OCD explained for beginners - how I wish I was taught

How does the mind of someone with OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) work and what can be done to treat this problem?
BEST and WORST OCD treatments: • BEST and WORST of OCD ...
Contents:
0:00 - OCD stereotypes
0:54 - What is OCD?
2:30 - Neuropsychology of OCD
3:36 - OCD symptoms
5:20 - Do I have OCD?
6:50 - OCD treatment
Learn more:
- What is OCD? iocdf.org/about-ocd/
- OCD statistics: www.nimh.nih.gov/health/stati...
- How is OCD treated: • First Line of Treatmen...
- Do I have OCD? instituteofliving.org/File%20...
- A Psychological and Neuroanatomical Model of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Connect with Ali:
Discord ► / discord
Twitter ► / alimattu​
Facebook ► / thepsychshow​
Instagram ► / alimattu​
TikTok ► / alimattuphd
Patreon ► / thepsychshow​
Email ► [e-mail]
Website ► alimattu.com/​
For information purposes only. Does not constitute clinical advice. Consult your local medical authority for advice. The information in this video was accurate as of the upload date, October 5, 2022.
If you or someone you know needs help immediately, you should take one of the following actions:
- call 9-8-8 in the United States or your country's emergency number: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
- call the Lifeline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255) in the United States or a global crisis hotlines: findahelpline.com/i/iasp
- text START to 741-741 in the United States or visit www.crisistextline.org
- go to your nearest hospital emergency room

[@drali]

You are not your thoughts. They might be scary. That doesn't make them dangerous.

[@rohit70211]

Can you please make a video on mysophobia.

[@rohit70211]

I was suffering from mysophobia from 2 years then I visited a psychologist and got my self better but after 1 year year now I realize that the root cause was the phobia of ringworm and now I am struggling with it. No matter where I go I just feel that this place might be contaminated with ringworm fungus. What should I do

[@Chantelle001]

🥺❤

[@umasunkara2151]

Telugu llo solutions cheppandi konchem please

[@red_selatraz5606]

tahnk you

[@beefbaby9840]

calling OCD the thief of time is a very accurate and smart description. I cannot tell you how many beautiful moments with my family I can only remember minutes of because the rest of that time I was inside my own mind doing compulsions.

[@RedDragonTrucker]

This. 😔

[@weirdonextdoor164]

bingo👍👍👍

[@mons.6721]

I have missed so much. Just waking up every day worrying about crazy thoughts.

[@janicediaz5131]

wow this is exactly how I feel it too!🙁

[@zharfadiahusna]

yaass😢😢😢

[@nysportsfan2576]

The worst part about OCD is the unwanted thoughts 😩

[@Andy-js5jy]

i agreed with you.

[@Rowanda7361]

Interesting. Mine are my compulsions. I am now disabled by my OCD and haven’t left the house in months because I don’t have the energy to do all the compulsions.

[@mycooltube1912]

True

[@megallen7169]

@@Rowanda7361i hope you’re doing okay. I also struggle and find it exhausting, you aren’t alone:)

[@randblackwell8675]

My "thoughts" from OCD almost feel like fighting like another voice in my head.

[@saravictoria972]

I don’t know why, but hearing that it’s physical and not my fault made me cry. I really needed to hear that.

[@drali]

💜

[@ranjithv133]

so true buddy! all these I thought it was my fault and cursed myself! but for the first time am feeling better about myself that even after such a rough time with this am still kicking through life and proud of myself .

[@donnavargas1797]

I was diagnosed with mild to moderate OCD. All I can say is my heart goes out to anyone with severe OCD.

[@NizzyABI]

I hope you are doing better.

[@suparna852]

Please do chin mudra or Gyan mudra everyday for atleast 30 minutes. It will cure all your mental issues, including ocd. Just join your thumb and index finger together with a very slight pressure (don't overdo the pressure, otherwise it won't work. Also make sure you don't have pressure anywhere else in your hand and are in a very relaxed position). It changed me completely. I don't ever get any ocd symptoms just after doing it for 15 days, but I did it atleast 3-4 hours a day as I was determined and impatient to see the results fast.

[@noraaa8479]

@@suparna852what exactly is this method?

[@suparna852]

@@noraaa8479 For the mudra,Just join your thumb and index finger together with a very slight pressure (don't overdo the pressure, otherwise it won't work. Also make sure you don't have pressure anywhere else in your hand and are in a very relaxed position). Also, there are other mudras but this one works the best. You can also add Ashtanga yoga to your practice. Especially pranayam and meditation. Search on Google for more with detailed pictures.

[@suparna852]

@@noraaa8479 and do it everyday for atleast 30 minutes. Don't stop it. Make it a morning routine.

[@bobbycul1358]

About 8 months ago out of nowhere, I got severe OCD as a 23yo male. I still can't believe what happened to me. I'm experiencing anxiety at levels that I never even knew a human being could experience. At first, I did not believe I had OCD because It had nothing to do with germs. Later I figured out it can be about anything. The lvls of pain and anxiety are completely unfathomable and illogical. A non-sufferer will never understand this. I'm forever thankful people like you are spreading the world about what OCD actually is about.

[@anselmopat4985]

If it’s not too impolite Why kind of thoughts did your ocd fixated themselves on?

[@bobbycul1358]

@@anselmopat4985 Not impolite at all. Mine is fixated on free will. Makes me believe I have no choice in anything I do. I'm starting to get a hold on it thanks to Mark Freeman and some other great KZbin channels. Doing a lot better than in the beginning for sure!

[@ElizabethaSara]

So true!! It is literally the worst thing that ever happened to me

[@Romina2711]

Im so sorry to hear that. I had severe OCD for 5 years, but by the grace of God was totally delivered of it 1 and a half year ago Dont give up hope, talk to God, it isn't you but something in you

[@8strate8]

@@Romina2711 As someone who’s been in therapy for OCD, I find your comment disgusting. I’m glad religion worked for you, but please don’t preach unverified remedies to vulnerable people.

[@petitebuwet]

"the thief of time" is the perfect nickname for OCD!

[@drali]

💯

[@mattseven1984]

I prefer "Psychological UTI" for OCD.

[@megallen7169]

i have ocd and i always lose so much respect when people joke about being so ocd to my face. Makes me feel so alone and small

[@suparna852]

Please do chin mudra or Gyan mudra everyday for atleast 30 minutes. It will cure all your mental issues, including ocd. Also, add meditation to your routine if you want more improvement in all aspects of your life. Search on types of meditation and do what suits you best. It's very hard for a ocd person to meditate, I know , that's why do the mudra for few days and when you get a bit better, then start pranayam and meditation and also do the mudra with it. For the mudra,Just join your thumb and index finger together with a very slight pressure (don't overdo the pressure, otherwise it won't work. Also make sure you don't have pressure anywhere else in your hand and are in a very relaxed position). It changed me completely. I don't ever get any ocd symptoms just after doing it for 15 days, but I did it atleast 3-4 hours a day as I was determined and impatient to see the results fast.

[@aaminahalam8031]

😢

[@i.ehrenfest349]

Oh, I really don’t mind it. I have bad ocd, have had it forever. But it’s like with many words - it just takes on a different meaning, next to the clinical one.

[@icalledthevoiditwent2voicemail]

"your thoughts may be scary but they are not dangerous" is how i got through the suicidal part of my depression. It's a lesson i still take comfort in no matter what weird it stupid thing my brain might sometimes come up with. i wish this was talked about more.

[@aidan34i56]

While I still struggle with these thoughts, I want to make everyone aware that as I've gotten older I have learned overcome these intrusive thoughts and the anxiety that comes with them. Through time and practice you can overcome your OCD. You've got this!

[@christinwinterpracht9301]

@ aidan Hello, could you please explain a bit more in detail on HOW to get over these intrusive thoughts?

[@aidan34i56]

@@christinwinterpracht9301 Well, a lot of it I grew out of as I got older and more mature but this is my best advice (NOTE: Consult a psychiatrist if you want legitimate help. I am not a licensed professional and everything I am telling you is based off my experience, what may work for me may not work for you and so on): 1. Recognizing how irrational the thoughts are. Just because you did X does not logically mean it will equate to Y. 2. Recognizing that most people don’t deal with these intrusive thoughts or compulsions and that you are not a special case. 3. Resisting the compulsions. I hope this helps!

[@suparna852]

Please do chin mudra or Gyan mudra everyday for atleast 30 minutes. It will cure all your mental issues, including ocd. Also, add meditation to your routine if you want more improvement in all aspects of your life. Search on types of meditation and do what suits you best. It's very hard for a ocd person to meditate, I know , that's why do the mudra for few days and when you get a bit better, then start pranayam and meditation and also do the mudra with it. For the mudra,Just join your thumb and index finger together with a very slight pressure (don't overdo the pressure, otherwise it won't work. Also make sure you don't have pressure anywhere else in your hand and are in a very relaxed position). It changed me completely. I don't ever get any ocd symptoms just after doing it for 15 days, but I did it atleast 3-4 hours a day as I was determined and impatient to see the results fast.

[@jaredneel1987]

Yes, me as well. They’re still there but I’m aware so it’s much easier to deal with. It still gets me on occasion but nothing like before. Now let me clarify. There’s still things I do and have to see a certain way and still have that like cloudiness (maybe not the right word) that tries to block me from getting everything needed lined up (this is so freaking hard to explain with words) in my mind but now I’m aware, I can just move past it and not dwell on moving past it. Again, this is so hard to explain. I also pray daily and that is what helped me. Even though the ironic thing is, is sometimes the actual prayer itself is hard to get through and that’s when my mind is going bananas. 😂 so weird.

[@AG-cf4wn]

Same here with me. I’ve had it since I was a teenager. It has gotten better. The only way I’ve gotten through it, is through God and literally ignoring the thoughts as much as I possibly can. Sometimes exposing the doubt is helpful too, because you then realize that the thought/belief was a lie.

[@ocdandanxiety]

Great explanation of what OCD ACTUALLY is. 💜

[@drali]

Thanks for the feedback!!! I’ve got two more on OCD coming out this month.

[@ocdandanxiety]

@@drali ​ @Doctor Ali Amazing! I'm going to send you a message!

[@BiGAAAAAAAAAALLLLL]

What do you mean? That it is biological? How can something be both biological and cured by behavioural (non biological) treatment? If OCD is caused by childhood trauma, how is it biological? Cancer (actually biological) cannot be caused by trauma.

[@alliemw]

@Alex Mccormick I'm not an expert, but do we know that having a biological predisposition for cancer is all it takes to cause it? What about stress and it's effect on our immune systems? Couldn't that be caused by trauma?

[@Tangentbordsblues]

@@BiGAAAAAAAAAALLLLL well, cancer can be caused by radiation

[@bonniebrown1566]

I had almost debilitating OCD as a child. I hid my symptoms from my mom because I was afraid I was crazy. I washed my hands until the skin cracked and bled. I was miserable. For some reason my symptoms increased in intensity at night. I gradually improved by forcing myself think logically to stop nonsensical behavior. For instance, I’d want to flip that switch a second time, I’d stop, ask myself why, then tell myself my answer was unrealistic, and walk away. This often induced nausea, and sweating. But when I could overcome, each won battle made me better. I never saw a therapist, and actually didn’t even know I had a “condition” until I was about 20. I’m 41 now, and and when a stressful event happens in my life, my symptoms all start coming back and I have to fight all over again. I guess it’s a demon I’ll never be fully rid of.

[@Romina2711]

It truly is a demon I had severe OCD for five years, couldnt touch people without disinfecting right away But God delivered me one and a half year ago The psychologist told me I would have to deal this with this all my life but God is bigger Dont lose hope, talk to God

[@Rizz1980]

​@Romina how did this happen? I would love to know.

[@sydneyliu4825]

My syptoms come back when I move to a new place and get worse in the winter -- kinda similar

[@amarali5479]

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an imbalance in brain chemistry. It is irrational delusional thoughts in the brain that are malicious false thoughts that force a person to perform compulsive rituals such as checking door locks or cleaning hands.

[@bonniebrown1566]

@@Polina-hn7hu Thank you for your post. I think you are spot on. I feel that I should add some detail in defense of my mother, however… My OCD started at the age of 10, when my parents divorced. I was crazy about my dad, and he left quickly and unexpectedly. It devastated me AND my mother. She withdrew into an emotional bubble and I felt completely alone. She was fighting serious depression. Other things happened to me following the divorce that only added to my feelings of fear and instability. So, yes, I believe if I’d had more support it may have saved me from OCD, but I don’t lay that fault at my mother’s feet. I’m just thankful she survived that heartbreak and depression and is still with me today.

[@psicologiajoseh]

As a psychotherapist who helps some patients with OCD, I have to say: magnificent overview! Congrats!

[@got2b918]

As a licensed therapist myself, this is one of the best explanations of OCD. 👍

[@Blessed-qg2kb]

Thn help pls

[@adamkowalski6733]

As someone with diagnosed OCD, I feel it's by far the best explanation I've ever seen. It has this "you're staring into my soul" effect to it. Great work!

[@estari4]

Same! Have OCD and agree 100 percent.

[@joydarling314]

Vitamin B1 and inositol helps lessen Ocd. Thank God

[@estari4]

@@joydarling314 Thank you for sharing, I'm looking into that. I can't take the drug medications so vitamines sound like a good option or the good diet version.

[@suparna852]

​@@estari4Please do chin mudra or Gyan mudra everyday for atleast 30 minutes. It will cure all your mental issues, including ocd. Just join your thumb and index finger together with a very slight pressure (don't overdo the pressure, otherwise it won't work. Also make sure you don't have pressure anywhere else in your hand and are in a very relaxed position). It changed me completely. I don't ever get any ocd symptoms just after doing it for 15 days, but I did it atleast 3-4 hours a day as I was determined and impatient to see the results fast.

[@estari4]

@@suparna852 Thank you so much for sharing! I shall try that. ☺

[@karinaf8537]

"The thief of time." Yep, that sounds about right. The sheer number of times I rewinded this video because I kept doubting if I absorbed the information properly, having to hear a certain "key-word" again & again until it felt registered, which I for some reason hold to a greater importance than it actually is 😒

[@atreyeeschannel7975]

OCD is killing me day by day

[@McComb_T]

Me too. It's terrible.

[@carolinalourenco2259]

Same here, I'm so tired of all

[@legendaryg518]

It will get better. I thought mine would never leave but it slowly is. It will get better.

[@0408M]

@@legendaryg518 How?Can you please explain?

[@legendaryg518]

@@0408M You can calm down. I thought my ocd was incurable and that it would get worse and make me go crazy and force me to go to the mental clinic. I literally thought i had physochis ir schizophrenia. But when I didn't pay much attention to my thoughts and brushed them off like if they were a daily thought, the thoughts would decrease and slowly go away. If you focus on getting a thought out, it's gonna keep coming back but worse. First step is to calm down Second step is to not pay much attention to your thoughts and don't give them power and control. Third step is to be patient. It's gonna take a while. Fourth step (You may not agree) But read the Bible and pray. Wash your face with cold water and meditate. Get rest and proper nutrition. Fifth step is to get some laughter in and not be negative. Fix your mindset and practice positive thoughts. Always remember to calm down. Literally most of what ocd tells you is a lie. There just obsessions. It took me years to realize that. If you have more questions about your physical health, it's best to ask a doctor to check you. If nothing is wrong, then nothing is wrong, don't let ocd tell you to go back there over and over again. Remember Prayer is the best medicine.

[@homeiswonderland]

0:45 I have been describing my mind as "static brain" for YEARS! And my professionals only write it off as anxiety and depression. Finally working with someone who I think understands me.

[@sumit200in]

I have OCD...I'm on treatment...but it's really a zig zag road with treatment too... prayers fr all who r suffering....thanks a lot for making this video...good video

[@EvilSnips]

Thank you for posting this. Whenever I talk about my OCD with friends or people I know, I am always met with 'Oh I do that too,' or 'Oh I think I have OCD too' and it just feels so invalidating because I know they don't spend the majority of their every day thinking about ruminations, compulsions, and worrying about simple things. Yes, they may have 1-2 small behaviors but that does not mean they have OCD. They do not know what it is like to not be able to leave the bathroom without picking every inch of your skin or having a meltdown when someone sets your backpack on the ground. These are things I have struggled with almost my entire life and people saying 'Oh me too' when they really just want to have neatened pencils makes people like me with debilitating OCD really invalidated and sad. I appreciate your video saying that and I hope it gets more views.

[@appreciate8084]

True. People think just rechecking if the door is locked counts in as ocd but it's worse. Like for me it was I had to turn the doorknob in multiples of 9 and only shut the door when I heard the 'perfect' sound. Similarly I exhibited these behaviours in random tasks such as walking , reading etc. I had ocd in my middle to high school years. I don't have it anymore but only recently realised that it's an actual disorder and not just me

[@gigigirl2361]

I completely agree with you, I always try to explain this to the many folks who think they are ocd because they like their house clean. Drives me crazy because this disorder has taken over my life and is extremely debilitating.

[@Bryan-il1vu]

@@appreciate8084 do you take any medication for ocd

[@ksh4410]

Have you checked channel brahma life,its best for ocd related problems

[@Hellohellohello908]

Im going through it rn andt tahk uou for making me not feel alone

[@normalouis8593]

One of the worst compulsions I had involved making sure my bladder was 10000% empty, I'd use the bathroom, get up, and sit back down. I could not let myself sleep unless I thought my bladder was completely empty.

[@ashleyk6553]

I do this too and it takes me a hour

[@ashleyk6553]

And then it still doesn't feel right

[@normalouis8593]

@@ashleyk6553 I know exactly what you mean, it's a long process but I'm sure you'll get better soon. Part of my healing was forcing myself to sleep, even if I still felt like going to the bathroom.

[@artsyalkalearnandgrowbeaut3731]

It happened with me too. Quite crazy!

[@Kur_Czak]

Im experiencing that right now…. Its so stupid…

[@kristase]

I was diagnosed with OCD this year - response prevention is such hard work.

[@drali]

Absolutely. It takes a lot of courage.

[@alliestarz]

I am doing erp with my therapist, and it can be so hard! Most of the time I do not want to do it, but it’s actually beneficial to me. It’s good to keep trying even though it can be difficult. I wish you the best!

[@lisam8608]

I'm working on ERP therapy by myself since I don't have money, the first time I applied ERP steps and instructions, I succeeded in getting out of ocd loop but after that I felt really sharp chest pain through out the day, is this thing common when trying to treat ocd?

[@alliestarz]

@@lisam8608 Hi! I’m not entirely sure, but sometimes anxiety can have major physical effects on the body, like pain. I personally have not experienced it, but it’s not uncommon to have symptoms like this (I have heard this from other people I know).

[@red_velvetcake1759]

@@lisam8608 I would speak to your Doctor if you experience chest pain, sometimes it is a more seripus condition like heart attack or pulmonary embolism, so it's best to get it checked out to find out what it is

[@alliemw]

It's doubt, incompleteness, intrusive thoughts, disgust, and it's very suggestive. It morphs into different obsessions and compulsions, sometimes without noticing. It's anxiety about being anxious. It steals precious time and fills the time that's left with shame and guilt. The irony is that no amount of compulsions will ever satisfy the obsessions. I can't will myself to stop, but knew thing I've noticed is that food, chemicals, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, most of what I can tell that's related to histamine over-production or not breaking it down properly, seem to have biggest effect, good or bad.

[@lampsandbread]

this was so incredibly eye opening. it explained all the suffering I’ve been going through these past years. I wish I could show this to myself a year ago, it would have helped me so much

[@obsessiveoverthinker5937]

Thanks for making this video. I've been suffering with OCD for about 4 years now and there's nowhere near enough videos on it.

[@BlanBonco]

One of the best summaries I've heard. Watching my thoughts repeat and repeat. Years gone.

[@rayreyes8497]

Thank you so much for this clear and easy to understand explanation. I have had many of the weird thoughts you mentioned and have made me even question my sanity. It's good to know I may be more normal than I thought.

[@cacemercer5964]

As someone who suffers from this disorder, I appreciate this educational video and know that we are all loved!

[@jollymollyramram9702]

The best feeling is when one day you realise all those times you’ve internally fought with yourself and (won) by managing to not act on the impulse, and you end up feeling in control of yourself and your life☀️ Being in nature where it’s quiet has helped me so much: walking, riding my bike (heavy exercise had the opposite effect) just being outside, especially near trees or water. But knowing your triggers is crucial to overcome this false sense of security the compulsions provide. For me they were: being tired, both from doing too much but also poor sleep, too much sugar and being stressed. Stressed out and worried act like happy hour for OCD to creep in and do its damage imo. Also do something that brings joy to your life, where you can submerge yourself - if you don’t have anything that sparks joy; search for it until you find it!🍀😊

[@jaredpearson1583]

Intern therapist here, excited to see you posting videos again. (had to take a break from watching because of grad school) keep up the meaningful work :)

[@rebeccamccall5242]

Amazing video and explanation. Thanks for spreading awareness on this topic! OCD really is a thief of time…I can’t even imagine the amount of hours I have lost to fighting my OCD inside of my head!

[@alisvela491]

I have had OCD for more than eleven years, I’ve had days where I couldn’t sleep at night, I had days where obsessions was attacking me consistently from the moment I wake up to the very last second of the day. I have missed so many beautiful moments, I have worried about so many things I shouldn’t be worrying about cause non of them have happened. I’m OCD free now, or almost at least, I couldn’t imagine that someday I would be writing or saying something like this. Yes it wasn’t an easy fight but life is worth fighting. For whoever dealing with it now, do not stop fighting, it might seem hard at the beginning but believe me it’s not. Many beautiful days are ahead, many great people are waiting for you outside to meet them, you can do it

[@Lordran__]

How did you fight it?

[@artjiujitsulife]

This is a fantastic primer and myth busting explanation. A relief to see this reaching a large audience for education

[@heginpalinji5921]

All that has been said here, is exactly what I have been experiencing for two years now. I'm a freshman and my education is on the line due to these symptoms I experience such as; lack of concentration, I'm convinced that I need to study the same thing for a multiple times cause I believe that if I don't then I won't get anything from study. This has been time consuming and exhausting to a point that I feel my memory being affected. I can't seem to stop such kind of madness. For the sake of my education I need help

[@Andrewatnanz]

I have watched many videos about this topic. Definitely one of the best ones right here !

[@SecretMind2000]

The way you approach mental health topics is both informative and empathetic. It's evident that you genuinely care about your audience. Kudos!

[@r30900]

I found this video extremely helpful when conducting a psychoed. session with teens and/or their parents. The visuals and simplification of OCD are great convo. starter. With that said, THANK YOU very much for making the time to create this much-needed video!

[@brandid6835]

I have had OCD ever since I can remember. I have been looking for something to truly help people understand WHAT it is. Thank you for this informative video!

[@drali]

You’re welcome! Thanks for leaving this comment.

[@suparna852]

Please do chin mudra or Gyan mudra everyday for atleast 30 minutes. It will cure all your mental issues, including ocd. Just join your thumb and index finger together with a very slight pressure (don't overdo the pressure, otherwise it won't work. Also make sure you don't have pressure anywhere else in your hand and are in a very relaxed position). It changed me completely. I don't ever get any ocd symptoms just after doing it for 15 days, but I did it atleast 3-4 hours a day as I was determined and impatient to see the results fast.

[@dr.smitakapoorlmft]

That is the best explanation so far! Thank you🙏

[@OCDspace412]

Excellent video. I can see some integrating of multiple new developments, including obsessional doubt from I-CBT, into a bigger picture that makes sense. Great work!

[@blu_hail]

It's crazy to me how only just now am I seeing proper videos made about OCD. I've had OCD since I was very young. I can't remember my life without it. And even myself didn't know all of the symptoms until this past year I've taken deep diving into everything. It makes me cry reading or watching things explaining it. Feeling like "finally people get it, and finally I know I'm not crazy." I habitually and unconscientiously partake in my rituals so often that it took me FOREVER to depict my specific actions as even being rituals. I wish anytime someone makes the belittle comments towards OCD, that this video just plays in their mind. My boyfriend whom I live with now even gets annoyed with the belittling comments people make towards OCD, and he doesn't even have it himself! He just knows how much I struggle with it and how bad the disorder really is.

[@wisdomtoknowthedifference]

I deal with mild obsessions which started September 2022. I have been learning to accept more my thoughts/intrusions. Though there was never a day I did not have an obsession and that's ok that's normal, I have been practicing to look for the good moments during the day mixed with all the triggers and thoughts. I also focus instead on the things I am passionate about and make me happy.

[@eatlovetraveloutthere]

This is one of the best explanations I have heard on OCD disorder. 👏👏

[@wynot7862]

This makes me feel better. I procrastinate, hyper focused on everything but myself and the things that I need to finish complete, or start you name it. It’s been such a struggle now after hearing this is so much and with so little words now I I see it. Yes I have been robbed of my time with these thoughts and just going through day-to-day, it is truly exhausting when I haven’t even accomplished my goals moving forward I plan to get help. Best of luck to all of you who have these struggles.

[@stevesokolowski9556]

Omg thank you so much! This is the best video I've found to explain things to my close friends and family. It's a process not just to overcome it but also to educate people. It's a stigma

[@content_ke_naam_pe]

I have OCD, and I felt so connected. Also thanks for educating people what it is.

[@andycodling2512]

Thank you for this.. I've had ocd as long as I can remember and still struggle with it quite terribly, something clicked listening to you talk, I have always described my mental state as its likel my emotional volume is set to high, thinking of it as high anxiety and compulsions and negative thoughts as being a story are brains tell us in order to make sense of the anxiety makes not only sense but triggered a YES! Moment in my brain, a sense of being understood and relief ❤

[@MrAfrojoe89]

Love you man! Love the energy and the playfulness and seriousness

[@kizzyk4856]

Dr Ali, thank you. As someone who’s dealt with Trichotillomania since the age of 4 and generalized ocd…man. The doubting is no joke! I have always found myself “just wanting to make sure” when completing the most mundane tasks. God bless and thank you for your much needed work and time

[@ARA-wi1io]

Best explanation of OCD I've heard in a minute. I always thought it was obsessions and compulsive behaviors. Never thought it was so nuanced.

[@mayelaine2]

This is the most accurate description of OCD. Thank you!

[@MultiSenhor]

I'm glad someone took the time to explain this well, in layman terms, taking into account most people understand OCD wrong. I had written a long rant about my life with multiple mental and physical health problems, and family problems and financial problems, but I decided to spare everyone of reading that (I deleted the rest and wrote this paragraph).

[@tauseefahmad7577]

perfectly explained... thank you so much Dr. Ali❤️

[@dpozzi6349]

I just want to thank you for making this video as I have been diagnosed with OCD and have been struggling for quite some time now…the first step was opening up about it but then I felt so completely misunderstood. All I’ve wanted is for someone to understand it and stand by my side. Sometimes it feels impossible to explain. I’m finally seeing a therapist and found this video to share with some of my family and closest friends - it’s one of the best I’ve seen to help explain what I’m feeling. Hopefully it will help them to understand it as well. Thank you 🤍

[@bennettcawley4630]

So much I needed to hear. Thank you.

[@houstoncambodia1]

Bro you hit the nail on the head. Thanks for 1, understanding this to such an legitimate level; you could've fooled me into thinking you have it. You must work with OCD patients, no? and 2) using your platform to let people understand this better.

[@DoctorBeees]

Amazing explanation about OCD! As someone who has it, thank you.

[@orange17apple]

for the past 5 years, i've been thinking that i had OCD but everything i read up or watched videos about OCD kinda came to the conclusion that one can't have OCD unless i have all 3 elements of OCD. but after watching your video, i can kinda confirm that i DO have OCD on top of my major depressive disorder and general anxiety features. i've had 2 different psychiatrists brush me off and shut me down when i brought up the possibility of me having OCD, telling me that it's just my anxiety. but the thing is, DOUBT is always present in even my most mundane tasks, even during when i give in to my compulsions to alleviate the anxiety. next time i come in for my psych session, i'm gonna confront my doctor and will not back down until i'm able to convey all my symptoms and how OCD has been ruling my life these past half decade. thank you for this video.

[@gems8582]

Thanks for this informative video Doc, its appreciated. Don't forget about intrusive thoughts, obsessing over small details and reassurance seeking. Mine also ties in with perfectionism, procrastination and all-or-nothing thinking. 🤯

[@sanikshanaik5128]

One of the most accurate explanation of OCD till date. I'm a Masters in Psychology student and was looking for a perfect explanation.

[@meahrey]

Viewer recently diagnoses with OCD, thank you for making this

[@joebond2149]

You are really good, dude. Best video I have ever seen on OCD. I think.

[@user-iw3kl5sv8l]

I love you man, REALLY! You helped me realise that I just waste my time doing this things. I will try to fight them on my own and I hope I manage to do it.

[@Real_Iron_Smith]

I've been getting treatment for my OCD for nearly two years now and have made fantastic progress! Just weaned off of medication (SSRI) after mastering some techniques. The thoughts certainly feel stronger than they did while I was on the medication, but what's great is that, while uncomfortable, I actually have the tools to deny the compulsions now, even without medication! I hope anyone else who is struggling and starting to get help sees this and knows that it DOES get better, a LOT better! Videos like this helped me get the right treatment. Thanks for helping to educate!

[@Bryan-il1vu]

Hi Smith. What medication did you take and how long thanks

[@Real_Iron_Smith]

@Bryan I took Citalopram, 10mg (the generic form of brand name CELEXA) for 6 months. Took about two weeks before it really noticably kept me calm, and about a month of weaning off. It never truly changed who I was, but my emotions were far easier to control. Whenever I would get an anxiety spike, It wouldn't come along as hard, and I was able to apply my techniques a lot easier. I may consider going on it again in the future, but for now, I will stay off of it just to practice using everything without medicine. I am genuinely better even without it since going to therapy and getting help!

[@Bryan-il1vu]

@@Real_Iron_Smith i am taking ssri did not work much I have to take klonopin temporary . So stress out and depression

[@Real_Iron_Smith]

@@Bryan-il1vu I am sorry to hear that... but remember to keep working with the techniques, and I hope a medication can be found that helps!

[@Bryan-il1vu]

@@Real_Iron_Smith do you have any experience to control anxiety sharing Thanks very

[@shariqmehmoodshaikh4315]

I have ocd for about 20 years, the first 7,8 years were disastrous. After that I have learnt and still learning to deal with it. When I do something repetitively, its because I am thinking something all the time and not concentrating on what I am doing. once I am out of those thoughts, its not very difficult. What worked for me is, look for why those thoughts and fears are originating in the first place and try to answer them. After that don't get stuck in any thoughts and focus on whatever you're doing and try overcome your fears relentlessly without any procrastination. The sooner you'll overcome your fears the better it will be. Otherwise you'll have to learn it the hard way.

[@andrettax6052]

That is a very impressive video explaining it, I had low expectations clicking it, I felt so tired for years and years that there was not accurate content about it, but very recently I have started to seen more and more content of high quality regarding OCD. Thanks for making this. Btw, I would highly appreciate if you added subtitles in other languages, but I guess auto-translate might be good enough.

[@Rexag]

Way to Go, Dr. Mattu!!! The best I have seen -you have delivered it exactly..... so many think it is a new vogue thing to have and be funny .... but, the one in the room not laughing has OCD. It is crippling ..things you would love to do, but don't because you know that is a trigger for you to get stuck and so you never do it. I have done medication... and that was a disaster....it numbs you so much that you lose your personality .... no emotion, no excitement, no passion ...after 5 years I quit...I wanted me back ...so I found that behavioral therapy worked...and realized if I can get away from the ritual...just walk away and play a video game...something that occupies my mind for about 15 minutes..then I'd forget what I was counting and why. Before it would last all day...the trick for me was to get a mind engaging alternative ...not tv...video game was the best or a game on phone.... 15 min.... then I could control that anxiety to the point over time it diminished, and the obsessive didn't engage me because I won't be anxious if I get away. This worked for me and I had quite a severe case for years before ever getting any help. Good Luck out there comrades... it's a fight we'll win!

[@joer1402]

Thank you for that wonderfully clear explanation. I've had episodes of OCD from time to time and they are crippling. In one episode back in the early 90s I had a terrible fear of infection. I knew every detail about HIV and AIDS infection. Of course, my fear was completely irrational. I didn't fall into any risk group. And yet, I was sick with worry. Constant hand-washing, repeating events in my head over and over again to see if I might exposed myself to something. It was absolutely oppressive. Riding the NYC subway was a nightmare of handkerchiefs and tissues, and hand cleaning afterwards. Then one day I just decided I did not care anymore. I told myself, the hell with it, let the other shoe drop. I was so mentally exhausted. Always thinking and worrying and worrying and thinking. So I just grabbed handhold on the subway train, no gloves, no tissue. It was torture, but less each time. I washed my hands one less time. I stopped pouring alcohol on my hands and wiping surfaces down. And then one day, it was just gone. Easier to conquer than some of my other episodes. When I tell people these stories they can't believe it. My own wife never seemed to fully grasp it. Anyway, thanks again Dr. Ali!

[@Rizz1980]

Great 👍🏻. I'm inspired by your story. I hope I too muster the courage to do what you did.

[@arabellacox]

Exposure Therapy treats OCD in this way.

[@Poornishree1234]

So proud of you and u were your own doctor!!!!❤

[@sebeazzurri]

Best video I've seen in a long time. As someone with severe OCD,I can say you really captured the essence of the disorder.

[@suparna852]

Please do chin mudra or Gyan mudra everyday for atleast 30 minutes. It will cure all your mental issues, including ocd. Just join your thumb and index finger together with a very slight pressure (don't overdo the pressure, otherwise it won't work. Also make sure you don't have pressure anywhere else in your hand and are in a very relaxed position). It changed me completely. I don't ever get any ocd symptoms just after doing it for 15 days, but I did it atleast 3-4 hours a day as I was determined and impatient to see the results fast.

[@jasonsmith6587]

Finally, someone resonated with me. Describes my kid in a way that finally makes sense, thank you!

[@jp_onyoutube]

Thank you so much for this. The stereotypes and the jokes people make have been bugging me for a long time.

[@Knowlinsky]

I have contamination and "just right" OCD. This is spot on. Thanks, doc!

[@pow3rlix609]

Thank you so much, I've believed that I most likely have OCD for the past 1-2 years but was afraid to go to the hospital to get a diagnosis, I'm planning to try to go this or next week, but seriously though, thank you so much for making this video, it will be a great video to send when someone asks me about OCD, and now I feel slightly less scared about getting a diagnosis.

[@Lordran__]

Any updates?

[@wickedvalve1810]

This is by far the best video I’ve seen explaining ocd.

[@Jammonster11]

Thank you Dr. for producing such an empathetic and insightful video.

[@liz_alva]

Thank you for this. I’ve had OCD my entire life, but lost control of it during the pandemic. I never heard someone explain it so accurately as you. I love how you included that it has to feel right. I tried explaining this to my therapist but she was like, ok, let’s set a goal: how many less times do you want to wash your hands? Me: It’s not about a number, it’s about the feeling. Hand washing in itself is not wrong; it’s that horrible feeling. Therapist: I’m gonna need a concrete number, feeling is too vague. I think it’s time to leave my therapist…

[@kimonk]

Maybe your therapist needs to watch this video…

[@user-ub4fu2qt7v]

sis how your feel now 😢

[@ataylor702]

I’ve found that most therapists (at least the ones I’ve been to) are not versed on OCD. We know our thoughts are irrational but that doesn’t make them any less terrifying.

[@natp3408]

​@@ataylor702that's the hardest part for me and my therapists! I'm more educated on the subject than they are most of the time and the signifier of it being OCD over psychosis is the sufferers insight being unaffected. It feels like they just can't do anything to help me through talk alone.

[@frankG335]

You need someone who specializes in OCD.

[@gunshotlagoon922]

Thank you so much for this video. I've had OCD on and off since I was a teenager. The theme changes all the time and each being more brutally terrifying and debilitating than the last. The constant doubts and reassurances. I have been robbed so much of life because of this. I don't wish this condition on ANYBODY.

[@natp3408]

I have severe OCD and it's the same. If I tackle one obsession a new one takes it's place or multiply, because it's not about the theme but the way our brains are wired and the way we think not necessarily what it's about. I'm about to do my third stint in the hospital, I know I will never beat this but I'm determined to make a better life despite it. Support can be so so difficult to access though

[@KieVie101]

Thank you for sharing this video. I appreciate how passionate you seem :)

[@cschaubhut]

this is so validating

[@mavahenderson7757]

I can't speak for everyone magic shrooms rejuvenated me, No doubt about that. It lifted an existential angst ( OCD )that I have been carrying for years. It never came back.

[@kristahutchinson6519]

Magic mushrooms are the safest recreational drug to take.

[@NhanVa]

Heard so much about magic mushrooms I'lld like to give it a try please where do I get?

[@kristahutchinson6519]

dr.shaneshrooms

[@kristahutchinson6519]

𝕴𝖓𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖌𝖗𝖆𝖒

[@chaemchoiaromdee2229]

When it comes to Swift and quality shrooms Dr.shaneshrooms is the dude.

[@AmyK007]

Oh my god! So accurate! I can’t believe how spot on this is.

[@ankra12]

I have OCD since I was a young child. It is hellish. It makes you so exhausted both mentally and psychologically.

[@johnloftin2461]

I've suffered from OCD since childhood (mostly OCD3). I have comorbid issues as well. Your emphasis on doubt is spot on!

[@tomsale5142]

Is your comorbid issues pain

[@johnloftin2461]

Bi Polar@@tomsale5142

[@kathyborthwick6738]

Thank You! The “ thief of time “ is so very accurate! ✨💖✨👵🏽☝🏾

[@JosieMarie-vg9ei]

This is extremely validating. Thank you.

[@StrawberryLegacy]

This is the best explanation for OCD I've seen on the internet and I felt so understood that it made me tear up.

[@elaRRman]

i was diagnosed with OCD 2 years ago . More specific i have terrible thoughts with knifes and family members . By even typing it my heart kinda start beating faster . I did one session with a psychologist and as soon as he explained me that am not a lunatic and this is a rare case but still a decent amount of people have it around the world it already made it 75% more manageable . Even tho i did only one session with my therapist i realized that facing my thoughts has actually helped me a lot . What i mean by that is , in the beginning of my OCD journey , i was avoiding stare or even touch knifes because i was scared am going to cause harm to some one . Couple days later i realized that this is also insane and i was kinda furious with my self for acting like a lil boy who is scared of his own thoughts so i said no to the thoughts and started using the knife as a regular person because at the end of the day am the one in charge not my thoughts . My only problem is sometimes here and there i feel incredible guilt for having this thoughts even tho i know they are not real . Most of the times i dont pay attention to it but there are some days that it really affects . But its only for 1 or 2 days and then its gone to the normal again .

[@humanonthings5793]

I can feel it too, sometimes I even cut myself in mind by seeing pointed sharp but when I challenge myself to take charge of myself it works fine

[@Bryan-il1vu]

Do you have to take medication for that

[@elaRRman]

@@Bryan-il1vu No bro , my psycologist said he doesn't feel like i need medication and he didn't want to prescribe me nothing . Am telling you its all in our mind . We are the one in control not our thoughts

[@amarali5479]

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an imbalance in brain chemistry. It is irrational delusional thoughts in the brain that are malicious false thoughts that force a person to perform compulsive rituals such as checking door locks or cleaning hands.

[@amarali5479]

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an imbalance in brain chemistry. It is irrational delusional thoughts in the brain that are malicious false thoughts that force a person to perform compulsive rituals such as checking door locks or cleaning hands.

[@Stregaknows]

Thank you for sharing this, I now have something to share with my family so they can understand me a little better. CBT has been my saving grace.

[@tanishaaburman2005]

Thank you so much Doctor! It makes me feel lighter ❤

[@Rebeccaluvxoxo]

I wish my old psyc classes linked your videos! Great explanation!

[@drali]

Thanks!!! Glad you liked it.

[@LukeSkywalker-zn1xv]

God thank you Lord you're the best at describing OCD and anxiety and all the pain and feelings. You also get in a defense mode and scare of the thoughts coming back and that's really scary and gives a lots of anxiety. I suffer from OCD and anxiety from 1992 and lm having a really bad time right now but thank you for describing well what l can not explain to my wife and lm about to lose my family

[@rachaelsummers7686]

Wow thank you for that video, you explained it perfectly and I relate 100 percent, your vid really helped thank you, OCD is so hard to explain to people ❤

[@yusraadnan6779]

thank you for this video 😊 IT really helped understand my issue, it is somthing I struggled to explain or talk about and this video has helped me know that I am not mad just a little different 😊

[@BNL07604]

I know of someone who has OCD and this is insightful. Thanks

[@drali]

Thanks for the feedback! Later this month I’ll have a video about how to be a good friend to someone with OCD.

[@helenayount507]

I undoubtedly have it. Thank you for this, I have religious trauma that has infused with my ocd. You made me feel a little more normal. I appreciate how well you conveyed what I go through every day and every night.

[@drali]

Thank you for your feedback!

[@amshin6518]

Try looking into "scrupulosity." It's very real

[@invaderdogour]

@CAUGHT UP Linda no one asked. Your comment is highly inappropriate as a response to someone mentioning their religious trauma.

[@Kur_Czak]

@CAUGHT UP Linda powerful but if He’s even real He is used by people like you to always bother other people!! Please stop this. I know this comment is 2 months old but do realize that what you’re doing is cruel, this person suffers from religious trauma! Have you no common sense?

[@maikhaled1709]

Look I can tell your fine , I thought at first that I have to believe everything in my book and don't ask alot but the Surprise was when I knew that god wants us to ask to open up our minds we are special and the whole universe is made for us , so I wasn't scared to ask anything and thanks Allah I find every time the answer that conveniences me , iam Muslim and what you may not know about Islam is that we believe all prophets for example mousa , 3isa you call him Jesus, Mohamed God bless all of them❤. so definitely Jesus wants you to ask without fear .

[@Nellyfair2]

When I was a teenager I had severe ocd, i couldn‘t leave the room because I had to touch the door so many times or couldn‘t go to sleep because I had to touch the light switch. I had therapy in my adulthood and worked on myself and it got better. I still have intrusive thoughts and have to touch things a certain way, i shared this with my partner and I try to just let these thoughts be and not get lost in them. Stay strong❤

[@itzzb_7335]

This video literally almost brought me to tears because of how much aligns with my behaviours. I'm so happy to be finally getting all my issues sorted out so I can be more productive with my life by being open with my doctors. The "thief of time" is what struck me the most. I've never felt such a bittersweet moment until right then

[@ying5068]

OH MY GOD YES. This is exactly what I mean when I say I have OCD, I don’t know when it started or why but I count everything I do, I repeat words until they’re right, I retake steps, and I can’t stand certain numbers, I overthink that if I don’t do it then I’ll die or something thing bad will happen and if I feel something needs to be moved again, touched again or somethings not right getting that feeling out of my body is VERY difficult to shake away. I also can’t stand loud noises now unlike before. I can’t stop it and it’s definitely started to take over my life. I think it might be time I see a professional about it because at this point it’s gotten so bad that I count everything, even blinking and breathing, clicking, touching, closing, reading… it’s bad.

[@niconico9748]

After 15 years of struggling with OCD without knowing it even has a name (I thought I am weird and the only weirdo of this kind on this planet) I found some things that help, really decrease the simptoms, though some days are better and some are just like before. What helped me a bit is changes in my diet, more red meat, fruits especially organic apples and peanuts. I ditched toothpaste for two months because I had chopped lips and someone told me it might be from the toothpaste. I replaced it with sodium bicarbonate but it messed up my tooth enamel. Then I used toothpaste again and was shocked when I realized my racing, obsessive thoughts came back with full force. Only then I realized that maybe my improvements had something to do with not using toothpaste. Now I don't use it anymore, instead I use sodium bicarbonate but I dissolve it well with water. Also I noticed when I drink little water, my symptoms are to the roof. And when I am very stressed. Positive self talk helps a lot to calm the mind. There are lots of things that help to keep it under some control and I am just discovering them. There is hope. I think that proper nutrition and hydration keep the nerves and cells healthy, probably that's why it helps. Some days of the month are the worst that's why I think maybe hormones have something to do with it too. Antibacterial soap and shampoo have chemicals that interfere with hormones and create imbalance. I replaced them with normal soap and baby shampoo. I know therapy is a must but I can't afford it and I don't want to take medication as long as I can still function on some level. Now I want to try different changes and diets because I see it can help. Good luck to you!

[@rajibchaudhary9382]

I'm suffering from OCD since 2008... Every day, every second of my life is giving me unbearable pain

[@tomsale5142]

Do you get physical pain from it

[@WilliamPreat]

This is such a well done video, very clear and to the point. Thank you!