What is OCD?

This video provides a personal account of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), highlighting the distressing obsessions and compulsions that characterize the condition. It emphasizes the impact of OCD on daily life and the importance of seeking treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication, to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

No matter what I tried, the thoughts kept coming. I had horrible thoughts about hurting my fiancé. The only thing that made them go away was counting by tens. I knew I unplugged my curling iron every morning. I was positive I did. But as soon as I got out the door, the thoughts started—thoughts that I left it on and that it would start a fire. I had to go back and check again and again. My apartment building has a speed bump on the way out. Every time I drove over it, I was terrified I ran someone over. I had to turn around, get out, and check. I never got out of my parking lot. Every public surface I touched felt full of germs. The only way I'd feel better was to wash my hands. I did it 20 times a day sometimes, sometimes even more. These are the voices of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. OCD is a serious condition that causes great distress and really impacts people's lives. People become overwhelmed by their thoughts and anxiety and feel like hostages to the rituals that help take away that anxiety. I know. One of these voices is mine. People with OCD experience obsessions, which are specific thoughts that are intense and intrusive. People don't choose to have them, and they're often very distressing. Obsessions make it hard to concentrate or get anything done. A lot of times these thoughts are about germs or safety, but they could be about anything, really. In my case, it was my curling iron. If you asked me, I would tell you I know I unplugged it. I remember doing it. But the thoughts that I didn't were so strong, telling me I left it on. It was so scary, and it made me feel unsafe, like my house might burn down, all because of my curling iron. The second symptom of OCD is compulsions. These are ritual behaviors, and people with OCD do them to help deal with the anxiety, horror, or distress they feel because of their obsessive thoughts. There are many types of compulsive behaviors, but they often focus on washing or cleaning, checking on things for safety, or repeating words or numbers. In my case, I had to check on that curling iron. I came back to my house, went upstairs, saw it was unplugged, left again for work, and then I would repeat it, all over again. It was really tough for me to get to work on any given day. I knew I didn't need to do this at all, but it felt totally out of control. There's good news. OCD can be managed with the right treatment and support. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication can help people with OCD regain control over their lives. It's important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with OCD. You're not alone, and there are resources available to help you cope and live a fulfilling life.