An OCD reflection, not a diagnosis

01 Unwanted thoughts, images, or urges popped into my mind even when I didn't want them.

02 The thoughts felt upsetting, disturbing, or "not like me."

03 I worried that having a thought might mean something bad would happen.

04 I got stuck on doubts like "What if I didn't do it right?" or "What if I missed something?"

05 I had trouble letting go of uncertainty, even after I tried to reassure myself.

06 I had thoughts about accidentally causing harm (even when I didn't want to).

07 I had intrusive thoughts about taboo topics (sex, violence, religion) that felt distressing or shameful.

08 The more I tried not to think a thought, the more it came back.

09 I checked things repeatedly (locks, stove, messages, work) to feel sure.

10 I washed or cleaned more than I felt I "should," to feel safe or clean.

11 I repeated actions until they felt "just right" (redoing, rereading, rewriting).

12 I arranged or ordered things to reduce discomfort or prevent a bad feeling.

13 I counted, tapped, or followed rules in my mind to feel relief.

14 I mentally reviewed past events to be certain I didn't do something wrong.

15 I said phrases, prayed, or "canceled out" thoughts to neutralize them.

16 I felt driven to do these behaviors, even when I knew they didn't fully make sense.

17 I asked others to confirm things were okay or safe (more than once).

18 I searched online or looked things up repeatedly to feel certain.

19 I confessed or explained my thoughts to get relief.

20 I kept asking the same question in different ways to feel sure.

21 Relief from reassurance didn't last long.

22 I avoided people, places, or objects that triggered intrusive thoughts.

23 I avoided certain tasks because I feared making a mistake or causing harm.

24 I used "safe" behaviors (gloves, extra steps, special routines) to prevent anxiety.

25 I delayed decisions because I didn't feel 100% sure.

26 My world felt smaller because of what I avoided.

27 Rituals or mental reviewing took up a lot of time.

28 My symptoms made me late or slowed me down.

29 These symptoms made it harder to finish work, school, or chores.

30 These symptoms affected my relationships (conflict, reassurance, or withdrawal).

31 I felt distressed about how much these symptoms affected my life.

32 In the moment, my fears felt realistic, even if part of me doubted them later.

33 I felt I had to do rituals to prevent harm or reduce danger.

34 It was hard to accept "maybe" and move on.

35 Even when others said it was excessive, it still felt necessary.

36 My symptoms began or worsened after changes in caffeine, stimulants, cannabis, alcohol, or medications.

37 I have a medical condition that could affect anxiety or impulses (for example thyroid or neurological).

38 My main problem is excessive worry about real-life issues across many topics (more like constant everyday worry).

39 My main concern is my appearance or perceived flaws (with repetitive checking or fixing).

40 I struggle to discard possessions because of strong urges to save items (clutter).

41 I have repetitive movements or vocal sounds that feel tic-like.

42 I re-experience trauma (flashbacks or nightmares) and avoid trauma reminders.

43 My repetitive behaviors are mainly about weight, food, or body shape.