Do you think there could be a link between OCD (with its various themes) and some times of uncertainty in life ? Seems like it comes back after changing places, job, finishing studies... (just wondering if it could be our minds trying to deal with the anxiety caused by these types of events)

Now that I think about it... my OCD has always flared up during big changes in my life; when I’m moving, starting studies or finishing studies, starting a new job, etc. That’s when the intrusive thoughts and anxiety usually become stronger. Also when I find myself being bored and demotivated, my OCD tends to flare up then as well.

Agreed. Writing down and preparing yourself can be an excellent way to remind yourself. To quote G.I. Joe, Knowing is half the battle, so being aware of life changes coming up could potentially be a good way to prepare yourself for the inevitable anxiety coming up. Another technique we can apply is dealing with the Anxiety BEHIND the OCD. Anxiety is a close cousin to OCD and they are usually best friends and show up together so alot of techniques that apply to Anxiety have been helping me with dealing with this stuff. In dealing with anxiety, there is something called "content. "Content" is whatever thoughts you may be anxious or obsessing about at the moment of your OCD loop or anxiety. Thing is as long as you give in to responding to the Content, OCD and/or Anxiety win. That's their turf. You are in their homecourt. However, if you recognize and deal with the anxious feelings and stress BEHIND the content and not the content itself. Then you could deal with the anxiety more effectively. This youtube series I've been watching has helped me a ton with a few of the techniques behind it. It is a super informative series and It has helped me so much. As I usually say don't take anything on the internet as 100% true. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqts1uGCm468oPTFWkQ4Ewb4tMUrKYqOC I would love to hear more about some appicable techniques everyone else has come across so please keep them coming. :)

My psychologist has told me the same thing. It usually pops up during times of stress or high change. Some people who have ocd eventually see it as a stress indicator. However that being said, I would never take anything said online as 100% fact so I would say discuss with your therapist and find out their oppinion on it.

Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts and ressources ! It definitely helps :)

I cannot give you a certain answer, since I am not a doctor or psycologist. However, I am also affected by OCD.. it came last year when I was ending an important period in Paris before moving on. Moreover, it came back since July that I am waiting to move on again to a new city (bigger adventure and responsibilities). So I feel you. I am sure we will all get better once we start!

Think you for your answer ! It seems that OCD might appear as a protective mechanism, because it's "easier" for the mind to obsess over something than to face the big uncertainty of life when we feel it stronger... Just some theories, that help to distance myself from thoughts and reconnect I think

So then here's my questions for application. 1. What techniques do we use to remind ourselves it's stress flaring up as OCD when life changes come? Also how do we curb boredom and demotivation? Reason why I'm asking is I also have ADHD which is great when you are focused on something you love, but you can find yourself quickly switching to other things when you feel distracted, bored or not motivated.

I think it could be useful to write it down somewhere, when we know some changes are coming. As a reminder that we can be more sensitive to intrusive thoughts at these times...

I am not familiar with ADHD, don't know if I can help, but I try to plan things (seeing friends or even something very small like going for a walk), just to have something to look forward to... though it is very tricky because OCD usually does not approve...