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Need to Know
OCD symptoms can include intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions) that people use to ease distress.
It can look different for everyone, showing up as repeated hand washing to avoid contamination, checking and rechecking locks or appliances, rituals or behaviors that a person feels anxious about if they can’t complete, or fear of doing something you feel is morally wrong even if you don’t have a desire to do that thing.
OCD often starts in adolescence or early adulthood, but it can affect people at any age.
It’s common for OCD to happen alongside other conditions, such as anxiety or depression, which can make it harder to spot and treat.
Treatment often includes therapy such as exposure and response prevention (ERP), which helps people face their fears without compulsions. Medication is also sometimes used.
Self-care strategies such as mindfulness, yoga, and relaxation can help with anxiety, but they work best alongside professional treatment.
Things to Avoid
Don’t use “OCD” casually to describe being organized or a perfectionist, because it oversimplifies a serious condition.
Avoid overly detailed descriptions of compulsions, such as explaining specific rituals step by step, because it can be distressing or triggering for some people with OCD.
Steer clear of offering quick fixes. Managing OCD takes time, professional guidance, and ongoing effort.
Refrain from assuming what OCD looks like. Not everyone’s experience involves visible behaviors such as cleaning or organizing.
Don’t dismiss someone’s struggle with OCD by suggesting they “just stop overthinking” or “let it go” — it’s not that simple.
Your Opportunity
Use your platform to increase understanding and empathy by highlighting the realities of OCD and debunking common myths.
Share stories of people living with OCD to show that it’s a manageable condition with the right support.
Highlight that OCD can affect anyone, regardless of their background, age, or identity, to ensure that those who aren’t often represented in OCD content feel seen and understood.
Encourage your audience to view seeking help as a step toward relief and empowerment, rather than a sign of weakness.
Remind your audience that supportive friends and family can play a big role in helping someone with OCD feel understood and less isolated.
If sharing your own experience with OCD, emphasize the benefits of treatment and the importance of professional guidance.
Provide resources or links to organizations where people can learn more about OCD and find support.
Resources
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) →
Get info and resources for living with OCD.
Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) →
Learn about OCD and discover ways to find help.
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