Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes excessive orderliness, perfectionism, and attention to detail. ¹ If you struggle with OCD, you already know its qualities and symptoms. However, those around you are likely confused when you bring it up.

This isn’t out of the ordinary. Most people in your life want to be a support system for you. They just don’t know how to.

So, how can you explain OCD to those who don’t have it? Throughout this article, we’ll give you a detailed analysis of how to talk about OCD with others.

The Seriousness of OCD

One of the biggest dilemmas in trying to explain OCD is many won’t take it seriously. Unfortunately, overcoming this obstacle may prove to be the hardest, but also the most rewarding.

The difficulty with all mental conditions is people can’t physically see the problem. The wounds are invisible. If you struggle with OCD, you already know how serious the condition is. Now you have to find a way to explain the significance to others.

It may help to share some statistics:

• It’s estimated that at least 1.2% of the U.S. adult population struggles with OCD.

• OCD is more prevalent among the female population (1.8%) than the male population (0.5%).

• Out of the OCD population, about half (50.6%) have had serious impairment.

• Out of the OCD population, 34.8% have moderate impairment and 14.6% have mild impairment.

When presented with these statistics, the prevalence of OCD becomes optical. The bottom line is a lot of people struggle with it and many let this condition go untreated.

The Dark Side of OCD

Most people see OCD as an organization and cleanliness problem. They may put off the seriousness and perceive nothing more than a perfectionist.

Unfortunately, most people don’t see the dark side of OCD. They don’t realize OCD is a type of anxiety disorder. ²

Anxiety presents unwanted and disturbing thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions). From there, it causes you to engage in repetitive behaviors and/or mental acts (compulsions).

This description of OCD’s operations in the brain reveals the true nature of this condition. And it’s important to share this nature with others.

Why You Need to Speak Out

We understand it’s difficult to talk to others about your OCD. However, it’s best not to keep your condition a secret.

According to the International OCD Foundation, the majority of people with OCD refrain from treatment between 14 and 17 years after the initial onset of symptoms.

In most cases, people are embarrassed about their thoughts and behaviors. They believe these traits are unique and, therefore, strange to come out and admit to. Yet, as seen in the statics, many out there struggle with OCD. You are anything but alone in this battle.

It’s important to speak out about OCD because if you don’t, symptoms can worsen over time. With the right treatment and support system, you can overcome this condition. Furthermore, untreated OCD can lead to other mental illnesses, such as eating disorders, depression, and other anxiety disorders. ³

Words From Those with OCD

In 2015, The Mighty formed a list of quotes from people who struggle with OCD. By sharing a few of these, you can get an idea of how others define their OCD.

• “OCD is like having a bully stuck inside your head and nobody else can see it.” – Krissy McDermott

• It’s like being controlled by a puppeteer. Every time you try and just walk away, he pulls you back. Are you sure the stove is off and everything is unplugged? Back up we go. Are you sure your hands are clean as they can get? Back ya go. Are you sure the doors are securely locked? Back down we go. How many people have touched this object? Wash your hands again.” – Toni Neville

• “A physical sensation crawls up my arm as I avoid compulsions. But if I complete it, the world resets itself for a moment like everything will be just fine. But only for a moment.” – Mardy M. Berlinger

• “Imagine all your worst thoughts as a soundtrack running through your mind 24/7, day after day.” – Adam Walker Cleveland

• It’s like you have two brains – a rational brain and an irrational brain. And they’re constantly fighting.” – Emilie Ford

Metaphors are a great way to develop a picture for those who don’t struggle with OCD. Being as this is a mental disease, it’s important to give your listener a visualization. As though it were a physical disease.

Final Word

Understandably, you may be in a position where it’s difficult to trust someone with your OCD. Luckily, there is help available. While we highly suggest speaking to a physician or psychiatrist, you also have the option to reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline at 1 (800) 950-NAMI.

References

¹ Brock H, Hany M. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. 2023 May 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 31985955.

² Bartz JA, Hollander E. Is obsessive-compulsive disorder an anxiety disorder? Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2006 May;30(3):338-52. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2005.11.003. Epub 2006 Feb 7. PMID: 16455175.

³ Sharma E, Sharma LP, Balachander S, Lin B, Manohar H, Khanna P, Lu C, Garg K, Thomas TL, Au ACL, Selles RR, Højgaard DRMA, Skarphedinsson G, Stewart SE. Comorbidities in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Nov 11;12:703701. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.703701. PMID: 34858219; PMCID: PMC8631971.