“I’m a bit OCD…” — Why this phrase isn’t just harmless banter

Have you ever heard someone casually say, “I’m a bit OCD” when referring to their tidy home or their alphabetised book case? While it may seem like a harmless comment, phrases like this can trivialise the seriousness of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Misunderstanding OCD not only spreads misinformation but also contributes to stigma, often making those who live with the condition feel isolated, anxious, or ashamed.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

The National Institute of Mental Health defines OCD

“Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder marked by uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions), repetitive and excessive behaviours (compulsions), or both. OCD symptoms can begin at any age, but they typically emerge in late childhood or early adulthood.”

OCD is more than being neat or organised. It’s a mental health condition involving a persistent cycle of obsessions and compulsions. These two components feed off one another, creating distress and significantly impacting daily life.

Common Obsessions:

• Fear of harming others (intentionally or accidentally)

• Worrying about contamination from germs, dirt, or chemicals

• Intrusive and distressing thoughts (often sexual, violent, or taboo in nature)

• Obsession with order, symmetry, or things being “just right”

• Compulsive hoarding or difficulty discarding items, regardless of their value

Common Compulsions:

• Repeatedly checking that doors are locked or appliances are off

• Arranging or ordering things until they feel ‘right’

• Repeating actions, words, or numbers to neutralise anxiety

• Performing mental rituals to counteract ‘bad’ thoughts

• Seeking constant reassurance from others

• Counting objects or steps to avoid “unlucky” outcomes

Busting the Myths

• Myth: OCD is just about being clean or organised.

  
  

  Fact: Cleanliness may be part of it, but OCD can involve a wide range of obsessions unrelated to hygiene or tidiness.

• Myth: People with OCD can "just stop" their behaviour.

  
  

  Fact: Compulsions are often carried out to relieve overwhelming anxiety. Stopping them without support can be extremely distressing.

• Myth: OCD is rare.

  
  

  Fact: It affects millions globally and is one of the top 10 most disabling medical conditions according to the World Health Organisation. The UK charity OCD Action state that OCD affects between 1–2% of the UK population.

How can OCD Present itself?       

Fictional Case Study: Kay

Kay is a 37-year-old woman who experiences persistent and distressing intrusive thoughts while driving. A recurring thought that troubles her is: “What if I hit a cyclist?” Even when there is no evidence of any accident, this thought enters her mind involuntarily, especially after passing a cyclist on the road.

Once the thought occurs, Kay begins to imagine catastrophic consequences. She fears that if the thought is true, she may have unknowingly committed a hit-and-run. This leads to a cascade of anxiety-driven beliefs such as: “I’ll be arrested,” “I’ll go to prison,” and “I’ll never see my children again.” These thoughts trigger intense emotional distress and a sense of moral responsibility to make sure no harm has occurred.

In response to these fears, Kay engages in compulsive behaviours aimed at reducing her anxiety and gaining certainty. After passing a cyclist, she checks her mirrors repeatedly. She sometimes drives back along the same route to look for signs of an accident. Once home, she inspects her vehicle for any dents or damage that might suggest a collision. Later, she often searches online for news reports or local police updates, looking for any mention of a cyclist being hit in the area.

Despite these repeated checks and the absence of any evidence of an accident, Kay continues to feel uncertain and distressed. Her behaviours, though intended to reassure her, only provide temporary relief and reinforce the obsessive cycle. Over time, this pattern has significantly affected her ability to drive with confidence and has started to interfere with her daily life.

Albert Einstein once said; “It is impossible to get out of a problem by using the same kind of thinking that it took to get into it.”

Although this quote isn’t specifically about OCD, it emphasizes the importance of gaining new perspectives and challenging unhelpful thoughts to break free from the mindset that created the issue. This is where counselling can be especially helpful.

So how can therapy help?

Therapy can give someone a safe space to share their experience of OCD. Cognitive Behavioural therapy can help with techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts and reduce compulsive behaviours. A common approach within CBT is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which involves gradually facing fears in a controlled and supportive way.

Person centred therapy focuses on empathy, acceptance, and understanding the person’s individual experience. It can help build self-worth and reduce feelings of shame often associated with OCD.

OCD Awareness Week 13th-19th October 2025 and a chance to educate, challenge stereotypes, and show support for those affected.

Michelle N

Counsellor

Therapy Centre Services