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.
Imagine you’re leaving for work when a thought strikes: “Did I turn off the stove?” This small worry spirals into fears of the stove catching fire,
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
For many people, there’s nothing more relaxing than curling up with a good book. But for those of us with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
It’s safe to say that most people prefer to avoid feeling uncomfortable—but for those of us with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), discomfort can throw
By Stacy Quick, LPC
"What if…" These two small words can feel suffocating when you’re dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), turning every unanswered question into
By Hannah Overbeek
Remember when parenting seemed like it might involve teaching your child how to tie their shoes, helping them with their homework, and dealing with
By Stacy Quick, LPC
For many people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a harsh voice of self-criticism seems to follow every intrusive thought. It brings on waves of
By Hannah Overbeek
“Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.” This classic quote from “Forrest Gump” rings particularly true for those of
By Stacy Quick, LPC
When people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tell Dr. Patrick McGrath that they can't believe he doesn't have OCD himself, he takes it as the
By Hannah Overbeek
In a world that glorifies being productive, it’s easy to overlook the signs that you’re reaching your limit. Feeling overwhelmed can leave you feeling
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by Diana Matthiessen, LMSW
Humans are creatures of habit—we have a tendency to find solace in our daily routines. However, life can be unpredictable and chaotic, and sometimes we
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
For many of us, the holidays bring more stress than cheer. While the season is often painted as a time of joy and togetherness, it can also highlight
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
The US has seen an enormous surge in mental health awareness in recent years, leading to increased access to virtual therapy. While many teletherapy
By Taneia Surles, MPH
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Sometimes, living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can feel like being trapped inside a prison. Your mind feels like it is in a constant state of
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Many people familiar with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are aware of intrusive thoughts, but the fact is that people living with OCD can also
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
“I think I’m experiencing intrusive thoughts, but they show up as images in my mind rather than words or phrases—are intrusive images even a thing?” Can
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Finding a therapist who understands OCD can be a battle all its own, especially if the high cost of care puts effective treatment out of reach. Mike, a
By Yusra Shah
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
As a therapist specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), parents often ask me “What should I tell other family members?” As a mother to two
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Have you ever had an unwanted thought seemingly appear out of nowhere? Maybe you were crossing a bridge and all of the sudden the thought of driving over
By Jill Webb
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
Few things are more heart-wrenching for a parent than watching their child struggle and being unsure how to help. We often feel our children’s pain so
By Stacy Quick, LPC
Because obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive thoughts—which by nature can be deeply frightening—there is a compelling intersection between horror films and OCD.
By Tabitha Vidaurri