Explaining Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

You’ve probably heard someone say, “I’m so OCD,” when talking about being particular or tidy. But true Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is much more than a quirky habit or a preference for order. It’s a serious mental health condition that can have a major impact on daily life. Let’s break down what OCD really is, how it develops, and what you can do if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

What Is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterised by a pattern of unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions) that you feel driven to perform. It’s like your brain gets stuck in a loop, telling you that something bad will happen unless you act on these compulsions. The thoughts and actions are often distressing, and even though a part of you knows they’re irrational, it feels nearly impossible to resist.

The hallmark of OCD is that these obsessions and compulsions interfere with your life—they’re not just little quirks. For example, someone with OCD might spend hours checking whether the door is locked or washing their hands repeatedly, even to the point where it causes pain or inconvenience. It’s not about wanting things to be just right; it’s about feeling a deep sense of anxiety unless you perform these actions.

How Does OCD Start?

OCD can begin at any age, but it often develops during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. While there’s no single cause, it’s thought to be a mix of genetic, neurological, behavioural, and environmental factors. Some people may be more genetically predisposed to developing OCD, especially if they have family members with anxiety disorders or OCD themselves.

Often, the onset of OCD can be triggered by stress, trauma, or significant life changes. For some, it starts gradually, with occasional obsessive thoughts that turn into more frequent worries. For others, it might begin suddenly, following a major event. Either way, OCD grows when the brain links specific behaviours with relief from anxiety, which reinforces the compulsion.

What Drives OCD?

At its core, OCD is driven by anxiety. The obsessions create a huge sense of discomfort, fear, or unease, and the compulsions provide temporary relief. But here’s the tricky part: by performing these compulsions, you unintentionally strengthen the OCD cycle. The more you act on compulsions, the more your brain starts to believe they are necessary to keep you safe or prevent bad things from happening.

“Compulsions offer temporary relief, but in the long run, they keep the anxiety alive. The more you give in, the stronger the OCD becomes.”

OCD can be triggered by many different types of obsessions. For some, it’s about contamination—fearing germs or illness. For others, it’s a fear of harming themselves or others, even though they have no real desire to do so. Some people might be obsessed with order, symmetry, or doubts that they’ve made a mistake. These obsessive thoughts feel overwhelming, and the compulsions—whether it’s cleaning, checking, counting, or mentally replaying things—are the brain’s way of trying to manage the anxiety.

How Does OCD Continue?

OCD tends to stick around because of the relief people get from their compulsions. It’s a bit like scratching an itch—at first, it feels good, but in the long run, it only makes the itch worse. This is called the OCD cycle. Obsessions cause anxiety, which leads to compulsions for relief, but the compulsions end up reinforcing the anxiety.

Let’s say you have an obsession about germs. You touch something in a public place and immediately feel anxious, convinced that you’re now contaminated. To ease that anxiety, you wash your hands. It helps—temporarily. But next time you’re in a similar situation, the anxiety kicks in even stronger, making you feel like you need to wash your hands again—and maybe for even longer this time. The more you engage in the compulsion, the more the OCD loop is reinforced.

“OCD thrives on the anxiety-compulsion cycle. The more you try to get rid of the anxiety through compulsions, the stronger the disorder becomes.”

What Should You Do If You Feel This Way?

If you’re reading this and thinking, this sounds a lot like me, know that you’re not alone, and help is available. OCD can feel incredibly isolating, but millions of people experience it, and there are ways to manage it effectively.

1. Seek Professional Help: The first and most important step is to reach out to a mental health professional. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), particularly a specific form called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is highly effective for treating OCD. ERP helps you gradually face your fears without performing the compulsion, breaking the cycle and teaching your brain that the feared outcome is unlikely to happen.

2. Educate Yourself: Understanding OCD can be incredibly empowering. The more you learn about how OCD works, the better equipped you’ll be to recognise its patterns and challenge them. Resources like books, websites, or support groups can offer valuable insight and support.

3. Practise Self-Compassion: Living with OCD can be exhausting. You might feel frustrated, ashamed, or angry at yourself for not being able to stop the thoughts or behaviours. It’s important to practise kindness and self-compassion. Remind yourself that OCD is a medical condition, not a personal failure.

4. Resist the Urge to Engage in Compulsions: Easier said than done, I know! But one of the key strategies in managing OCD is learning to sit with the anxiety without giving in to compulsions. The more you resist the compulsions, the weaker they become over time.

5. Build a Support Network: Talk to trusted friends, family, or a therapist about what you’re going through. OCD can feel incredibly isolating, but having a support system can make all the difference.

OCD can feel like a never-ending battle, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to face it alone. Understanding what drives OCD and how it keeps going is the first step toward breaking free from its grip. With the right support and treatment, it’s absolutely possible to regain control and live a fulfilling life, even with OCD.

If you recognise these symptoms in yourself, reach out for help. The earlier you start addressing OCD, the easier it will be to manage. Take it one step at a time, and remember—you’re not defined by your thoughts or compulsions. You’ve got this.

Disclaimer: The resources provided on this site are for educational purposes only and are not intended as a replacement for professional therapy, counselling, or medical care. Please consult with a licensed mental health clinician for any personal concerns or questions. In case of a crisis, contact emergency services immediately.