Myth 1: “Everyone is a little OCD.”
This is one of the most common misconceptions. While many people like organization or have certain habits, OCD is a serious mental health condition that involves distressing, persistent obsessions and/or compulsions. It’s not about liking things tidy—it’s about feeling overwhelmed by anxiety and performing rituals to try to cope with it.
Myth 2: OCD is just about cleaning.
While contamination-related fears are one subtype of OCD, the condition can manifest in many ways. Some individuals struggle with fears of harming others, intrusive violent or sexual thoughts, moral or religious obsessions, or the need for things to be “just right”.
Myth 3: You can just stop the compulsions if you try hard enough.
OCD is not about willpower. Compulsions are performed in response to intense anxiety. Telling anyone with OCD to “just stop” can be invalidating and counterproductive. Treatment involves helping individuals gradually face their fears and learn new ways of responding.
Myth 4: OCD is rare.
OCD affects around 1-2% of the population. It can start in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and affect people of all backgrounds.
Challenging these myths helps reduce stigma and encourages those struggling to seek the support they deserve.