Understanding OCD Beyond the Stereotypes
When people hear "OCD," they often picture someone who’s overly clean or obsessively organized. But Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is much more than that. For many, it’s a private mental battle of intrusive thoughts and exhausting rituals—done not for pleasure, but to feel safe or in control.
OCD Is More Than You Think
Obsessions are not just worries—they’re persistent, distressing thoughts or mental images you don’t want. Compulsions are the actions (physical or mental) you feel forced to do in response. You may:
Re-check things over and over (doors, messages, memories)
Mentally “undo” bad thoughts or repeat phrases to neutralize fear
Avoid people or situations for fear of harm or contamination
Struggle with “just right” feelings—things don’t feel done until they’re perfect
The Hidden Forms of OCD
Some people live with Pure O (purely obsessional OCD), where the compulsions happen mostly in the mind. This might include:
Fear of being a “bad person”
Constant rumination about relationships, morality, or harm
Religious scrupulosity (common in ex-Mormon or faith-transitioning clients)
Why It Feels So Hard
OCD hijacks the brain’s fear system. You might know the thoughts aren’t true or logical, but your nervous system doesn't feel safe unless you perform the compulsion. This creates a powerful feedback loop that feels impossible to break.
Treatment That Helps (And What Doesn’t)
Contrary to popular belief, reassurance or logic doesn’t fix OCD—in fact, it can make it worse. The gold standard treatment is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which helps you face the fear without performing the compulsion, retraining your brain and body to tolerate uncertainty.
At Found, we understand the nuance of OCD, especially when it’s tied to identity, religion, or trauma. We provide evidence-based treatment in a safe, gender-inclusive space—helping you break free from the loops and reclaim your peace of mind.
Offices located in Provo, UT | Online help available across Utah
