Intuition vs. Anxiety: How therapists spot the difference
It’s confusing to feel like you can’t always tell the difference between anxiety and what you “really” want. Here's what you should know.
Learn moreWhat if my intrusive thoughts are real?
Since intrusive thoughts can be so disturbing, it's horrifying to worry that they could be real or true. But how can you know for sure?
Learn moreWhy do I have superstitions about my nose itching? A therapist weighs in
Superstitions are common, but what you have a particular one about your nose itching? Is that a sign of a bigger mental health issue?
Learn moreThe Relationship Between OCD and ADHD – Are they connected?
OCD and ADHD are two different conditions, but they can look like each other, and sometimes even occur at the same time.
Learn moreWhat are intrusive thoughts, and are they normal?
Everyone has intrusive thoughts from time to time. But sometimes they can signal a mental health issue that you can get help for.
Learn moreWhat is maladaptive perfectionism, and when is it a problem?
Lots of people call themselves perfectionists, or “Type A.” But when it interferes with your life, it could be a sign of maladaptive perfectionism or OCD.
Learn moreHow to deal with postpartum intrusive thoughts – Advice from a therapist
As a new parent, it’s often perfectly normal to have intrusive thoughts about your baby. But if they hang around, it may be time to seek help.
Learn moreIs nail-biting a sign of OCD?
Is nail-biting a sign of OCD? Learn about OCD & body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), get expert insights on treatment options.
Learn moreIs it normal to only sleep with background noise? I’m afraid of the silence
Many people like sleeping with background noise. For some, though, it can cause intense anxiety. Here’s how to get help.
Learn moreI’m afraid of confrontation. How can I get more confident?
Most people don’t exactly enjoy confrontation. But for some, it could be a sign of a mental health disorder like OCD.
Learn moreCould skin-picking be a sign of ADHD or anxiety?
Skin picking can be associated with several conditions, butwhen it interferes in your day-to-day life, it may also be a body-focused repetitive behavior.
Learn moreWhat is Compulsive Skin Picking?
Is skin picking a sign of OCD? And what are the treatment options?
Learn more“I’m having disturbing postpartum thoughts. What could be going on?”
Becoming a new parent is an exciting and stressful time—and can trigger worrisome thoughts. Here’s how to know what’s normal and when to reach out for help.
Learn morePhone call anxiety: 6 things it could mean
Here’s what I’ve learned about why so many folks—including people I've worked with—can feel panic about phone calls.
Learn moreHow can I overcome my anxious attachment style?
While having an anxious attachment style is a valid experience, it’s possible that what you’re feeling is something more.
Learn moreShould I get help for functional tics? What experts say
Learn about the symptoms of functional tics, how to tell if you should seek help, and the best way to treat them.
Learn moreIs making up scenarios in your head a mental illness? An expert weighs in
Worried that something may be wrong? Read about conditions to know about, when to get help, and what treatment is available.
Learn moreCan OCD cause hallucinations? Here’s what experts say
Explore the possible link between OCD and hallucinations. Gain expert insights into this complex mental phenomenon.
Learn moreCan OCD make it hard to make decisions?
Learn how obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects decision-making, and the treatment available to regain control.
Learn moreI’m constantly checking my email. How can I stop?
We’re all constantly online, but when does your need to check email cross over into a more serious issue?
Learn moreI’m obsessed with social media. How can I stop?
If social media becomes something that you devote more time than you'd like to, it could be a symptom of a mental health issue.
Learn moreI’m always afraid of wetting my pants. What’s going on?
If you feel anxious about leaving the house because you fear wetting your pants, read on for expert help.
Learn moreCan social anxiety be treated without medication?
It’s valid to prefer treatment without medication, but stigma about psychiatric medications can keep people from effective care.
Learn moreIs overthinking the same thing as anxiety? A therapist’s take
The relationship between overthinking and anxiety, and when they might indicate something that you should seek help for.
Learn moreAm I faking my mental illness? Advice from a therapist
Mental illness is very real, even if it’s not visible. But that alone may not be enough to satisfy your doubts. Here's what you should know.
Learn moreWhy do I stare at people so much? A therapist’s advice
If you find it hard to stop staring at others—or feel like you are—you might be wondering whether something else is going on.
Learn moreWhy am I always repeating words in my head? Advice from a therapist
If a word or phrase keeps repeating in your head and causes you distress, it may be a sign of OCD. Here's how you can tell.
Learn moreHow to deal with uncertainty – Advice from a therapist
In a world with so many uncontrollable factors, how do you not cling to certainty? Believe it or not, you can learn to accept it.
Learn moreHow can I tell if I’m a manipulator? A therapist explains
If you have a fear that you’re manipulating others, chances are that you’re not actually the bad person you might worry that you are.
Learn moreMy dreams are always depressing. Is there anything I can do?
Dreaming can be an intense experience—if you can’t brush off feelings of sadness or anxiety in the morning, you’re not alone.
Learn moreDo autistic people have obsessions? What therapists say
Autistic people may often enjoy giving a lot of attention to certain subjects, or activities. But are these obsessions?
Learn moreCan separation anxiety be a mental health concern?
If being apart from your parents, child, partner, or other important person in your life makes you extremely anxious, there may be something else at play.
Learn moreHow can I stop being a people pleaser? Advice from a therapist
People-pleasing is often a long-ingrained habit, possibly reinforced by years of being praised for your behaviors—but it's not always healthy.
Learn moreWhy do I pick at my scalp until it bleeds? Advice from a therapist
Popping a pimple or scratching a scab is nothing to worry about, but if it’s causing skin damage or other distress, here’s what may be going on.
Learn moreIs repetitive tapping a sign of OCD? What experts say
If your tapping habit is negatively impacting your life it might be important for you to seek help. Here's where you can find it.
Learn moreWhy do I pick at my scabs? A therapist explains
If you spend an excessive amount of time picking at your scabs, rest assured that there are answers for you. You can access expert help.
Learn moreWhy Am I Always Sniffing Myself? Advice From a Therapist
What seems like a harmless habit can cause a lot of disruption in your life–especially if you have OCD. Here's what you can do about it.
Learn moreExamples of Compulsive Behavior and How to Identify the Signs
If you’ve ever felt like you just had to do something—regardless of the consequence—you’ve just displayed a compulsive behavior.
Learn moreWhy are my intrusive thoughts so disturbing? Advice from an expert
If you have disturbing intrusive thoughts, you can find yourself asking, “Is something wrong with me?" Here's how therapists approach them.
Learn moreIntrusive thoughts at night: What do they mean and how can I deal with them?
Getting intrusive thoughts at night? Learn why these thoughts may occur at night, how to deal with them and potential links to OCD.
Learn moreIntrusive Thoughts During Sex—Is it OCD?
Learn if intrusive thoughts during sex indicate OCD or another mental health condition, and when to seek help. Get expert insights from NOCD.
Learn moreCan OCD cause intrusive dreams?
Learn about whether OCD causes intrusive dreams, triggers that might make intrusive dreams more likely, and how they can be dealt with in treatment.
Learn moreAre you antisocial? How you can tell, according to experts
Being shy, quiet, or introverted should never be confused with having antisocial personality disorder. Here’s why.
Learn moreOCD vs. Paranoia: How Therapists Tell the Difference
To the untrained eye, OCD can appear similar to paranoia. But with the right understanding of both, the two are quite distinct.
Learn more“I’m scared I have an unwanted kink or fetish. What can I do?” Here’s what experts say
Feeling anxious about an unwanted kink or fetish? Discover effective steps and expert guidance to address your concerns and find peace of mind.
Learn moreWhat are OCD spectrum disorders? What experts say
The category of "Obsessive-compulsive and related disorders" share certain features. Here's what these conditions have in common.
Learn moreAm I hypersensitive? Potential reasons for your emotional responses
Do you find yourself affected by experiences or stimuli that seem minor, but feel hard or even impossible for you to manage?
Learn moreObsessed with deleting your search history? You’re not alone
For many people using the internet can be an extremely stressful experience—and yet, modern life means we’re using it constantly.
Learn moreHow can I tell if I’m delusional? Advice from a therapist
Worries that you’re breaking with reality can be a sign of several different mental health conditions that require specific treatment.
Learn moreOCD and anxiety: How to find effective care
While struggling with OCD and anxiety can be daunting or even debilitating, effective treatment for both conditions is available.
Learn moreHow to identify a hoarder – tips from an expert
It’s imperative that you’re familiar with the telltale signs that someone may need to find help for hoarding disorder.
Learn moreHelping a loved one with Hoarding – Practical tips from an expert
If someone you love may have hoarding disorder, you can play a role in getting them the help they deserve.
Learn moreWorried you’re accommodating someone’s mental health problem? Advice from an expert
If you’re worried that you’re accommodating someone’s mental health problem, learning about how to help is a powerful first step.
Learn moreHow can you cope with climate anxiety? A therapist’s perspective
With an issue as pressing as climate change, it can feel impossible to balance staying informed with staying hopeful and moderating anxiety.
Learn moreIntrusive thoughts when you’re around high places? What it really means
These thoughts and fears are common, but that doeesn't mean they can't be distressing. Learn about potential reasons for your symptoms.
Learn moreAre my trust issues the sign of a mental health condition? What experts say
So when we talk about “trust issues,” what are we really talking about? Learn what mental health conditions may involve these experiences.
Learn moreCan OCD make you obsessed with a person? An expert explains
"Obsession" has several definitions. OCD does not involve what most people associate with being “obsessed” with a person.
Learn moreWhy am I scared that people can hear my thoughts? What experts say
If you're familiar with this fear, you're not alone. "Thought broadcasting," as it's known, is associated with several mental health conditions.
Learn moreI’m worried that everyone hates me. Are my fears justified?
It's natural to seek out reassurance that your worst fears–that you’re totally unlikeable–aren’t actually true. Here’s how to regain perspective.
Learn moreI’m worried that my birth control will fail and I’ll get pregnant. What can I do?
Learn about the fears you might have about your birth control, and what to do if your fears are getting in the way of your sex life and well-being.
Learn moreWhat if I never wake up? How to deal with sleeping anxiety
You are not alone, and hope is available. Learn about several causes for sleeping anxiety, and anyone can get effective help for it.
Learn moreHow can I stop chewing on my fingers? Advice from a therapist
There’s a name for this habit: body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB). It can become harmful, but it's also highly treatable.
Learn moreAm I neurotic? Guidance from an expert
Dr. Nicholas Farrell helped me clear up what it actually means to be “neurotic,” what it doesn't mean, and how it can impact your mental health.
Learn more6 supportive communities for people struggling with mental health
Online communities that understand your struggles can provide a place to turn to for comfort and guidance. Learn about 6 of the best.
Learn moreHow can I stop biting the inside of my mouth? What experts say
Do you find yourself persistently biting the inside of your mouth? Is it raw, painful, or even bleeding? There's good news: you can access effective treatment.
Learn moreIs fidgeting a sign of a mental health condition?
Two different mental health conditions are commonly mistaken for fidgeting. Here's how to identify them and find effective treatment.
Learn moreCan you gaslight yourself? A therapist’s take
There are a number of reasons why people might self-gaslight. Learn from Dr. Nicholas Farrell about what this can mean about your mental health.
Learn moreCan an identity crisis be treated? A therapist’s approach
Questioning your identity may not always be a mental health issue, but sometimes all it takes is a single day to make you rethink everything.
Learn moreWhat causes compulsive lying? What experts say
Research calls this “persistent, pervasive, and often compulsive” behavior–but does it stem from OCD?
Learn moreI’m always afraid of being watched. Is there something wrong?
In this article, we'll investigate why these fears might occur, and how you might be able to tell if they’re a sign of a treatable mental health condition.
Learn more“Nuclear anxiety”: How can you deal with anxiety about war?
Learn how people suffering from anxiety about increased nuclear threats—and war-related fears in general—can cope with “nuclear anxiety."
Learn moreAre nervous tics a mental health problem?
Learn more about how tic disorders are identified and diagnosed, how stress can impact tic symptoms, and how tic can be treated.
Learn moreAm I just superstitious, or could I have OCD? What the experts say
If irrational beliefs dictate your actions, or cause you worry and distress, you may want to investigate whether something other than urban legends is at play.
Learn moreCan misophonia be treated? What therapists say about managing the condition
In this article, we'll explain misophonia's relationship to autism and certain mental health disorders, and discover how the condition can be managed.
Learn moreHow can I stop chewing on things when I’m stressed?
If you’re constantly finding yourself chewing on things during moments of anxiety, it might be a sign that something more serious is going on.
Learn moreCan intrusive thoughts ever be a sign of bipolar disorder?
While commonly reported among people with BD, intrusive thoughts are not one of its defining symptoms in the DSM-5. Here's what you should know.
Learn moreDo I have “false memory syndrome,” or is it OCD?
Do intrusive thoughts make you fear that you’ve done something terrible—but have no idea? It may be a part of false memories in OCD.
Learn moreI’m worried that I’m a narcissist. What can I do?
There’s a lot more to narcissism than a habit of selfishness. Le'ts go over what you can do if you’re worried that you might fit the bill.
Learn moreSelf-punishment: a sign of depression, trauma, or OCD?
Understanding the underlying causes of self-punishment is crucial for identifying and providing appropriate support. Here's how experts interpret these symptoms.
Learn moreWorried you’ll say your intrusive thoughts out loud? Here’s what experts say
Since intrusive thoughts often oppose your values and intentions, it's common to worry that you could vocalize them. Here's what you should know.
Learn moreCould compulsive shopping be a mental health problem?
When it comes to compulsive shopping, the line between enjoying it and being tortured by it is thin. Let's explore what might be behind your habit.
Learn moreHow can I stop my child’s tics? An expert’s perspective
A specific treatment called habit reversal training (HRT) has helped innumerable kids overcome this particularly cruel condition.
Learn moreIs my home just cluttered, or am I a hoarder? What experts say
There’s a difference between clutter and hoarding, and one defining feature can clue you in on if you have hoarding disorder or not.
Learn moreAre intrusive thoughts ever a sign of schizophrenia?
Sometimes people who have intrusive thoughts fear that something serious could be going on—in truth, everyone has them.
Learn moreCan Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) cause distressing intrusive thoughts?
If you’re noticing that you have disturbing intrusive thoughts and you also have experienced childhood trauma, you might be wondering if there’s a connection.
Learn moreCould “trauma dumping” be a mental health issue?
Learn about why trauma dumping happens, what it looks like, and how to identify when it might be a sign of a larger issue.
Learn moreCan intrusive thoughts cause panic attacks?
If you’ve experienced intrusive thoughts as well as panic attacks, you might be wondering how the two may be related. Let’s explore.
Learn moreI’m constantly afraid I won’t be able to sleep. Is it anxiety, OCD, or a sleep disorder?
Whether it’s because of racing thoughts, a feeling of anxiety or panic, or just an inability to get comfortable, worries about sleep are quite common.
Learn moreCould “Photo Hoarding” Be a Mental Health Issue?
Documenting life with your phone is easier than ever—but there’s a tipping point where it may become a problem.
Learn moreShould I tell people my intrusive thoughts? A therapist’s advice
It’s human to divulge our internal experiences with the people we trust. But can sharing our intrusive experiences ever be bad for our mental health?
Learn moreAre OCD symptoms a trauma response?
Explore whether or not OCD can be a ”trauma response” and, if so, the possible implications on how it's diagnosed, treated, and managed.
Learn moreAre stims a form of Tourette’s syndrome?
April Kilduff, MA, LCPC, LMHC, helps untangle the similarities and differences between stims and the tics that characterize Tourette's.
Learn moreWhat’s the difference between stims, tics, and compulsions?
All three are repetitive, seemingly involuntary behaviors that have a coping or self-regulatory function. But below the surface, they're all quite different.
Learn moreWhy you struggle to stop picking your hangnails
Explore some of the reasons that you just can’t resist picking those hangnails, and some options that you have if you want to seek help.
Learn moreDoes PMDD make intrusive thoughts worse?
There’s a scientific connection between this time of the month and the thoughts that cross your mind. Learning more about it is the first step to finding some relief.
Learn moreCan Childhood Trauma Cause OCD?
OCD will take any opportunity to infiltrate your life—including promising a false sense of safety after trauma.
Learn moreCan being in an abusive relationship cause you to have intrusive thoughts?
The trauma resulting from an abusive relationship can lead to conditions like PTSD and OCD—both of which feature symptoms like distressing intrusive thoughts.
Learn moreCan My Own Thoughts Cause Sensory Overload?
Intrusive thoughts, rumination, and certain types of OCD can cause sensory overload—but it’s also something that can affect anyone—here’s what you need to know.
Learn moreCan OCD Lead to Overstimulation?
Intrusive thoughts in OCD can certainly make you feel overstimulated—and cause additional stress and anxiety.
Learn moreAre my intrusive thoughts a sign of complex PTSD (C-PTSD) or OCD?
Intrusive thoughts happen to everyone, but if they cause you significant distress, they might be a sign of an underlying issue, like OCD or C-PTSD.
Learn more