Living with OCD
We're creating resources to help people learn about OCD in the many ways it impacts their own lives—not just what it looks like on paper. You can search our resources to determine when your intrusive thoughts may be related to OCD.
We live in a world where it’s rare to scroll through social media without seeing a catchy ad for a new online therapy company. For many, the increase in
By Stephen Smith
Reviewed by Patrick McGrath, PhD
Should you tell your employer about your diagnosis — and, if so, how?
By Leeron Hoory
Reviewed by Dr. Keara Valentine
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an incredibly common mental health disorder, affecting millions in the United States alone. OCD features a
By Dr. Keara Valentine
When people think of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), excessive hand-washing or spending hours cleaning are common stereotypes. But whether you think
By Dr. Keara Valentine
Many people who struggle with recurrent thoughts, images, or urges that are intrusive and unwanted (i.e., obsessions) notice that they respond to these
By Teda Kokoneshi, LMHC, CCTP
Reviewed by April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
What are safety behaviors, or safety-seeking behaviors? They are anything we do to help us feel better and safer when facing the “threats” that
By April Kilduff, MA, LCPC
When you’re living with obsessive-compulsive disorder, it can feel like an endless cycle of distress. Many forms of OCD therapy seem to perpetuate this
By Dr. Keara Valentine
Here's the best way to overcome them.
By Dr. Keara Valentine
Reassurance seeking in relationships can be a toxic cycle for people with OCD. Here’s a better way to respond.
By Leeron Hoory
Reviewed by Dr. Keara Valentine
If you have obsessive-compulsive disorder, it’s common to wonder how or why it developed.
By Dr. Keara Valentine
Magical thinking exposures are the first step in ERP therapy. The next step is to address compulsions.
By Dr. Keara Valentine
While it’s difficult to predict when or how OCD will worsen, stress, comorbidities and life circumstances can all play a significant role.
By Dr. Keara Valentine
Contamination OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) where a person experiences obsessive thoughts around fears of becoming contaminated,
By Dr. Keara Valentine
Yoga has been found to help people manage their stress levels, improve their mood and even reduce symptoms of depression. Yoga can also help manage
By Patrick McGrath, PhD
Reviewed by Dr. Keara Valentine
The road I took to become a Member Advocate at NOCD was one that I could never foresee. My journey began with a car accident I was involved in at the age
By Kerry Osborn
When it comes to treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), not all forms of therapy are equally beneficial. There are many types of therapy available,
By Dr. Keara Valentine
Upon starting college, Mollie Albanese found herself in an uncomfortable situation: an unfamiliar dorm room, with two unfamiliar girls, in an unfamiliar
By Patrick McGrath, PhD
Reviewed by Mollie Albanese
The term obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, has a long history and has been understood, treated and interpreted in a wide variety of ways before
By Patrick McGrath, PhD
Reviewed by Dr. Keara Valentine
Any new setting or situation can exacerbate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms, but it is often most evident in college. In this exciting, yet
By Dr. Keara Valentine
Whether it’s long hours of studying or succeeding in extracurriculars, the pressures of school can already be immensely stressful. And from elementary
By Dr. Keara Valentine