OCD

What Does Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Feel Like?

Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be overwhelming and exhausting. Individuals with OCD often experience intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that create intense anxiety, which they attempt to neutralize through repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). While these rituals may provide short-term relief, they often take up significant time and energy, disrupting daily life and creating a cycle of distress that is difficult to break.

For many, OCD feels like being trapped in an endless loop of fear and anxiety. These compulsions may range from checking, cleaning, or counting rituals to mental compulsions, such as excessive reassurance-seeking or avoidance. As OCD consumes more of a person’s thoughts and behaviors, it can negatively impact relationships, as family and friends may not understand the extent of the anxiety driving these actions. OCD also affects professional life, as individuals may find it hard to concentrate, meet deadlines, or perform their job responsibilities due to their compulsions. Over time, OCD can erode confidence, hinder personal growth, and reduce overall quality of life.

Different Forms of OCD

OCD manifests in a variety of ways, and each individual’s experience may differ. Some common forms include:

• Contamination OCD: This form involves an overwhelming fear of germs, dirt, or illness, leading to excessive cleaning or avoidance of perceived contaminated environments.

• Checking OCD: Individuals feel compelled to repeatedly check that they haven’t made a mistake or caused harm, such as checking locks, appliances, or even personal actions like sending emails.

• Harm OCD: This form is characterized by intrusive thoughts about causing harm to oneself or others, even though the individual has no intention or desire to do so.

• Symmetry and Order OCD: Individuals are fixated on ensuring that objects are arranged “just right” or in perfect symmetry, which can cause significant distress if disrupted.

Some individuals experience treatment-resistant OCD, where traditional methods such as medication or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) do not provide sufficient relief. This can lead to frustration and a feeling of helplessness, but advanced treatment options can offer new hope.

Advanced Treatments for OCD at Felicity Mental Health

At Felicity Mental Health, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatments for OCD to help patients reclaim their lives. Our Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) provide structured, therapeutic environments where individuals can work through their OCD in a supportive setting. These programs are designed to address both the symptoms and underlying causes of OCD, helping patients gain control over their thoughts and behaviors.

Our comprehensive mental health program combines group and individual therapy with specialized treatments like Ketamine and EMDR for qualified patients. It also includes a weight loss component tailored to support both mental and physical wellness. With compassionate care and advanced therapies, patients receive holistic treatment to foster long-term recovery and growth.

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP)

For those with severe or treatment-resistant OCD, Felicity Mental Health offers Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) as an innovative treatment option. KAP combines low-dose ketamine with psychotherapy to help patients access deeper emotional and cognitive insights, reducing the impact of obsessions and compulsions. This approach has shown promise for individuals who have not found relief through traditional medications, helping reduce long-term reliance on antianxiety or antipsychotic medications.

KAP allows patients to break free from the cycle of OCD and achieve significant improvements in their mental health. Over time, it can help reduce the intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Disclaimer: Ketamine treatment is only available to medically qualified candidates as determined by our MD.

Find Relief from OCD at Felicity Mental Health

OCD can feel like a never-ending battle, but with the right treatment, relief is possible. At Felicity Mental Health, we are dedicated to providing advanced care through IOP, PHP, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy to help you regain control and live a life free from the constraints of OCD.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Contact Felicity Mental Health today to learn more about our specialized OCD treatment programs and how we can support your journey to recovery.