Living with OCD
We're creating resources to help people learn about OCD in the many ways it impacts their own lives—not just what it looks like on paper. You can search our resources to determine when your intrusive thoughts may be related to OCD.
Picking your skin is not a sure-fire sign of a mental health condition. Many people engage in skin picking behavior from time to time, such as when they
By Dr. Keara Valentine
As a therapist, when I first meet someone new for treatment, I start by saying that discomfort and anxiety are just feelings — not unlike any other
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
As both a mother and a therapist who treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), I have been thinking a lot about all the ways in which my OCD has
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
As we approach the summer, many people with OCD may be planning to travel. Vacation can be a time of great anticipation and joy for many people, a time to
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions indicate a pressing need for improved access and quality of behavioral health
By Grant Stoddard
Social media has exploded in recent years. It's become a space where opinions are shared, trends are born, and relationships are developed. We’re
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Anxiety is worry, nervousness or unease about something that’s on your mind. Everyone worries or feels anxiety at some point in their lives — students on
By Davida Vaughn, M.S., Ed.S., LPC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
You hear an awful lot about “intrusive thoughts” as one of the key components of obsessive-compulsive disorder (it’s the “obsessive” part). But did you
By April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
If someone asked you what your values are, how would you answer? Whether it’s compassion, honesty, loyalty, or kindness, our values are a fundamental
By Stacy Quick, LPC
A quickening pulse, rapid breathing, spiraling thoughts—a panic attack can be intense, both mentally and physically. The sudden feelings of fear and
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Shorter days, colder weather, and cloudy skies can all lead to a drop in a person’s mood or energy level and for people with OCD, they may also lead to an
By Stacy Quick, LPC
“I shouldn’t have said that…now everyone’s probably judging me.” “They’re looking at me. Do I have something in my teeth?” “I’m going to say I feel sick
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Have you ever felt like you were all alone in your struggles with OCD? Like the intrusive thoughts or compulsions you were experiencing were too shameful
By Stacy Quick, LPC
If your memories are the story of your life, you can think of OCD as an uninvited co-author. While almost everyone questions their memories from time to
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Intrusive thoughts can feel overwhelming and anxiety-provoking under any circumstances, but especially when they revolve around doing something you don’t
By Stacy Quick, LPC
There’s no question that untreated OCD can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Symptoms of the condition can be exhausting to manage. The distress
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Living with untreated OCD can be brutal. You wake up in the morning, begin obsessing immediately, and then go to sleep twelve hours later hoping your next
By Stephen Smith
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Consistent self-criticism. A desire for constant structure and organization. A deep fear of making mistakes or falling short of self-imposed or perceived
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Sometimes, OCD’s nature to attack what we value the most paints a target on our romantic relationships—and when it does, it can feel especially
By Stacy Quick, LPC
All too often, OCD makes people feel isolated and alone. When you’re facing these feelings, having a support system you can turn to makes all the
By Stacy Quick, LPC