02/06/2026
OCD is not just about being a neat freak or having everything colour-coded in your wardrobe (and honestly, if that brings you joy, no judgement here! 😊).
OCD is like having a brain that's constantly hitting the repeat button on thoughts and actions, even when you're desperately wishing it would just pause for a moment.
Those thoughts can be anything, worrying about whether you left the stove on, to sudden bizarre or distressing ideas that make you wonder, "Where on earth did that come from?"
If intrusive thoughts feel familiar, here are three things that can help:
1. Recognise them for what they are, having a thought doesn't make it true, and it doesn't mean you have to act on it. Sometimes a thought is just a thought, nothing more.
2. Don't feed the beast, the more you engage with intrusive thoughts, or fight to push them away, the more power you give them. Try acknowledging the thought without judgement, then gently bring your attention back to the present.
3. Be kind to yourself, dealing with intrusive thoughts is hard. You don't have to be perfect at managing them. Give yourself the same compassion you'd offer a friend.
You are not alone in this. There is absolutely no shame in reaching out for help, in fact, it's one of the bravest things you can do. Let's keep talking and let's keep breaking the stigma.