OCD in Calgary: When Your Mind Won’t Let Go

OCD isn’t just about “liking things neat” or “being a perfectionist.” It’s about living with intrusive thoughts or urges that feel impossible to ignore — and the relief you get from rituals or checking is only temporary.

It can feel like your brain is stuck on a loop, replaying fears or “what if” scenarios over and over. Even when you know the thoughts aren’t logical, they can still feel urgent and overwhelming.

Recognizing Signs of OCD

OCD shows up as a cycle of obsessions (unwanted, distressing thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive actions or mental rituals). Common signs include:

  • Intrusive thoughts about safety, contamination, or harm

  • Repeated checking (locks, appliances, emails, messages)

  • Counting or repeating actions until it “feels right”

  • Avoiding situations that might trigger distress

  • Reassurance-seeking from others

  • Mental rituals like silently repeating phrases or reviewing memories

The Many Faces of OCD

OCD is not one-size-fits-all. Some common subtypes include:

  • Contamination OCD—fear of germs or illness leading to excessive cleaning

  • Checking OCD—repeated checking to prevent harm or mistakes

  • Symmetry & order—arranging items until they feel “just right”

  • Intrusive thoughts—distressing mental images or urges

  • Harm OCD—fear of causing harm to yourself or others

Some people experience more than one type, and symptoms can shift over time.

Why Early Support Matters

OCD can be exhausting—and without support, compulsions often grow stronger, taking up more time and mental energy. Early intervention can:

  • Reduce the power of intrusive thoughts

  • Break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions

  • Improve focus and energy for the things you value

  • Prevent OCD from interfering with relationships, work, and daily life

How Therapy Can Help

At NU Psychology, we use approaches like CBT and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help you gradually face anxiety-provoking situations while reducing the urge to engage in compulsions. You’ll learn tools to respond to intrusive thoughts without letting them take over.

OCD can make you question yourself — but intrusive thoughts do not define you. With the right support, you can quiet the mental noise and get back to living fully.