or ordering objects in a precise way

  • Touching or tapping objects in a ritualized manner

  • Hoarding or difficulty discarding items due to fear of needing them

  • Counting, repeating words, or praying silently to neutralize thoughts

  • Mentally reviewing events to make sure nothing bad happened

  • Repeating phrases in your mind to prevent harm or bad outcomes

  • Seeking mental reassurance or trying to “erase” intrusive thoughts

  • Feeling intense anxiety or distress if the compulsion isn’t completed

  • Temporary relief after performing the ritual, followed by return of anxiety

  • Shame, embarrassment, or frustration about the time spent on compulsions

Signs and Symptoms of Obsessions

  • Repeated, persistent thoughts or mental images that feel intrusive

  • Fear of harming yourself or others, even when you don’t want to

  • Worrying excessively about germs, contamination, or illness

  • Obsessive doubts (e.g., “Did I lock the door?” “Did I hurt someone?”)

  • Fear of losing control or doing something morally wrong

  • Mental replaying of events to check for mistakes or errors

  • Intense anxiety, distress, or guilt triggered by the intrusive thought

  • Feeling compelled to “neutralize” the thought to reduce discomfort

  • Shame or embarrassment about the content of your thoughts

  • Feeling unsafe or on edge until the thought is resolved

  • Mental rituals (repeating phrases, counting, or praying in your mind)

  • Seeking reassurance from others to quiet the thought

  • Avoiding triggers that might provoke obsessive thoughts

  • Fixating on “perfect” thinking or decision-making to reduce anxiety

“Recovery from OCD is possible. Each step you take — whether it’s resisting a compulsion, practicing a skill, or simply noticing an obsessive thought without acting on it — is a victory. Over time, these steps build strength, freedom, and confidence, proving that your mind does not have to be controlled by fear or intrusive thoughts.”