Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be difficult to understand for many reasons, even for someone who lives with the disorder. That’s why at Stone River Behavioral Health, we strive to educate our patients and community about the signs of OCD and mental health, and knowing when to seek help. OCD is a common disorder that affects millions of Americans. It causes repeated, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that someone feels the urge to perform over and over. When someone lives with OCD and doesn’t get treatment, it can cause problems in relationships, work, or school, and every aspect of day-to-day life.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of OCD is the first step to getting better. If you or someone you love is experiencing unwanted thoughts and difficult behaviors, you’re not alone. Help is available. Here are some of the most common signs of OCD and what you can do about them.
Understanding the Biggest Signs of OCD
Not everyone with OCD has the same symptoms. Everyone experiences thoughts and behaviors differently, but there are signs you can look out for if you think you might have OCD.
You Have Repeated, Obsessive Thoughts
You have frequent obsessive thoughts about fears that won’t go away. These fears are unwanted and cause you significant amounts of stress or anxiety. OCD intrusive thoughts can include fears about contamination, checking, needing things to be symmetrical or in a perfect order, fear of hurting yourself or others, etc. What makes these thoughts obsessive is the fact that you think them over and over again.
You feel like you can’t control what you’re thinking about. For example, maybe you constantly worry that you left the stove on even though you triple-checked it, or you have this incessant thought that you are going to hurt yourself OR someone you love, even though you’re not actually in danger of doing so.
You Perform Repetitive Behaviors or Rituals That Take up a Lot of Your Time
To try to remedy obsessive thoughts, someone with OCD will perform compulsions. Some compulsions include cleaning, checking, counting, and ordering things. You may feel better for a few minutes after performing one of your rituals, but eventually feel the need to perform it again.
These behaviors take up much of your time, make you feel out of control, and disrupt your daily life. If you catch yourself repeating behaviors or mental rituals over and over to avoid “feeling bad” or upsetting your timeline, you may have OCD and want to reach out for help.
You Have an Extreme Need for Things to be Known or Certain
OCD makes it hard for you to deal with gray areas or questions with unknown answers. You might engage in compulsive behaviors to try to eliminate your anxiety or get an answer you’re looking for. Someone with OCD will often have trouble making decisions, problem-solving, or moving forward with life because they can’t accept that there’s always a chance their choice may be wrong.
Your OCD is affecting your relationships or your daily life
Maybe you hate hugging your friends or family because you’re scared of germs. Maybe you constantly clean yourself or your home so much that you spend hours alone every day doing so. Your OCD might make you constantly late for work or miss deadlines you really want to meet. You hate that you’re late or don’t do the things you want to, but you just can’t help it. OCD can make you feel angry at yourself, overwhelmed, tired, and much more. If your OCD is causing problems for you at home or work (or both!) it may be time to seek professional OCD treatment.
What to Do About OCD
If you or someone you care about has exhibited signs of OCD, it’s important to remember that you are not alone and there is help. OCD can be treated, and with the proper assistance, someone can learn how to stop the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors to reclaim their confidence and live life to the fullest. When deciding what steps to take next, keep the following in mind:
Get Outside Support
Seeking treatment from a mental health professional who specializes in OCD is the first and most important step to take when learning how to stop OCD behaviors. At Stone River Behavioral Health, our OCD treatment focuses on evidence-based and therapeutic approaches that will allow you to understand and manage obsessive-compulsive behaviors. Through talk therapy, increased self-awareness, and techniques, we’ll address what causes your OCD and how to manage it in a safe space without judgment.
Treatment Options
CBT or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most common and effective forms of OCD treatment. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of CBT that focuses on facing your triggers and learning how to cope with the obsessive thoughts you’ll come across while resisting the compulsions you want to indulge in. With time and practice, you can learn how to stop these obsessive thoughts from taking over.
If your OCD is severe or causing problems in your day-to-day life, your doctor may also recommend medication. Anti-depressants like SSRIs can help correct your brain chemistry when it comes to obsessive thoughts and anxiety. Many people also look to holistic forms of care like mindfulness, meditation, and stress-relieving practices to manage OCD.
Learn More about OCD
One of the most empowering steps you can take when learning how to stop OCD is to educate yourself on everything you can about the disorder. Why does your OCD act up? What triggers it? What are your responses? Learning how your OCD works will allow you to feel more in control when these thoughts arise. Through therapy, you will work on your self-awareness surrounding your triggers and what you can do when they occur.
Find a Support System
While it may feel like no one will understand what you’re going through, that’s not true! Reaching out to loved ones can be a great way to feel supported and comforted by those who care about you. If you don’t know how to bring up OCD to someone you care about, consider speaking with a therapist about your concerns, and they can assist you in finding the right words.
Reach Out for Help When You See the Signs of OCD
Recognizing the signs of OCD is the first step, but taking action is just as vital. If obsessions or compulsions have begun to interfere with your daily routines, relationships, or sense of peace, seeking professional help can guide you toward relief and recovery.
At Stone River Behavioral Health, we understand how overwhelming OCD can feel, but we also know that with the right care, you can reclaim control of your life. Through individualized care plans, compassionate support, and holistic approaches, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD, don’t wait to seek help. Our team at Stone River Behavioral Health is ready to help you navigate this journey and provide effective, evidence-based solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our OCD treatment options and how we can help you build a brighter, more balanced future. Reach out to us today—we’re here to support and guide you every step of the way.