Why TikTok Got OCD All Wrong (And How to Fix It)
In recent years, TikTok has become a powerful platform for raising mental health awareness. While it’s encouraging to see people speak openly about their struggles, there’s a flip side: oversimplified, inaccurate, and sometimes flat-out wrong portrayals of complex mental health conditions—like Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
If you’ve spent even a few minutes scrolling through the mental health side of TikTok, chances are you’ve come across videos labeled “#OCD” that show people color-coding bookshelves, arranging items symmetrically, or getting upset when something isn’t “just right.” These clips might be aesthetically satisfying, but they often have little to do with real OCD symptoms. Unfortunately, they reinforce harmful stereotypes that make it harder for people with genuine OCD to be seen, understood, and properly treated.
Let’s break down what TikTok is getting wrong—and what we can do to set the record straight.
What OCD Actually Is
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is a chronic, often debilitating mental health condition. True OCD symptoms involve:
Obsessions: Unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause intense anxiety or distress.
Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the distress or prevent something bad from happening.
Importantly, OCD is not about being neat, organized, or perfectionistic. It’s about feeling trapped in a painful cycle of fear and ritual—often around themes that are anything but “aesthetic.” These can include intrusive thoughts about harming others, fears of contamination, religious or moral scrupulosity, or existential obsessions.
What TikTok Gets Wrong
1. It Equates OCD with Perfectionism
Many videos misuse #OCD to describe traits like being a “neat freak.” While those may be preferences or personality quirks, they’re not OCD. In fact, many people who seek OCD treatment have no issues with cleanliness or orderliness.
2. It Over-simplifies the Experience
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30-second video can’t capture the anguish caused by real OCD. Intrusive thoughts can be disturbing, violent, or taboo, and they often go completely against a person’s values. These are not “quirks”—they’re deeply distressing and exhausting experiences that require specialized OCD therapy.
3. It Contributes to Stigma and Misunderstanding
When OCD is portrayed as a personality trait, it minimizes the seriousness of the disorder. It also makes it harder for people with less visible forms of OCD—like Pure O or harm OCD—to feel validated or seek help from an experienced OCD therapist.
How to Fix It
1. Educate Yourself and Others
Start by learning what OCD really is. Reputable organizations like the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) offer in-depth resources. Share credible information instead of reposting inaccurate or harmful content.
2. Use Social Media Responsibly
If you’re a creator, be mindful of the hashtags you use. Tagging content as #OCD for clicks spreads misinformation. If you're a mental health advocate, use your platform to spread truth and empathy.
3. Listen to People with Lived Experience
Many of the most powerful voices in the OCD therapy space come from individuals openly sharing their journeys. Some document their progress with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard in OCD treatment—and provide real insight into the day-to-day work of managing the disorder.
4. Normalize the Uncomfortable
OCD often involves uncomfortable or taboo topics. That’s exactly why we need to talk about it more accurately. Reducing shame starts with honest, informed conversations.
Final Thoughts
TikTok has the potential to raise awareness and foster connection—but it must be used responsibly. By understanding what OCD actually is—and what it’s not—we can move beyond stereotypes, support those in need, and promote effective, compassionate mental health care.
Let’s leave the trends to trending topics and give Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder the depth, dignity, and professional attention it deserves.
Struggling with OCD? We’re Here to Help.
If you or someone you care about is living with the distress of OCD, you're not alone—and real help is available. At Fairfield Counseling Center, we specialize in evidence-based OCD treatment that goes beyond surface-level symptoms.
Our skilled OCD therapists work with teens, college students, and adults using proven methods like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard in OCD therapy. Whether you're dealing with intrusive thoughts, mental rituals, or intense anxiety, we offer personalized care to help you break free from the OCD cycle.
Take the first step toward lasting relief. Contact Fairfield Counseling Center today for a free consultation and find out how specialized OCD therapy can help you reclaim your life.
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