Invisible OCD symptoms

When we think about OCD, many of us think about the way it’s represented in the media. We may think about excessive hand-washing, cleaning, organizing, or other visible behaviors like repeatedly checking things. While all these things are completely valid and real OCD symptoms that many people experience, it's also important to be aware of the multitude of other ways OCD can present, depending on the person and OCD theme. Invisible OCD symptoms can be tricky to spot, especially if we lack awareness of the often subtle ways OCD can show up in our lives. Have you experienced any of these “invisible” symptoms? Which other symptoms would you add?

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Ever12345

Date posted: 20w

Taping objects and feeling the need to touch certain objects.

AJJones

Date posted: 20w

@Ever12345 The biggest symptom for me!!! Tapping until it ‘feels’ right. 🥹🙏

Ever12345

Date posted: 20w

@AJJones Yes that always happens I have to count to like 25, 37, or 111 because some other numbers I consider “unlucky”

AJJones

Date posted: 20w

@Ever12345 😔 Understand perfectly. 🤗 🙏

Mackenzie - ...

Date posted: 19w

@Ever12345 Relatable!

Anonymous

Date posted: 20w

Oh reassurance seeking… how I despise what this does to my relationships. I always feel like I might be secretly a wretched person so I always come off as clingy in an effort to see if anyone really cares for me. It’s a nasty conundrum. This post is literally the story of my life and I feel called out😂.

Mackenzie - ...

Date posted: 19w

@Anonymous Not called out, just seen! 💕

Anonymous89

Date posted: 20w

I count when I do things like boil the kettle or wash shampoo out of my hair

Mackenzie - ...

Date posted: 19w

@Anonymous89 Thank you so much for sharing. I am sure there are so many others who can totally relate!

FreeBird74

Date posted: 20w

Intrusive thoughts have bothered me my entire life it seems. I did not ask for this. 😢

Mackenzie - ...

Date posted: 19w

@FreeBird74 You’ve got this! Please know you are not alone! Thoughts are just thoughts!

lovedog

Date posted: 10d

@FreeBird74 Me too and I’m 63 it’s the worst, but somehow I’ve learned to live with it, this platform has helped me a lot.

Anonymous

Date posted: 19w

I also count count when I have intrusive thoughts or anxiety, start counting until it feels right. Sometimes I even end up worrying the speed I'm counting is not fast enough. So I switch from 12345 style to 5 10 15 20.

Mackenzie - ...

Date posted: 19w

@Anonymous This resonates.

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