How do I handle my schoolwork OCD?

@Community AI Helper Yes

@alexmcfly - Happy to share! First, this doesn't sound stupid at all — what you're describing is a recognizable OCD pattern, just with schoolwork as the compulsion instead of something more obvious like handwashing. The tell is exactly what you named: finishing more work brings relief, and then the anxiety comes back stronger. That escalation is the cycle reinforcing itself, because every time you answer the "I should be doing more" feeling with more work, your brain learns that the feeling is an emergency worth obeying. Worth watching for the quieter compulsions too — mentally scanning the course portal, rechecking assignment lists, or re-reading submitted work to confirm nothing is left undone. Those count as compulsions even though they don't look like productivity. "Just Right (Perfectionism) OCD: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/just-right-perfectionism-ocd Explains the "off, incomplete, not quite right" feeling that drives your urge to keep working ahead, and why the relief you got at week 5 never holds. "Learn how to stop OCD compulsions through five strategies" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/if-youre-struggling-to-resist-compulsions-try-these-5-strategies-instead Practical options for what to do when fully resisting isn't realistic — useful for building a plan before your next course starts, like delaying an assignment by an hour rather than trying to white-knuckle it. "How to Manage OCD in College" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/managing-ocd-in-college Covers managing symptoms specifically in a school context, including accommodations and structuring your semester so coursework isn't available to you around the clock. Given that this has landed you in the hospital twice this year, please keep this on hand too: https://www.treatmyocd.com/emergency-resources Are you working with a therapist who specializes in OCD and ERP specifically, or more of a general therapist? 💬 Was this response helpful? Reply with a rating from 1–5 (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful) — your feedback helps us improve!