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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): More Than Rituals, Routines & Stereotypes

Updated: Dec 7, 2025

By Donna Burfield – Joy & Purpose Coaching


Far too often, obsessive compulsive disorder is minimised with throwaway phrases like “I’m a bit OCD about cleaning,” but real OCD is nothing like this.

 

OCD can be distressing, intrusive, exhausting, and incredibly isolating. It affects the mind, body, relationships, and day-to-day life.


OCD is also treatable, and with the right understanding and support, anyone living with OCD can reclaim their confidence, peace, and sense of safety.



What Is OCD?

 

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental health condition characterised by:

 

  • obsessions - intrusive, unwanted thoughts, fears, or images

  • compulsions - repetitive behaviours or mental rituals performed to relieve anxiety

 

According to NICE and OCD Action, OCD affects around 1-2% of the UK population, meaning up to 1 in 50 people. It can begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and often fluctuates depending on stress, uncertainty, or life transitions.

 

OCD is not a personality quirk. It is not about being tidy or organised. It is a condition rooted in anxiety and a need to feel safe.


 

Different Types of OCD

 

OCD shows up differently in each person. These are some of the most common forms, though many people experience more than one.


 

1. Contamination OCD

 

Fear of germs, illness, chemicals, or harm from being “contaminated.”

 

Compulsions may include:

 

  • excessive washing

  • avoiding certain objects or places

  • cleaning routines

 


2. Checking OCD

 

Driven by fear of causing harm or making a mistake.

 

Common compulsions:

 

  • re-checking locks, appliances, lights

  • repeating tasks

  • seeking reassurance



3. Symmetr/Ordering OCD

 

The need for things to feel “just right.”

 

Compulsions might involve:

 

  • arranging, aligning, or reorganising objects

  • repeating movements

  • starting tasks over until they feel correct

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4. Intrusive Thoughts OCD

 

Unwanted, distressing thoughts or images about harm, violence, or taboo subjects. These thoughts do not reflect the person’s character.



5. Relationship OCD (ROCD)

 

Obsessions about the rightness of a relationship, partner, or attraction.

 


6. Existential OCD

 

Overthinking life, death, reality, or philosophical questions to an overwhelming degree.

 


7. Health OCD

 

Fixation on illness, symptoms, or medical catastrophes.

 


8. Pure O (Primarily Obsessional OCD)

 

Obsessions are internal, and compulsions occur in the mind (e.g., mental checking, analysing, “undoing”).



Common Symptoms of OCD

 

Obsessions May Include:

 

  • intrusive worries

  • catastrophic “what if” thoughts

  • unwanted violent, sexual, or disturbing images

  • a constant need for certainty

  • fear of harming others unintentionally

  • exaggerated sense of responsibility

 

Compulsions May Include:

 

  • repetitive washing, checking, counting, or arranging

  • repeating phrases or prayers mentally

  • avoiding triggers

  • reassurance-seeking

  • re-doing tasks until they feel “right”

 

OCD is not about liking order; it’s about trying to reduce anxiety or protect yourself from imagined danger.


 

The Emotional Impact of OCD

 

OCD is often hidden because people feel:

 

  • ashamed of their thoughts

  • scared others won’t understand

  • embarrassed by rituals

  • exhausted from trying to suppress symptoms

  • trapped in repetitive cycles

  • lonely, anxious, or overwhelmed

 

Many people with OCD are knowledgeable, sensitive, conscientious individuals who care deeply about not causing harm.

 

OCD targets exactly where a person’s values lie.



What Causes OCD?

 

There is no single cause, but contributing factors include:

 

  • genetics (family history increases likelihood)

  • brain chemistry and function

  • perfectionism or high responsibility traits

  • trauma or chronic stress

  • significant life changes

  • co-occurring conditions (e.g., anxiety, autism, ADHD)

 

OCD is not anyone’s fault, and it is treatable.



How is OCD treated?

 


1. CBT with Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)

 

The gold-standard therapy for OCD. Helps reduce anxiety and break the obsession–compulsion cycle.

 


2. Medication (SSRIs)

 

Sometimes used alongside therapy to reduce symptom severity.

 


3. Lifestyle Support

 

  • mindfulness

  • grounding techniques

  • regular routines

  • reducing stress

  • support networks

  • coaching for daily structure

 


4. Self-Help & Peer Support

 

Talking to others with lived experience can be incredibly validating. Recovery is possible, with the right tools.


 

UK Organisations & Resources

 



OCD is a deeply human response to fear and uncertainty, a brain trying desperately to protect you.

 

But you are not your thoughts. You are not your rituals. And you are not defined by your fears.

 

With the right support, OCD becomes manageable. With compassion and education, stigma fades. With understanding, people living with OCD can reclaim their confidence, identity, and peace.



🌿 If you or someone you care about is living with OCD, you’re not alone. You can explore more free tools, articles, and supportive resources on the Joy & Purpose Coaching website.

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