OCD: Myth or Fact?
What OCD is Really Like (And What It’s Not)
How many times have you heard someone casually say, “I’m so OCD about keeping my kitchen clean,” or “I get really OCD when it comes to organizing my closet”? Phrases like these have become part of everyday language, but they often miss the mark. While they might seem harmless, they reflect a widespread misunderstanding of what Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) truly is.
For people who actually live with OCD, it’s not just about being neat or liking things a certain way. It’s a mental health condition that can be exhausting, time-consuming, and deeply distressing. Hearing it reduced to a personality trait can feel invalidating, and it reinforces stereotypes that make it harder for those with OCD to be seen, understood, and supported. In this post, I want to talk about what OCD really is (and what it’s not). We’ll break down some of the most common misconceptions, dig into the reality of living with OCD, and touch on the stigma that surrounds the disorder. I’ll also share some insight into treatment options, because while OCD can be incredibly challenging, it is also treatable through evidence-based approaches.
What Isn’t OCD?
OCD is often misunderstood, with common misconceptions reducing it to traits like cleanliness, organization, or fear of germs. But the reality is much more complex and far more serious. While someone with OCD might exhibit these traits, they aren’t what defines the disorder in itself. OCD is a diagnosable mental health condition with specific clinical criteria, and making that distinction matters. It’s not something that can be casually assumed, only a licensed mental health professional or medical professional can make an official diagnosis. Being neat or detail-oriented is not the same as living with OCD, and confusing the two can trivialize the real, often painful experiences of those affected. When the disorder is glamorized or treated like a personality trait, it minimizes the very real challenges people with OCD face and spreads harmful stereotypes.
What Is OCD?
OCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) aimed at reducing the distress these thoughts cause. These symptoms can be mentally and physically draining, often interfering significantly with daily life. Intrusive thoughts may appear as sudden images, ideas, or urges that are disturbing and difficult to control. They can take many forms and lead to intense anxiety. Common themes in OCD include contamination, harm, symmetry or order, relationships, sexual orientation, and hoarding. Compulsions are usually performed in response to these obsessions in an attempt to alleviate discomfort - but rather than resolving the anxiety, they tend to reinforce the cycle, offering only short-term relief.
Society would like to think that OCD is always visible - excessive hand washing, strict order and symmetry, or an obsession with cleanliness. And while these behaviors can be part of OCD, they represent only a narrow and often misunderstood piece of the disorder. In reality, many OCD symptoms are invisible. Obsessions can take place entirely within the mind, involving intrusive, unwanted thoughts that are distressing and persistent. These mental intrusions can revolve around taboo or uncomfortable themes, such as harm, sexuality, or morality, which can make them incredibly difficult to talk about.
Treating OCD
Due to widespread misconceptions, many individuals with OCD suffer in silence. They often fear being judged, rejected, or even labeled as dangerous or "crazy" if they disclose their thoughts. The shame and stigma surrounding these internal symptoms can be overwhelming, preventing people from seeking support or professional help. This not only delays diagnosis and treatment but also reinforces the false belief that they are alone in their experience. Raising awareness about the full spectrum of OCD, and emphasizing that unwanted thoughts do not reflect a person’s values or intentions is critical to reducing this stigma and encouraging compassion and understanding.
Living with OCD can cause immense distress, and the good part is - there is a way to learn to understand your OCD and allow it to work for you rather than against you. There are many evidence-based and effective treatment methods to approach OCD symptoms. Two of the most well-supported therapies are Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ERP involves gradually facing feared thoughts or situations while resisting the urge to perform compulsions, helping retrain the brain to tolerate uncertainty and discomfort. ACT, on the other hand, emphasizes accepting intrusive thoughts without judgment and committing to values-based actions rather than avoidance or engaging with compulsions. Therapy can be challenging at first, but over time, it empowers individuals to reclaim their lives from OCD’s grip.
Sometimes OCD feels like it takes control of you and defines you, but you are so much more than your OCD. Reach out to Health in Tandem today to get started with your own unique journey towards increased acceptance of all parts of yourself, even OCD.