OCD is not “being organised”. It is a disorder characterised by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) that consume hours every day and cause significant distress. It is treatable with the right approach.
How it presents
Recurrent, unwanted thoughts, images or urges (obsessions)
Repetitive actions or mental rituals to reduce anxiety (compulsions) — e.g. checking, washing, counting, seeking reassurance
Significant time consumption (often more than an hour per day)
Awareness that the thoughts/actions are “irrational”, but inability to stop them
Worsening during periods of stress or fatigue
When to seek help
When obsessions and compulsions exceed an hour a day, or cause significant distress, or affect your work, relationships or functioning. Many people with OCD live for years with symptoms before asking for help — because they feel ashamed or think their thoughts are “crazy”. They are not. They are a medical symptom and they are treatable.
How we approach it at Mindbeing
First-line treatment for OCD is a specialised form of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). It is highly effective: applied systematically, the vast majority of patients see significant improvement. Where needed, it is combined with medication (specifically SSRIs at higher doses than those used for depression). From Q4 2026, rTMS will be available for treatment-resistant OCD as a non-invasive option.
If you recognise yourself or someone close to you in the above, a first session is the most practical next step.