Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a term many people have heard but few truly understand. Like most mental health conditions, there are a lot of stigmas around it, right? Maybe when you think OCD you think of someone who is extremely organized or neat, and that doesn’t exactly resonate with you so you think you (or someone you know) can’t possibly have it. If so, I get it. As an OCD and anxiety specialist (LPC) who also lives with the condition, I want to take some time today to break down how to explain OCD to someone who doesn’t have it (and why it matters that we start getting this right!). 

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Put simply, obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. Then, compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

In case you missed that – OCD is not about being “neat” or “organized.” At all. Instead, it’s a debilitating disorder that can severely impact a person’s daily life and functioning. And it can look so different for everyone which is one of the reasons that it’s so hard to diagnose.

Key Symptoms of OCD

Breaking down this even further, here are what obsessions and compulsions can look like. For even more examples, read this blog post about the different OCD subtypes here.

Obsessions

• Intrusive Thoughts: These can be about anything but often focus around themes like contamination, harm, symmetry, or taboo subjects.
• Anxiety and Distress: With OCD, these thoughts are not just fleeting concerns; they are persistent and cause significant distress.

Compulsions

• Repetitive Behaviors: These can vary widely but often include activities like washing hands, checking locks, counting, or arranging items in a specific order. It can also look like constantly checking your phone or researching something bothering you.
• Mental Acts: Compulsions can also look be made up of internal actions (not visible to others) like repeating phrases, praying, or mentally reviewing situations to ensure no mistakes were made (like repeating conversations you had with someone in your head).

What It Feels Like to Have OCD

As someone who has been living with that damn fear voice since I was a kid, I know firsthand that living with OCD feels like being trapped in a relentless cycle of anxiety and (fleeting) relief. Intrusive thoughts create overwhelming stress, and the compulsive behaviors provide only a temporary break from that anxiety. Yet, this relief is short-lived, and the cycle quickly resumes, making even the simplest daily tasks seem impossible.

One of the most challenging aspects of OCD is its unique manifestation in each person, which complicates both diagnosis and treatment. To make matters worse, some “treatment” methods can actually exacerbate the problem. Things like talk therapy might offer immediate comfort, but ultimately they often reinforce the compulsions and intrusive thoughts, making the disorder even more entrenched over time. 

That’s exactly why I created the OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint. Inside this signature online course, I empower you to be your OWN therapist and stick to evidence-based strategies that will help you get your life back. 

Myths and Stereotypes About OCD

Myth 1: OCD is Just About Being Neat and Tidy

I’ve already addressed this earlier on, but let me expand a little. This is one of the biggest OCD misconceptions I see (that stop a lot of people from getting the treatment they need!). While it’s true that some people with OCD experience obsessions related to cleanliness and order, this is just one facet of a much broader and more complex disorder. Not everyone with OCD is preoccupied with cleanliness. In fact, many sufferers have obsessions and compulsions that are completely unrelated to tidiness, which is why it’s so important to understand the different ways OCD can manifest.

Myth 2: People With OCD Can “Just Stop”

One of the most pervasive and harmful misconceptions about OCD is the idea that those affected can simply stop their compulsive behaviors if they try hard enough. This misunderstanding trivializes the profound struggle that individuals with OCD face daily. Telling someone with OCD to “just stop” their rituals or intrusive thoughts is akin to telling someone with asthma to “just breathe normally.” It overlooks the reality that OCD is a deeply ingrained condition that cannot be overcome through sheer willpower alone.

That doesn’t mean that there is no treatment though! In my program, I walk you through evidence-based strategies that work to gradually increase your resistance to the anxiety and obsessions/compulsions that are taking over your life. 

Myth 3: OCD is Rare

Contrary to popular belief, OCD is not a rare condition. It affects approximately 1-3% of the population worldwide, which means that there are millions of people living with the disorder. Additionally, research shows too that this number is likely a lot higher than what is reported for a variety of reasons. For example, health care experts might ask about handwashing or perfecting-type symptoms which miss people with another subtype. On top of that, there are a lot of people who don’t understand OCD so they aren’t raising their hand when their provider asks about it. And if that wasn’t enough, people are afraid of being honest about their symptoms. They don’t want to talk about their scary thoughts because they’re so taboo and rarely discussed. They don’t want to be judged.

This is one of the main reasons why I’m so passionate about increasing awareness and understanding of OCD. Many individuals suffer in silence due to stigma and misinformation, making it all the more important to dispel myths and provide accurate information about this common yet often misunderstood disorder. Greater awareness can lead to better support systems and resources. Ultimately, this improves the quality of life for everyone affected by OCD.

Getting Support When Others Don’t Understand

Finding support can be incredibly challenging when the people around you don’t understand OCD. If you have OCD, here are some steps you can take:

• Educate: If you have a support network around you who wants to help, share reliable resources and information to help your loved ones understand what OCD is and isn’t. This post can be a good start! 
• Seek Professional Help: Consulting with a mental health professional who specializes in OCD can provide you with tailored strategies for managing your symptoms. This doesn’t need to mean talk therapy. Check out my blueprint course here.
• Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who have OCD can offer a sense of community and understanding.
• Set Boundaries: It’s okay to set boundaries with people who are unwilling or unable to understand your condition.

If you’re someone who is trying to support a loved one with OCD and anxiety, you may also appreciate this Instagram post where I share how my husband supports me! He’s also an OCD therapist. If you want to take this even further, sign up for this masterclass on How to Support Without Accommodating.

It Can Be Hard to Explain OCD to Someone who Doesn’t Have It – But Don’t Give Up!

OCD is a complex and often misunderstood condition that requires more than just surface-level awareness. By taking the time to understand what OCD truly entails, we can foster a more supportive and empathetic environment for everyone affected by this challenging disorder. Whether you are experiencing OCD yourself or supporting someone who is, compassion, and education are key.For those seeking help, remember that you are not alone. I would love nothing more than to empower you to be your own therapist and teach you evidence-backed strategies to improve your relationship with your anxiety and OCD inside my OCD and Anxiety Recover Blueprint. In the meantime, sign up for this free masterclass where I teach you 5 strategies to help right now!