Irritability

This is so valid!! OCD is often referred to as a "bully" for this reason. When intrusive thoughts start getting in the way of you enjoying your day to day life and interrupting moments that could otherwise feel peaceful and relaxing, it's perfectly understandable to feel irritated. I'm glad you're embracing this and letting yourself call out the irritable, grumpy feelings, even if it was just for a moment. Here are some NOCD articles on this topic, if you'd like some added information and tools: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-anger-and-rage-associated-with-ocd | https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/can-ocd-make-you-angry-anger-management-fear. If you are struggling with this on your own, I hope you know that help is available - feel free to reach out to us here at NOCD to see how we might be able to assist.

I do too! It comes from my anxiety and frustration with OCD. Like "Why now?!!! Go away!"

I do too. And I take it out on everyone around me. And then when it’s over, I’m like “Why was I so mean!” And then I end up apologizing and it becomes a whole different thing lol

Totally understandable—and you are so not alone in that. When you’re in the middle of a flare-up, your brain and body are already under so much stress from the anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or compulsions that your tolerance for anything else drops way down. Irritability and grumpiness are super common responses to that overload, even though they’re frustrating. Try to give yourself a little grace here—it’s not a reflection of who you are as a person, it’s just a signal that your system is overwhelmed. You’re doing hard work, and your brain is tired. The key is noticing it like you just did (huge win!) and finding ways to slow down and reset when you can. You’ve got this, even on the grumpy days!