What no one tells you about OCD (DEEP DIVE)

[@juicedrinker8604]

i would honestly say OCD is one of the absolute least understood disorders. there is really just one stereotype of OCD that people refer to in their heads, and even the term 'intrusive thoughts' is commonly misunderstood. my OCD has taken the form of pretty much every single thing mentioned, and its really robbed me of joy in life. OCD robs you of joy by design. thanks for being so thorough and detailed!

[@linguisticsnerd433]

The amount of time i have to spend each day just trying to battle the urge to do the compulsions is honestly so exhausting

[@synchro9471]

So true id reccomend the ssris they are really good to lower the intensity of the intrusive thoughts

[@Isabella-nn4it]

Don’t forget the OCD gaslighting! People with OCD often wonder if they actually have it, even after they’ve been diagnosed!

[@AlisonBryen]

Yes! This!

[@alexbrown9861]

Dealt with the anxiety from this for years, then finally brought it up to my doctor and he reassured me about all of it and sent me to a therapist for it. Don’t trick yourself and ask for help!

[@DanielGonzalez-jg2vw]

I heard that one of OCDs biggest them is doubt. It's the biggest doubt disorder

[@synchro9471]

This is so true lol

[@Gatozparty]

Lmaooo yeahh worse is when people tell you like my sister 🙄 that I don’t have ocd when clearly all the symptoms are there and I can’t go through a day hyperfixating on an insecurity. It’s very sad when someone who never has to go through these circumstances or experiences and just automatically say haha no you don’t have ocd

[@liamdonahue7436]

I love your videos. You’re one of the only only psych channels that sticks to the research and doesn’t pop-culturize psychology. Thanks from Germany!

[@annap1171]

I agree so much! I really appreciate the informative aspect, and yet fun and personal!

[@closuitm]

i agree ☝️

[@tenementfunstxr]

i’ve suffered from OCD since i was a child and only recently figured out that’s what it was. it can be absolutely debilitating. to everyone else struggling, you’re not alone! ❤ great video as always

[@joshmastiff1128]

People throw it around colloquially without understanding the debilitating nature of it. I suffered from bad sleep the past 2 nights and sifted through the days through a general sense of disgust just because of the rain. It's not the rain, it's things about the rain that I'd rather not specifu. My mind hurts to even recall

[@shayaeido8405]

Same boat

[@NOKUT0]

People throw around ODC so casually but don't even understand the severity of it, I love your videos and todays video on how you have broken down the information to digest easily for everyone to understand. Amazing work Ana! Thank you.

[@AnaPsychology]

So true, that's a pet peeve of mine too cause severe OCD can be an absolute torment!

[@marcosvelasquez89]

Being someone who has OCD, I’m looking forward to watching this

[@AnaPsychology]

Lmk what you thought!

[@marcosvelasquez89]

@@AnaPsychology Will do!

[@marcosvelasquez89]

I just finished the video. I apologize it took me awhile. Great video! It is very informative and validating especially the part when people with OCD can’t just stop when people who don’t have OCD tell them to stop.

[@clau_sing_]

Thanks for speaking about OCD. I have Pure OCD and I basically question everything I do or say, it's exhausting, painful and overall makes me lose time, energy and my will to get out of bed everyday.

[@bigloop8369]

Do the opposite of what ocd tells you to do...that is a good method to get out of ocd

[@devenbarg]

Exposure therapy is the most helpful form of treatment for OCD. Doing the opposite of what your brain is telling you to do. Learning to be okay with being uncomfortable.

[@linguisticsnerd433]

​@@devenbarg yeah but ill still have to live with the uncomfortable feeling quite possibly forever. It sucks less than being lost in the obsession-compulsion cycle but its painful nevertheless

[@devenbarg]

⁠@@linguisticsnerd433 this is valid. It is painful. There are ways to make it more manageable however. I’m also diagnosed with OCD. I don’t think it’s about not feeling uncomfortable anymore, but learning to be okay with being uncomfortable.

[@tianaenever8270]

I hope one day you find a way to heal... I find a lot of the extreme symptoms of OCD really stem from trauma and fear of mistakes/things going wrong/being out of control... It's just so hard, sometimes you just become so exhausted from the stress and fear that there are those brief moments where you just let go and don't care... You can make it through this, I believe in you❤️

[@Socsob]

as someone who struggles with skin picking and hair pulling, it feels terrible when I've talked to family about it and the answer is "just stop". I've been trying to get closer to understanding why I do it, but it's so tricky because I'll do it without even knowing, but still have a hard time stopping when I do spot it

[@tuttiFrutiikawaii]

Its hard. I started skin picking at 7 and now im almost 24 and its so sneaky. Most of the time i only notice when im already in a long session, and then i might as well keep doing it since i already fucked up my skin today. :( It is also not that "severe" but i hate my scars.

[@laurapalmer2126]

👋🏽 same here. Dermatillomania. I scar easily as well and it adds to the mountain of existing shame.

[@cornelia7076]

same here, trichotillomania. right now as i type this, i'm sitting with almost no eyebrows.

[@clau_sing_]

Same, I even used to pull out my arm hairs with my teeth when I was younger.. weird, I know.

[@danielahernandezortega2618]

If possible, you should try seeking a dermatologist and a psychiatrist. Tell them about it and see what they can do to help you. Seeking community online also helps to not feel alone

[@flamingomingo9810]

It’s so hard when you have ocd, but people instead disregard your disorder and call you selfish/egocentric because even though it makes it extremely hard for you to stop those compulsions, you technically are consciously choosing to do them instead of paying attention to the present moment and letting go of that “ego”

[@Lovelesshandle]

I used to wash my hand so often they started hurting and burning and I kept washing them 3 times because I get scared that she might have something

[@Lovelesshandle]

And some of the workers got mad at me and the same day I got fired

[@devon_darko]

I have OCD and the main thing people don't realize - is that when it's at its worst, you can become suicidal because you're not living up to your own expectations of how you want to be perceived and perceive yourself. You're not the spitting image of perfection. All you find are your flaws. It's so much more than just orderly and cleanly behavior. I've had the thought many times - that I'm not good enough and that I'd rather disappear or die than continue being this person...that I'd rather be someone totally else. People mistake it for a lack of confidence and it's not. It's a lacking in brain functionality. I've let bad relationships or friendships become obsessions - trying to salvage things that are doomed... holding on for far too long. I've sat up ruminating on the past endlessly, trying to perfect something that's already happened - which is impossible. It's very hard.

[@alphiebeet]

my fiancée has OCD and i’ve been wanting to learn more about it for a while now. thanks for the video!! can’t wait to watch!

[@AnaPsychology]

Hope it helps!

[@kcJOOONES]

I've never seriously considered the idea of me having OCD and I'm no fan of self diagnosing, so I think some kind of evaluation could do me some good.

[@lemontea576]

Thank you for making a video about OCD! I remember it's considered one of the most debilitating disorders in the world and lack of understanding esp. with some of the more "taboo" types of OCD can be so dangerous if misunderstood and people don't receive the support they need

[@kejsida4921]

OCD is so draining. i wish more people could understand how horrible it is but sadly it’s still very misunderstood and invalidated. it’s not a quirky personality trait that you can use as an adjective.

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

Hollywood contributed to people misunderstanding the disorder. It's either demonized or downplayed.

[@tnix80]

As someone who also has autism, it can help you mask if you deflect your weirdness as "just" OCD. I don't like doing that but it's that or be judged.

[@Lovelesshandle]

​@Analysis_Paralysis I think it's from the movie with Leonardo Dicaprio

[@johnloftin2461]

I think I've displayed every sub type at different times in my life. Rumination (Pure O) has been the biggest beast. It never stops, but I'm making progress. Great video. Clear explanations.

[@rachelfedorko8576]

I appreciate that you compare and contrast normal behaviors from those that are obsessive-compulsive. I think the anxieties of many who struggle with this disorder can often be disregarded due to lack of understanding and misuse/overuse of the term "OCD".

[@kaylaparker5725]

Thank you for this. Truly. I have ASD, ADHD, and OCD. I'm currently in remission for depression. It wasn't until recently that I realized how much my OCD actually effects me. Because it's almost all mental. It's been taking a lot of work in staying in the present to combat my loops and challenging my thoughts, but it's been working. Your video has given me more understanding in how my brain is working. Just thank you again for doing what you do and making this information so accessible.

[@Truerealism747]

Same as myself with fybromyalgia to do you have pain and are you hypermobile

[@TheDarkHorse7777]

I absolutely LOVED this. I feel soooooo understood! OCD is so deeply a cognitive illness that I find it hard to explain to people. I'm so good at hiding it that it actually hurts my relationships.

[@LisaSmith-yb2uz]

As someone who lives with OCD and BDD both, I greatly appreciate your respect and thorough understanding and information on the topic ❤ awesome work! 😘

[@michaelcueva530]

Last year i had been diagnosed with OCD, diving deep into researching about this i learned it was SOCD. I was terrified by my introduce thoughts of being the other gender, but I learned over time from the information about ERP therapy that you just have to face the thoughts when they come forthrightly and courageously. I'm honestly I'm a braver person now because of it. I still have intrusive thoughts but they don't bother me anymore. thanks for this Ana I really hope this gives people an understand and encouragement to face their OCD head on forthrightly.

[@Incomodiana]

I love how the name of your channel has changed according to your new title! Congratulations doctor, I love your channel!🎉

[@LiezASMR]

Thank you so much for this video. I have OCD and Body Dysmorphia. I recognize a lot and I feel really seen and heard by this video.

[@kaitietheukulelelady5645]

Love this. I was diagnosed in highschool and super aware of many of my compulsions like door, stove, purse, driving etc. I never realized how much of my personality is because of ocd like playing with my hair for hours, or having to schedule every minor thing in my agenda (including hobbies and hanging with friends). I thought I was just conscientious/ type a/ organized, but half my behaviors and likes are ocd based like needing to immediately put things in the dishwasher or make my bed. I am grateful for parts of my ocd though because I think my civil rights, environmental protection, and animals rights advocacy is a lot stronger than most of the people around me because I just think about it so frequently I have to do something about it.

[@laurapalmer2126]

13:36 This entire video is great but just wanted to point out and thank you for mentioning the potential connections to neurodivergence. I’d love to see you cover neurodivergent vs. neurotypical in a video. Every time I try to better understand it I feel like I get more confused about it

[@NthID]

Thank you for this video Ana. For a long time I was in-denial about my OCD diagnosis. It didnt fit the stereotypes (decontamination, needing everything to be pefect, etc). I hadn't realized how the symptoms vary so greatly and how much of a spectrum OCD is.

[@hasan111]

One of the most in depth and clear video on the topic I've seen. Keep up the good work!

[@ana_s.neon.soul.]

Thank you so much Ana for how accessible these videos are! The part where you mention the 1 hour a day criteria was eye opening for me, and I’ve learned a lot of new info that I haven’t heard discussed elsewhere, thank you!

[@Chickadeemedicine]

I know correlation is not causation, but there is something that strikes me as an interesting thing I have observed in those I know with diagnosed or suspected OCD. The type/manifestation often makes more sense when ya learn about their childhood dynamics. Ie I have seen more perfectionist tendencies from those raised in a volatile home who feared being punished for short comings/imperfections. Or germophobic compulsions in those from hoarder or otherwise unhygienic homes. Or harm avoidance defined patterns just anecdotally seem more common in people I know who grew up in unsafe/physically volatile homes. Again I could be connecting dots that have no right being connected, but it is interesting as a concept to ponder. Almost seems like something in early development got cross wired to instill an overinflated/hypersensitive sense of guilt/shame when acceptance and love are most vital for our sense of stable self. The compulsion serves to soothe that negative feeling/sense of self.

[@cheesypeanutbutterapplesau5660]

Being someone who was diagnosed with OCD in early childhood, this is a very accurate and great representation of how I feel! Very validating and fantastic presentation

[@Elise.Celeste.]

Thank you for posting about this, no one really talks about ocd and it's such a depleting illness

[@wiseone1013]

This channel is very educational and informative and the creator seems intelligent kind and compassionate. I shall be attending class regularly making screen captures and learning things.

[@peacenllamas]

This video is so validating. I primarily have contamination and harm OCD. It makes relationships really hard. But facing the fears and obsessions do help and just accepting that this is how I am and adapting my life habits to make things in my control as comfortable as possible.

[@vulnerablegrowth3774]

Thank you for creating a video about OCD. My brother has it and part of the suffering comes from nobody understanding it and feeling like you can't talk to anyone about it (whether it's because people downplay it and claiming they have OCD too / or the OCD is embarrassing or a topic other people will see as disgusting to have such thoughts). We need clearer and more communication about OCD so that people are aware of it. My brother spent years suffering alone and didn't even know it was OCD so couldn't find proper help.

[@gars129]

One way my OCD has manifested since childhood is with anxiety over celeb crushes. Just seeing them, finding flaws in them, people criticizing them and them changing their appearance/vibe.

[@CookedTofu]

Thank you for this video! I was diagnosed with OCD a couple years ago. Something that my therapist told me that was helpful was that the OCD is never a sort of condition in itself- it is a manifestation of anxiety, and OCD is a maladaptive form of coping with it. So she taught me to call to mind the techniques I learned in dealing with anxiety like deep breathing, muscle tensing/relaxation etc. when I was having compulsions to check things repeatedly

[@KeoKitti]

LOVE this!!! You were right, I learned many things from this video despite being treated for OCD for years. Thank you for providing this incredibly important information for free!!!

[@marianabahamonde1994]

I suffered from ocd for a year and a half (but had symptoms 3 years before that) Now that I am so much better it's so weird to think how obsessed I was, when I think about it now it seems so silly but it was a loop I couldn't get out of. I keep asking myself if I am "cured", some people say it is possible others don't. I do recognize the pattern in my way of thinking and my boyfriend always makes me know when I am showing obsessive thoughts about something in particular.

[@sharpieman2035]

Thank you for this, my mom has OCD and this helps me understand it better and be more sympathetic. I am pretty sure it’s of the perfectionistic variety you described, she always needs her living space to be very precisely organized and if anything is out of place she has to go and fix it immediately. She’s also very particular about her appearance, spending a lot of time checking herself in the mirror, and dislikes any photos being taken (probably because they highlight what she perceived as imperfections). Luckily she’s only had minor plastic surgeries a couple times, not someone who is super repeat going about that, but now I understand more why she feels that need and how I can help her more with it.

[@sedona3player]

The example about not being able to stop on an assignment was so weirdly specific and validating. I’ve never seen my struggles with a seemingly obsessive work ethic / perfectionism put into words like that. I was diagnosed with OCD last year and I didn’t realize how many of my anxieties and “weird brain things” were just OCD. I thought literal constant negative intrusive thoughts around my house burning down for example were normal. Also how my OCD was linked to my health anxiety compulsions which caused such bad anxiety I started fainting. Compulsive information and reassurance seeking ruined my life for a while, truly. I had severe OCD as a child where my compulsions were more counting based (ie. I couldn’t chew food without counting an equal number of chews on the left, middle, then right or my pets would die) it’s exhausting. I was prescribed OCD medication but haven’t taken it because I had been on medication for years and it caused emotional numbness. I started ketamine assisted therapy instead which actually really helped me, I feel it re-wired something in my brain.

[@trinidadraj152]

Wow this was very comprehensive and accurate! I hope more people who suffer OCD will learn that ERP treatment is available to help. It is hard, there aren't always enough specialist available who do ERP, but as you work through these barriers and fears know it's possible to make it through. The light can shine through the clouds again. OCD is suffering, but there is help!

[@marrodc]

Thanks for the video, Ana! I knew about OCD at a surface level before watching this video (I mostly knew about contamination OCD), so it's great to now know more about all the other types of OCD there are to help and understand my SO when she deals with some of these compulsions.

[@rubycubez1103]

I love this video! Its so informative. Im on medication for OCD. After watching this, I realize my OCD transformed into the different categories at different times in my life. My main type is the magical undoing one I didn't realize it had a name but knew it was OCD related. OCD is debilitating and draining. Theres a lot of shame when someone catches you in the middle of a compulsion. No matter how you explain it to the person, they never get it. Its like my brain has another brain separate from me. Im at the point where Im talking back to the OCD and saying no outloud when it creeps in. I still feel guilty when I deny my compulsions though. Ive been medicated for it since 2021 and the med doesnt really work for me. Its exhausting.

[@giisfa]

I have OCD, as well as severe trich/derm, ADHD, and have struggled with EDs & body dysmorphia in the past. Super super well done video! 🖤

[@imaginativegirl126]

I developed OCD a couple of years ago perhaps due to living in an abusive household and started checking and rechecking locks to make sure doors were closed and still do and it's exhausting but I cant stop. I feel like having a sense that you have no support in your environment can also be a trigger for onset for some people. Have been taking a prescription anti depressant but everytime I try to restore some peace of mind something happens... Day before yesterday I was hit in the face with a heavy shoe by someone who just wanted to release frustration and protect ego by blaming someone else for talking about something too much. I've tolerated so much worse in life so many times and never flung anything at anyones face. Watching psych videos while just trying not to be in overwhelming pain. This is a great channel.

[@Juan-yq3fb]

I hope it gets better because it will because alittle progress helps. You got this.

[@imaginativegirl126]

@@Juan-yq3fb Thank you for saying that!

[@jontrollinski9692]

As a person w diagnosed OCD, this was a helpful video! Thank you for posting it :) I did ERP with a therapist, and it gave me a lot of confidence with understanding that my intrusive thoughts aren’t a definition of what I want to do (I have ego-dystonic thoughts, so ymmv). I’ve been able to refer back to those sessions as a reminder, which has helped me over time!

[@radha4790]

its so interesting how much social media apps can reinforce these obsessions and create compulsions like rereading conversations and checking notifications

[@samirkarki192]

My psychiatrist diagnosed me with OCD, but he said I only have the obsessions. The thing is, I have been struggling in university because whenever I try to study, I get intrusive negative thoughts about negative events in my life, even minor events which happened 2-3 years ago, and they also cause distress and loss of time until its terminated after some time. Also when I encounter certain problem I think I want to solve, I need to solve it and I feel distressed unless it's solved. When I forget something, it's very difficult for me to let it go and focus on my goals. I found it interesting, because I used to associate OCD with compulsive behaviours.

[@celinepope]

As a child I had the counting thought patterns. My steps were always counted and had to add up to 5 by 3 and 2. Not 4 and 1 or any other way. So sidewalk Stems would be 3 steps on one square, 2 on the next. Then on the rug in my family's living room, I always had to do exactly 5 steps on it. I have ADHD so the connection makes sense.

[@melililina]

Hello Ana ! Looking forward to watching this video... I want to share a small story. I am not diagnosed with OCD and I don't even know if I really have it, but I've struggled with what is being shown in the thumbnail (obsessive thoughts and the cycle). Two years ago I was at a summer vacation with my family. I kept having the most horrifying, terrible intrusive thoughts. Every picture that was taken of me that summer showed how terribly I felt. I thought it would end me. I thought it was real and that I deserved vile things. I thought it would never be over, but it is now. I am feeling way better and rarely experience obsessive thoughts like this. My final thought that I wanted to express: Whoever is reading this and struggling with something similar, don't quit believing that you can overcome it and heal. ❤ Stay strong

[@ЙоанаТерзийска-й6д]

Hello ❤ How could you reduce these thoughts from coming now? Did they came at first out of nowhere?

[@melililina]

@@ЙоанаТерзийска-й6д I saw examples of bad people/traits on the internet and convinced myself i was as bad as them, and then couldn't stop thinking about it. Eventually I read so many information on intrusive thoughts and also researched my own self esteem and realised that they are untrue, so now I barely even have them. But again, I'm not sure if I had OCD or just terrible self esteem.

[@NightMystique13]

Excellent video. Glad I found you.

[@skygirl9270]

Congratulations on getting your title!

[@JudelovesRiver12]

I watched this 2 weeks ago and just wanted to come back to say thank you ❤ this video has helped me realize how much more serious this condition is and how it impacts every day tasks. With therapy and also watching this video I’ve been able to practice externalizing my OCD which helps take some of the power away from it.

[@kavyaxxvii]

OCD is so misunderstood, my old therapist was unintentionally making things worse by giving me reassurance, recommending techniques that became compulsive, and engaging with my rumination. I had to find a therapist with experience in working with OCD clients with ERP, to see any difference.

[@paranormalia0791]

i’ve been relapsing recently so this is coming out at the right time thank you :)

[@darilysanchez4376]

Every time I have to tell someone I have OCD, I feel like they are often very confused since it’s been so generalized to just being clean and neat so they often don’t know the different types of obsessions/compulsions there is or how severe and debilitating it is

[@johnnewton1140]

I have OCD, and the biggest factors to making it manageable were getting comfortable with the worst case scenarios and medication. Having therapy and medication in combination were huge for me. If I didn’t have both of those together, I would still be suffering immensely. Fortunately, I’ve lived a very happy life since I received treatment. If you’re on the fence or scared of medication, I promise you the side effects are not nearly as bad as the OCD. In my case, the side effects went away after a month or two. No one deserves to suffer this much, so please help yourself with all the avenues that you can. It is possible to have a happy life with this disease through the right treatment. We got this!!!

[@mmmmdani]

This is so helpful-- My mom has OCPD and it feels like nobody really understands what it's like to live with a close family member who suffers from OCD/OCPD. And I mean, she really does suffer. It has unfortunately been quite disruptive in my family. My mom lashes out and there is definitely anger attached to her obsessions and compulsions. I would love if you could cover OCPD in more depth. Great video, as always!

[@deecee7042]

Yes, I would like the same. Grew up with a dad with OCPD and he lashed out every single day at us as kids. Lived in constant fear. I’ll never forget the several times he would come upstairs from the basement lashing out on me based on the way I was walking, either thinking I was walking too loud, or one time he lashed out because I was quietly walking following the rectangular pattern on the carpet. One time it was the way I was sitting on the couch “wrong,” he made me leave the house. My dad’s always presented very outwardly with anger and aggression

[@ryce3714]

@@deecee7042 I had this experience with mine too. It's a pretty tricky trauma to deal with imo, I haven't seen many people talk about it. I have OCD now and a lot of my compulsions are also tied up in childhood trauma and compulsions my dad instilled in me with his OCPD.

[@mmmmdani]

@@ryce3714 I agree! I so rarely see people discuss OCPD and particularly the trauma endured by family members of those suffering with it. I’m not diagnosed OCD but definitely picked up more than a few unhealthy habits and fixations from observing my mom’s behaviors growing up and that is difficult to contend with too.

[@ourdivinemouseoverlord3308]

Good job, Ana; this was a really good video.

[@spellraiser]

I got diagnosed with ocd earlier this year and the more I learn about it I’m like god damn lol how did I miss this

[@sel8614]

Hi Ana! Thank you so much for this video. It was very insightful! I've been dealing with an eating disorder for almost 10 years and i also wondered for a very long time if i developed ocd because of it. I, as well as many other people with eating disorders who i know, have rituals that they have to follow before, after, and during the act of eating. For example, I am scared of dirty dishes that i have to clean them before using any pots, plates, or other utensils. I think it started from a fear of oil or sugar being on the plate (even after the plate was put into the dishwasher of course!!). I basically didn't want to unknowingly comsume calories. I also don't allow my family to prepare meals for me or even touch my food i bought from the grocery shop. I even need to put, let's say, my almond milk in the exact same place in the fridge. Otherwise, it doesnt seem right. (As if it contains more calories when it stands somewhere else😂) but these compulsions make me believe that there is a connection between ed's and ocd. Oh, and few minutes ago, i told my sister not to drink her coke in my room, because i am afraid of absorbing calories through smelling. Its so hard to live with these kinds of thoughts especially when you feel the need to comply.

[@NightMystique13]

I agree with you that OCD is ED related. It’s an obsession with one’s appearance and weight that is very difficult to recover from.

[@brahmanwithin6623]

The only time you’ll overcome OCD is when you are done with life. Then you won’t allow yourself to change another thought or perform another compulsion. SSRIs have definitely helped me to reduce the amount of intrusive thoughts I get.

[@deecee7042]

Have you also tried SNRIs?

[@brahmanwithin6623]

@@deecee7042 no

[@deecee7042]

@@brahmanwithin6623 what is your experience with SSRIs? I am thinking about discussing with my psych if I can try.

[@brahmanwithin6623]

@@deecee7042 They made me feel more relaxed and less anxious, but they didn't completely remove the anxiety. They made me have much less intrusive thoughts - almost like the breaks were put on my overactive brain. I also could finally sleep well! Besides that, I would say that they're pretty good. I am not sure if they are making me feel tired though, I have recently done a blood test and I have a potassium deficiency so I am going to replenish those levels and see if the tiredness goes away (fatigue is a main symptom of potassium deficiency). They also made me have problems with having orgasms, but I didn't have any other side effects besides teeth grinding and slightly worse focus (but I also take ADHD medication so it counter-acts this).

[@jenathent4840]

@@deecee7042 they help with intrusive thoughts immensely…but the side effects are really rough and can ramp up intrusive and suicidal thoughts for the first 2 weeks. After a month the true effects arise so if you start them be in an environment where you have people looking out for you

[@Celadrin]

This is fantastic- you are thriving in your lanes

[@alessa9718]

So interesting. I have OCD & learned stuff I didn’t know before so that’s cool. Thank u!!

[@alessa9718]

Also have adhd, so I’ve definitely wasted a lot of life stressing while still not getting anywhere which sucks. & with the ocd, a small piece of it lately is overthinking the pharmaceutical company, so I fear taking meds, but if I took meds life would probably be easier. So this stuff is definitely debilitating despite feeling like you have to do these things. If I do deep research & there’s even a conspiracy about mental health medicine changing my brain, that’s it. It’s hard to know which “I have to”s in life are real or not. & back when I had an eating disorder, my ocd pretty much embedded itself in that. But it feels like when u get rid of one thing, it goes into another.

[@michealrosen]

As someone who has been diagnosed with ocd, I'm very interested in this video, I'm in checking spectrum.

[@darksat6]

Watching the video as I'm pulling my hair.. Thank you for the in depth analysis of OCD

[@flepik1]

For me, I had really bad signs of OCD when was a little kid, probably up to the age of 9-10. My parents didn't really understand what was going on with me, they mainly just said kids have their own quirks and I always wondered to what degree is this true, since my symptoms have gradually calmed down as I started aging. From what I know, childrens brains are probably more prone to certain irrational patters since their brain still has a lot of shaping to do, but for me it was OCD type behaviour that was actually really strong that calmed down almost completetely when I was older, which kind of exceeds this expectation of 'growing out' of certain mental disfunctions. However I am pretty sure my brain is still quite 'OCD wired', since I have a tendency to be extremely perfectionistic, obsessive and anxious. When I was a teenager I also had a really bad ED which very much follows the pattern you mentioned in your video, I do think it very much satisfied that obsessive part of my brain for a long time, that's also when my symptoms have increased in frequency for the first time since the time I was a kid. One thing that was always interesting to me is the type of obsessions I tended to have, since a lot of them have a certain quality that doesn't fall into a typical pattern. By that I mean my obsessions manifested as pure, physical discomfort or a feeling of anxiety that was not formulated into any particular worry when I didn't do certain things, usually touch something, wear something or move it so that I equal out the forces on both sides of my body or on the object. It's sort of like that thing people have when they step on a rock on a sidewalk and then look for another similar rock to step on with their second foot because 'it feels right' except for me it was to a extencive degree. These specific complusions were probably more similar to the ticks that people with Tourettes have, from what Ive heard these two are often compared as illnesses with a similar source, I always wondered if most people experience this specific type of obsessions because I could never find anything on the internet about them. Sorry for the essay but I was always very interested in how that part of my brain works, since I am quite sure now that it is or was definately there.

[@terrortalks3037]

23:32 The 'flooding' she is talking about here is "emotional flooding" if you're interested in learning more about it.

[@toomanysymbols]

my sister has OCD and this is all very familiar. i feel like i'm inclined toward that way of thinking myself, but for me it usually doesn't manifest in actual behaviour, i almost always deal with it mentally. i've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression in the past as well though, and have been on ssri's for a while now. i get the feeling that serotonin imbalances just run in our family. oh, and i've also been tested for autism in the past but nothing came out of that. sort of interesting as it's also mentioned that asd and ocd can be related in certain ways.

[@Truerealism747]

Yes I have add OCD fybromyalgia symptoms the link is hypomobility

[@Lyrehc-Soul-Healing]

I just realized I had nearly all of those. But I have obviously kicked many of them since I made pickles the other day without really reading the recipe and accidentally left a burner on super low because I assumed (when I got in the car and questioned it) that it was like going back for the hair straightener 20 times and I didn't want to live like that. I also don't even feel bad that I left it on I just knew my dad might lose it. I think both of my parents have variations of it. Which is mindblowing... but totally makes sense now.

[@Bubble998Grunge]

I would say that something that a lot of non-OCD people don't get is that discomfort with uncertainty underlies much/most of the disorder--the thought of something bad happening to a loved one when they are walking home alone after dark, the thought that you might be a sexual deviant, the thought that you might shout a racial slur out in a public space--you are so disturbed by whatever it is, you ruminate over how you can be sure that, whatever it is, it's not happening, or it is not going to happen. The more you do this, however, the more you trick your brain into thinking that whatever it is that is triggering the OCD is actually a threat that you have to focus on. You accept all kinds of uncertainty--the uncertainty of dying in a car wreck everyday, for instance--but, for whatever reason, this thing really bothers you. It's not a coincidence themes--harm, relationships, sexual taboos, etc.--are often of a moral character. And you often don't talk with anyone about it, because it's embarrassing and because you feel ashamed.

[@susanlam4127]

23:49, your cat is so cute!!

[@theratlovedu60]

Thank you so much for talking about OCD

[@briannawaldorf8485]

Thank you for saying that about eating disorders becsuse imo eating disorders are addictions and addictions are also very much obsessions and compulsions a lot of the time. My ex was formerly diagnosed w OCD after years and years of just SAD & GAD and he had on and off issues with drug addiction and I had this realisation one time while going through another episode of him obsessing about using (this would happen sometimes during his clean phases which would often cause him to relapse. Could be 2 weeks after last time getting clean. Could be 6 months. Could be 1 day just depended on how much self control he had) and he would feed the obsession and if he didn’t compulsively do the drug he was obsessing over he would have horrendous anxiety which would result in a panic attack and it was horrific. Once I had to help stop him from trying to commit suicide from this. But often he would become so desperate during an obsession he would start to try to manipulate me into agreeing he could use, or he would try to steal other people’s stash of drugs or rage but it was mostly panic attacks. But times when he was doing well he wouldn’t feed the intrusive thought about using and it wouldn’t turn to an obsession. I described this to our relationship therapist who also saw him one on one and he did an assessment on him and he thought it was very likely he had it. So he referred him to a psychiatrist who then diagnosed him with it. The ssri helped tremendously with this. Which goes right along with what this video says about Zoloft. I think one day we will see addiction as an obsession compulsion instead of substance abuse disorder.

[@ryarya3291]

Thank you so much. Can you do a video about neurodivergence? And what are the neurological treatments? Thx

[@willparrot528]

i really relate to the medical obsessions, but instead of being afraid to have them, i need reassurance/ a diagnosis. I've had a chronic illness for about 3 years now and I only recently got diagnosed, the relief i felt. I had so much anxiety and distress over my symptoms , I have a huge need for a diagnosis otherwise I don't feel valid at all/ that I'm "faking it" and that "it's all in my head". p.s. i don't have diagnosed ocd , just wanted to share my experiences, I'm working out with my psychiatrist why i feel this way!!

[@hunched_monk3279]

Wow what a great presentation! Where do you find the time to put this together! Thanks

[@Tiggs84]

Thank you saying that it is not always an anxiety disorder, I have been diagnosed but often doubt if it is real as all I experience is disgust and discomfort.

[@express2008]

Thank you Ana for yet another well organized and digestible video!!❤ I have a question/request that having an answer to would help out a lot: What is the phenomenon of "evening blues" or "nighttime sadness", and how does one deal with it in a ecological manner? I have been bothered by this for many years now. Recently I have been searching the web & trying to figure it out for some time now, and it turns out that there are very few to none good articles on the matter. If you have any advice or articles to suggest I would be very grateful🙏

[@hottmog]

I was literally information seeking and I had no idea ocd presented itself this way so it sent me into a loop of checking that my triggers are real and I’m still doing it

[@fairygurl9269]

*Respect & Gratitude I Also Find the Channel, "OCD & Anxiety" Very Helpful in Catching Myself before Snowballing into an Avalanche Effect Occurs ( Pattern Interrupt ) 💞

[@darkstarr984]

The types chart is useful because perfectionism is the bane of my existence, and I tend to pick at blemishes on my skin anywhere they show up in an attempt to remove them. I fear people will find things that I do and disapprove of them so I will hide or destroy items and things I make often. But I never realized until recently that making things add up to 8 or 13, or how I can’t say 6 without immediately following it with an equal amount of times saying 7 could be something messed up in my brain…

[@mayaagain]

Congratulations, Dr. Ana!!

[@legtit132]

Love that moon poster in the back

[@FabbInRedd]

I love your intruder, also your explanation on OCD. I still want to get myself assessed, but I feel I have some sort of it

[@suzyd9999]

As someone who went from anorexia to orthorexia to recovery to BED (it wasnt intense, and very short but still enough to get a diagnosis) to now (i feel like im back into anorexia except it's a weird one), I'm thinking that my current disorder/disordered patterns are a mix of eating disorder, OCD, depression (?), anxiety, and dysmorphia.

[@jenathent4840]

It’s sounds like you may have ocd and everything else is a “symptom”. Have you been out on any ssris or antipsychotics?

[@suzyd9999]

@@jenathent4840 why do you say I could have ocd ? I mean what are you basing this on ? (I'm genuinely wondering, since I didn't say much). And the answer's no, I haven't been on any treatment

[@jenathent4840]

@@suzyd9999 I’m saying you could be OCD and you should talk to your doctor about it of course but OCD can manifest itself in all the forms you mention. Eating disorders and OCD overlap and can come with depression and panic / anxiety disorders. Instead of being diagnosed with 3-4 diagnosis you may just be OCD

[@suzyd9999]

@@jenathent4840 oh okay gotcha. Thanks :)

[@KarlWitsman]

Very thorough! And yes, I think cats can be OCD. They are very much creatures of habit... even to the point where it's dangerous for them. I've had the OCPD to a limited degree for my whole life (cleanliness and germs). I went into psychology and counseling as a profession and have been able to move it into more acceptable expressions.

[@sparklyunicorn5431]

I find that I have several OCD tendencies but am still able to function okay for the most part. I try to help myself in the ways you described but it really is so unpleasant and difficult.

[@kcajproductions5150]

*sees channel*....Dr. Ana!!!!!!!!!!!....congrats, don't know when it changed but congrats

[@BasedChadman]

This is the first I've realized I might have OCD since the usual examples don't apply to me at all

[@zakariaabderrahmanesadelao3048]

Doctor, you are absolutely brilliant.

[@LifeImpurrfect]

I would love to see a video about "pure O" to understand myself better.

[@Not_Audreyy]

For some reason my brain will repeat or say random words over and over again and also spell them out and just kind of over analyze them until they sound not right.

[@FrogsLikeFruitSnacks]

that could be a compulsion or be something normal or it could be something else. if its coursing you alot of distress you should talk to your doctor

[@roy.shrestha]

Thank you for this informative video. I have decontamination & a bit of perfectionistic OCD. My scalp picking & laptop cleaning (I got a mini vacuum) are affecting my life a lot. I tend to use antibacterial wipes for cleaning doors, taps, phones, etc but these are quite manageable. Unread messages & mails can also cause me distress, does it come under OCD as well?

[@JohnMiller-hg7ty]

Thank you so much! This was incredibly helpful. :)

[@staticman3682]

Thank you for this video, I was diagnosed with OCD when I was 3 and was prescribed medication and was on it for a year, It eventually came back when I stopped it and just left me wondering if the medication left some side effects because I was on them at such a young age.

[@oh5793]

it's so sad that my OCD is very severe to the point i had/still have all of these themes and subtypes! also i think OCD itself was categorized as a neurodivergence recently

[@Truerealism747]

That's great they done that took me to 43 to for Nd I have Asperger's because of my fybromyalgia hypomobility

[@lucy-tf1ur]

Oh, that’s interesting, I started getting symptoms of ocd at 13/14 and back then I feel like I was changing a lot as a person and my brain was probably changing so much in a short amount of time

[@angeushiro]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@darkstarr984]

Oh… oh dear. I really don’t think I have OCD but I’ve been diagnosed with it. Because I genuinely am very nitpicking. And very prone to repetitive behaviors. Only most of my repetitive and ritualistic behaviors are genuinely comforting and not done because of my repetitive thoughts… but oh no… oh nooooo…. everything you’ve described in the OCD thing is how I behave… usually for multiple hours a day.

[@SP-qi8ur]

Womderful! Could you make one on the MBTI next?

[@mayaagain]

I believe she's already made a video stating her stance on MBTI