Ep. 9. Why Does OCD Feel So Real?

In this episode, we dive into how uncertainty makes OCD feel real. For those of us with OCD, even though we logically know our thoughts can't hurt us, OCD makes them feel incredibly real and threatening. People without OCD often don’t understand that we can’t simply brush off these scary thoughts; we feel the overwhelming need to perform compulsions to prevent something bad from happening. This episode explores how OCD taps into your brain's fight, flight, or freeze response, making the intrusive thoughts feel like real dangers. We’ll also discuss Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy and how it helps retrain the brain to break free from the compulsions.

Resources:

Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/

Out of OCD Website: https://www.outofocd.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxHGUuSz7Hv7FQrLIL7n6rw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toihershman/

Online support groups: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/

Resources:

Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/

Out of OCD Website: https://www.outofocd.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToiHershman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toihershman/

Online support groups: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/