Some celebrities with OCD

OCD is often highly misunderstood and stigmatized, and people often spend years—even decades—before learning that they have the condition. When people finally figure out that what they struggle with has a name, it can give them a completely fresh perspective. So how do people actually end up finding out that they have OCD? Here are some of the most common ways that people share with us: Searching their thoughts online. It’s very common for people to learn about OCD by Googling some of the thoughts or behaviors they’ve experienced. This can involve anything from looking for reassurance (“Is it normal to check on my baby every hour at night?”) to searching for information about OCD specifically (“Do I have OCD?”). Word of mouth. Other people’s experiences can be powerful and illuminating. It’s not uncommon for people to recognize their own OCD symptoms by speaking with a family member who also struggles with the condition, a coworker who received ERP therapy in the past, or a friend who shares their own intrusive thoughts. Social media. It’s probably not surprising to hear that social media has allowed many people to learn about others with similar experiences. Whether it’s from a personal story on TikTok or someone setting the record straight in the comments of a misinformed Facebook post, social media makes a wide range of information about OCD accessible. Podcasts, TV, and movies. Many popular podcasts about mental health or even related topics like parenting can give people access to information about OCD. And while many depictions of OCD in TV shows and movies are inaccurate or rely on stereotypes, they can lead people to recognize real OCD symptoms in their own lives. Mental healthcare providers or doctors. While it’s not uncommon, people find out that they have OCD from clinical sources less often than you’d think. When they do, it can come after years of confusion, misdiagnosis, and seeing several different providers in a search for answers. How did you first learn that you might have OCD? Reply with your own story below.

OCD/ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is very common in teenagers and young adults today. It’s an anxiety disorder with LOADS of symptoms. You wonder if you actually have it? Well, let’s review a few symptoms, comment if you have any! 1. Compulses- Do you ever get a thought of something bad happening if you don’t do something? Ex: “If i don’t turn off the lights three times, i might die..”, etc. This is probably one of the most common OCD symptoms, and it’s the formation of OCD, if you have compulses you probably have OCD. 2. Obsessive checking- Do you think you need to constantly make sure your lights were turned on, you locked your doors, you turned off your oven? This is obsessive checking. Ex: “What if my stove is still on? Will my house burn down? If my doors not locked, what if someone gets in? What if my lights are still on and my power goes out and i can’t see?”, etc. 3. Contamination- Do you fear germs or getting sick? You might have emetophobia, or germophobia or OCD, or ADD but if you always wash your hands before eating, sanitize often, fear vomit, it’s a symptom of OCD! 4. Perfectionism- Oh perfectionism, what everyone things OCD is ALL ABOUT! Yes, this is apart of it, but not quite. Perfectionism is like a phobia, or you might just be very organized! You might be obsessed with cleaning which can and may be part though! But this is not a SUPER common symptom! 5. Lonely OCD- You think everyone hates you and your a failure, your this and your that? First of all, your not. Take a breath. I love you. Second of all, this is a common symptom, it’s in a lot of OCD cases. You could also have mono phobia or depression, but you’ll get through this! Don’t stress it please please please! You’re okay!! Trust me, you’re extremely loved my sweetheart. 6. Your family has it- Does your family have OCD and you have a lot of symptoms and don’t know if you have it but fear you do? You might, sadly, i got mine from genetics and it got worse after stress. Surround yourself with a healthy environment like i have always, have supportive friends, you got this!! We will face OCD together and kick it in the butt!! (DM me or comment on this for help with this confusing situation or someone to talk to).