What OCD Really Is—Breaking Down The Myths and Misconceptions
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by a cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause intense anxiety or distress. These thoughts often feel disturbing, irrational, or even shameful — but they’re not something a person chooses to have.
Example: “What if I hit someone with my car and didn’t realize it?” or “If I don’t turn the light on and off exactly five times, something bad will happen.”
Compulsions are behaviors or mental rituals done to try to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions — or to prevent a feared outcome.
Example: excessive handwashing, checking things repeatedly, counting, praying silently, or avoiding certain situations entirely.
The compulsions might provide short-term relief, but they keep the cycle going in the long run — and can become time-consuming, painful, exhausting, and for some, completely debilitating. This condition is often stigmatized and minimized in the public eye, so let’s talk about some myths and misconceptions.
Myth #1: OCD is Just About Being Clean or Organized
🧼 The truth: While OCD can involve cleanliness or order, it’s not about simply liking things tidy. It’s about intrusive thoughts and compulsions — rituals or behaviors done to relieve intense anxiety.
For someone with OCD, cleaning might feel urgent, distressing, and never-ending — not satisfying or relaxing.
Example: A person might scrub their hands raw, not because they like being clean, but because they’re terrified something terrible will happen if they don’t.
Myth #2: People With OCD “Just Worry Too Much”
🧠 The truth: OCD isn’t typical worry — it’s made up of intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause distress, and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) done to try to make the anxiety go away.
This could look like:
Checking the stove 15 times before leaving the house
Silently repeating phrases to “neutralize” a scary thought
Mentally replaying conversations to make sure nothing inappropriate was said
It’s exhausting — and not something someone can “just stop.”
Myth #3: OCD is Obvious — You’d Know if Someone Had It
👀 The truth: Many people with OCD suffer in silence. Compulsions aren’t always visible — they can be mental rituals or avoidance behaviors.
You might never see their struggle — but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.
Think: someone appearing calm on the outside but silently battling terrifying thoughts they believe say something awful about who they are.
Myth #4: OCD is Rare
📊 The truth: OCD affects about 2–3% of the population — that’s millions of people. And many go undiagnosed for years, especially if their symptoms don’t fit the stereotypical image.
Myth #5: OCD is About Control
⚖️ The truth: OCD isn’t about trying to control others or being uptight — it’s about managing internal fear and distress. People with OCD often feel out of control, not in control.
The compulsions aren’t about perfectionism — they’re about survival.
So, What Is OCD, Really?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition marked by:
Obsessions: persistent, intrusive, unwanted thoughts or urges
Compulsions: behaviors or rituals performed to try to neutralize the distress
It’s not a quirk. It’s not a personality trait. It’s not a joke.
OCD can be deeply disruptive, time-consuming, and emotionally exhausting — but the good news? It’s also treatable.
OCD Is Real — and So Is Recovery
Effective treatments like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, can make a huge difference. With the right support, people with OCD can reduce the power of their thoughts, break the compulsion cycle, and reclaim their lives.
If you or someone you love is struggling with symptoms of OCD, you’re not alone — and help is out there.
A Final Word
Words matter. When we casually misuse terms like “OCD,” we unintentionally contribute to stigma and misunderstanding. For those struggling with it, the pain of this disorder can be immeasurable. But when we learn the truth — and share it — we create space for empathy, support, and healing.
