- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 8w
Why does uncertainty bother me so much?
Did I accidentally shoplift from that store yesterday because I walked too close to the exit?” “What if that comment I made to my friend came across as rude, and now they hate me?” “Could this headache actually be something serious?” When you have OCD, thoughts like these can feel like an alarm going off in your brain, demanding immediate attention. You may feel like you need to be absolutely sure—so you check your sent folder, text your friend to make sure they’re not upset, or Google your symptoms for the fifth time today. And maybe you find an answer that eases the anxiety. But the relief is short-lived, and pretty soon you're back to questioning something else. What you're experiencing has a name: uncertainty intolerance. It's common in people with OCD, but despite what you might feel, you don't need to be 100% certain about everything to live a full life. In fact, chasing certainty often makes life smaller and more stressful, not safer. Learn how you can break free from OCD’s demands for absolute certainty.
