Unfortunately, OCD remains one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Myths and stereotypes surround it—on social media, in TV shows, in everyday conversations, and even in professional settings. These misconceptions not only trivialise the experiences of people with OCD but can also make it harder for them to recognise their condition, seek help, and get the right support.
Watch Minnie, Mia, and Zack share their thoughts about how myths and stereotypes have affected their experience of living with OCD in the video below:
Why Misinformation About OCD Matters
When OCD is trivialised or misrepresented, it creates a ripple effect that impacts everyone with the condition. Misunderstanding OCD doesn’t just create awkward moments when someone jokes about being “a bit OCD.” It has real consequences for people living with the condition, as well as for society as a whole.
Feelings of Isolation and Stigma
When people believe stereotypes like “OCD is just about being tidy,” it can make those with OCD feel unseen and invalidated. OCD is already an isolating condition, and myths like these can make it even harder for people to open up about their experiences.
Barriers to Diagnosis and Treatment
OCD is treatable, but in order for people to access treatment, they need to know they have OCD in the first place. Misunderstandings can delay diagnosis, with many people going years—or even decades—before realising they need help. Even healthcare professionals sometimes miss the signs of OCD or misdiagnose it due to the prevalence of myths.
A Self-Reinforcing Problem
The more OCD is misunderstood, the harder it is for society to have informed conversations about it. This impacts how mental health services are designed, how professionals are trained, and how people with OCD are treated—creating a cycle that reinforces stigma and leaves many struggling in silence.
Common Myths About OCD
MYTH #1: “OCD IS JUST ABOUT BEING NEAT AND TIDY”
Reality: OCD is not about being organised or liking things a certain way. While some people with OCD might feel compelled to arrange or clean things in response to distressing intrusive thoughts, OCD is much broader than that. At its core, OCD is driven by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that cause significant anxiety, leading to repetitive behaviours (compulsions) aimed at trying to reduce that anxiety.
These compulsions might be physical actions, like checking or washing, or they might be mental rituals, like reviewing memories or seeking reassurance. OCD isn’t about preferences or enjoying cleaning; it’s about feeling trapped in a cycle of anxiety and compulsions that can be exhausting and debilitating.
MYTH #2: “EVERYONE GETS THOUGHTS LIKE THAT – it’s just anxiety”
Reality: While it’s true that everyone experiences intrusive thoughts from time to time, what sets OCD apart is how these thoughts “stick” and the intense distress they create. For someone with OCD, intrusive thoughts feel overwhelming and deeply significant, often clashing with their values or sense of self. This relentless cycle of doubt and fear triggers exhausting and time-consuming compulsions in an attempt to find relief.
It’s also important to note that while many people can relate to certain aspects of OCD—such as double-checking whether they’ve locked the door—that doesn’t mean everyone who relates to these feelings has OCD. The “D” in OCD stands for disorder, meaning the condition significantly impacts a person’s life, often interfering with their relationships, education, or work.
It’s also important to understand that while anxiety is a central part of OCD, the condition is distinct from generalised anxiety. OCD revolves around intrusive thoughts that are highly specific, unwanted, and distressing, paired with compulsions designed to reduce that anxiety. In contrast, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) involves pervasive, excessive worry about everyday concerns, without the same compulsive behaviours or intrusive thought loops.
Dismissing OCD as “just anxiety” or something everyone experiences oversimplifies the condition and invalidates the distress it causes.
MYTH #3: “I’M so OCD!”
Reality: Saying “I’m a bit OCD” or “I’m so OCD!” to describe liking things organised or symmetrical trivialises the condition and undermines the experiences of those living with it. OCD is a serious mental illness that can have a profound impact on someone’s life.
It also doesn’t make sense. You wouldn’t say “I’m a bit cancer” or “I’m so diabetes,” because those terms don’t work as adjectives—neither does OCD.
Side note: Why the joke misses the mark 🙅
People with OCD have a sense of humour, just like anyone else—but jokes that reduce their experiences to stereotypes can have unintended consequences. When people respond to challenges about using phrases like “I’m so OCD” with “It’s just a joke, lighten up!” they often don’t realise the harm these comments can cause.
While humour is a way many people connect, jokes that simplify OCD into neatness or quirkiness reinforce stigma and misunderstanding. The consequences go beyond hurt feelings. Trivialisation creates real barriers for the 1–2% of the population living with OCD, particularly those who don’t yet realise they have it. Misconceptions can delay diagnosis and treatment, leaving people without the support they need.
By being mindful of how we talk about OCD, we can help create a world where people feel understood, supported, and able to seek help when they need it.
MYTH #4: “ALL COMPULSIONS ARE VISIBLE”
Reality: Many compulsions are internal and harder to spot. Mental compulsions might include silently repeating words, analysing memories, or mentally checking for reassurance. Just because you can’t see someone’s compulsions doesn’t mean they’re not struggling.
This misunderstanding can make it even harder for people with OCD to be recognised and supported.
MYTH #5: “YOU CAN’T GET BETTER”
Reality: OCD is highly treatable. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is the gold-standard treatment and has been shown to help most people significantly reduce their symptoms.
With the right support and resources, it’s absolutely possible to live a fulfilling life while managing OCD.
How You Can Help Challenge Myths About OCD
Speak Up
When you hear someone misusing the term OCD, consider it an opportunity to educate them. Many people simply don’t realise what OCD really is or how their words might be harmful. If you feel able to, a gentle correction, like, “Actually, OCD isn’t about being tidy—it’s a serious mental health condition,” can go a long way in raising awareness.
Contact Us
If you see a company, celebrity, or public figure misusing OCD, let us know. OCD Action regularly reaches out to organisations to raise awareness and encourage them to correct misconceptions. You can also write to them yourself—the more people who speak up, the better.
Get Involved
Raising awareness about OCD helps reduce stigma and create a more understanding world. Whether it’s sharing your story, joining a campaign, or simply supporting someone you know with OCD, your actions make a difference.