OCD: Understanding a Misunderstood Condition

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that’s often misrepresented in everyday conversation. It’s not about being overly tidy or liking things a certain way—it’s a cycle of intrusive thoughts and anxiety-driven behaviors that can be deeply distressing.

OCD has two main components: obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that pop into a person’s mind and create anxiety or discomfort. These can involve fears of contamination, worries about causing harm, or doubts about whether something has been done “right.”

Compulsions are the actions a person feels driven to perform to ease that anxiety. Some compulsions are visible—like washing hands repeatedly, checking locks, or redoing tasks until they feel “just right.” But many compulsions happen internally.

Internal Checking Behaviors

Not all compulsions involve physical actions. Internal checking behaviors are mental rituals done silently in response to intrusive thoughts. This can include mentally reviewing past events to “make sure” nothing bad happened, replaying conversations to confirm you didn’t say the wrong thing, or scanning your body and feelings to check if you’re a “good” person. These mental loops can be just as time-consuming and exhausting as outward compulsions, even though they’re invisible to others.

Finding Support

OCD can significantly impact daily life, but it is treatable. Therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are especially effective. 

Understanding what OCD truly is—including the internal struggles that often go unseen—helps reduce stigma and makes space for compassion. With the right support, people with OCD can manage symptoms and lead fulfilling, meaningful lives.