OCD Is Not Just About Being “Neat”: The Truth Behind Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Parita Sharma
9 hours ago
2 min read

Do you or someone you love feel stuck in a loop of thoughts and rituals? You're not alone — and you're not overreacting. At SEVEE, we meet many Indians and NRIs across the USA, UK, Canada, and beyond who silently live with the exhausting grip of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It's more than just cleaning or organizing — it’s a mental health condition that deserves understanding and support. It's repetitive, intrusive, irrational, no-volitional control and may - may not be followed by compulsive behaviour.

hands wash repetitive ocd waste of water

What is OCD?

OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, a condition where people experience:

Obsessions: Unwanted, intrusive thoughts or fears (e.g., “Did I lock the door?” “Am I a bad person?”)
Compulsions: Repetitive actions or rituals performed to reduce the anxiety caused by the obsessions (e.g., hand-washing, checking, repeating words)

These patterns can be distressing, time-consuming, and interfere with daily life, relationships, work, and peace of mind.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Constant fear of contamination or illness
Checking locks, stoves, or switches multiple times
Needing symmetry or exact order
Intrusive, violent, or taboo thoughts that cause guilt
Compulsive praying, counting, or repeating actions
Avoiding places or people due to irrational fears

Types of OCD

Contamination OCD – Fear of germs, illness, or dirt
Checking OCD – Repeatedly checking things to prevent imagined harm
Symmetry/Order OCD – Needing things to feel “just right”
Harm OCD – Intrusive thoughts of harming self/others
Religious/Moral OCD (Scrupulosity) – Obsession with being good, pure, or righteous
Relationship OCD (ROCD) – Doubting one’s love or connection with a partner

What Causes OCD?

There’s no single cause, but research shows:

Biological factors: Brain chemistry and genetics play a role
Psychological factors: Trauma, stress, or rigid upbringing
Cultural factors: Guilt, shame, and high expectations in Desi families can amplify OCD symptoms
Environmental triggers: Life transitions, academic/work pressure, or family conflict

Real Talk: “I thought it was just a phase…”

Many Indian and NRI clients at SEVEE say they were told to “ignore it,” or blamed for being “too sensitive.” But OCD is not a character flaw. It’s a recognized disorder — and it can be managed with the right care.

Treatment for OCD at SEVEE

We offer culturally grounded, evidence-based treatment tailored to you:

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) with ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) — the gold standard for OCD
Mindfulness techniques to reduce anxiety and intrusive thoughts
Psychoeducation for families to understand and support without enabling compulsions
Medication support via partnered psychiatrists (where appropriate)
Multilingual therapists available in Hindi, Gujarati, and English for diaspora clients

Therapy for OCD: Wherever You Are

Whether you're in California, New York, London, Toronto, or Dubai, SEVEE offers online therapy for Indians and NRIs with therapists who understand your cultural, emotional, and spiritual background.

Your OCD Doesn’t Define You — But It Might Be Asking for Help

If your mind feels trapped in loops, and your heart is tired of fighting silent battles — therapy can help. At SEVEE, you’re met with respect, not judgment. Relief is possible, one step at a time.