10 Most Helpful Websites for Mental Health in 2024

In the past, seeking psychological services often involved social stigma. Times have changed and today, the Internet offers resources, like courses for hopeful professionals or self-care strategies for busy individuals. Here’s the list of the best mental health websites this 2024. 2 Websites for General Information on Mental Health  Do you want to know more about a specific condition or need expert-written resources to know more about mental wellness? These two best mental health websites may just have everything you need.  Psych Central Psych Central provides news, articles and resources on various mental health concerns. Contributing experts stay current on the most recent industry insights and make new interventions more understandable to you. Aside from helpful information about mental health, it offers quizzes to help you identify if you need professional support.  Psychology Today Psychology Today is one of the largest mental health and behavioral science websites. It provides free access to various content written by professionals. You can check them out for trending topics in the industry, essential reads and relevant news. The website also features a directory of psychiatrists, clinical professionals and treatment centers, allowing you to find a therapist near you.  2 Websites for Mental Health Support Teletherapy has emerged as a convenient option for people who can’t go out but need professional services. Here’s a list of websites that offer this service and help you connect with mental health professionals. BetterHelp BetterHelp provides access to licensed and accredited psychologists, clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists and board-licensed professional counselors. Answer a few questions on their website, which will help you find the right specialist. This website also offers self-help strategies to manage various mental health issues, such as stress, depression and anxiety. Talkspace This website provides online psychiatry services, including consultation and personalized treatment plans. No matter your mental health concern, experts can help you develop solutions that work for you. Many employers and insurance plans cover its services. You can check your eligibility on the website. 2 Websites Offering Mental Health Lessons Whether you want to enter the mental health industry or spend your free time learning more about this topic, there are online courses you can take online. Here are two websites that can help you progress in your career. The Open University The Open University’s School of Health, Well-being and Social Care offers courses designed by the leading professionals in the industry. It provides self-paced undergraduate degrees and widely recognized certifications you can pursue when convenient. Studying any of these programs can help prepare you for a public health or social work career. EDx EDx offers various programs from prestigious institutions, including Harvard University, Stanford University and The University of Queensland. Most programs are free and self-paced, allowing you flexibility. Before enrolling, you can review the syllabus to ensure the course aligns with your goals. 2 Websites for the Mental Health of Children and Teens Children and adolescents experience psychological issues, too. Whether you’re a parent or a professional working with kids, check out these best mental health websites that provide valuable, actionable information. Child Mind Institute The Child Mind Institute is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides parenting strategies to help children achieve mental wellness. It’s a hub for the latest news, research studies and resources to aid you in supporting children dealing with mental health issues or learning challenges.  Explore topics tackling ADHD, anxiety, self-esteem, eating disorders, depression, screen time and more. If you’re unsure whether your child has mental wellness problems, you can request an appointment on their website. KidsHealth KidsHealth has four main pages targeting different audiences — parents, children, teens and educators. The site for parents provides advice on children’s behavior, growth and health, ensuring they provide proper physical and mental support. The kids and teen pages give insightful information about caring for themselves. Lastly, the site for educators features free health-related lesson plans. 2 Websites for Self-Care Strategies Staying on top of your mental health requires effort, consistency and learning more about elevating your overall wellness. Explore two of the best mental health websites that provide self-care tips. Body+Mind Body+Mind is a website that provides relevant advice on improving physical and mental wellness. It’s where you can find tips on how to cope with everyday pressures, such as mindfulness practices. Alternatively, it also provides tips on spotting symptoms of mental health issues. Since your body and mind work synergistically, learning a few strategies for eating clean or upgrading your daily routine also benefits your mental state.  Calm Calm is a mental health app and website with stress and anxiety management tips for a happier, healthier life. It’s where you can go if you feel overwhelmed and need a breather. You can also use the app to access relaxation techniques to prevent restlessness. Calming exercises such as the 7 Days of Calm, Panic SOS and Body Scan can help relieve negative emotions. Visit The Best Mental Health Websites Today Whether you’re looking for self-care tips or telehealth recommendations, the Internet’s got your back. However, remember that not all answers are online. If you’re really struggling, a face-to-face consultation with a mental health professional might be better. Until then, enjoy scrolling through these helpful websites.

Depression affects millions of people worldwide. The incidence soars during winter when the days are shorter, resulting in seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression. Learn more about SAD, who are at risk of it and the various treatment methods to mitigate the symptoms.  Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder If you live in lower latitudes or tropical locations, you've probably heard of SAD but aren't so concerned about it. This makes sense because SAD affects more people living farther north and in higher altitudes. More succinctly, it's common in countries far from the equator, where daylight hours become shorter as the end of the year approaches. What Causes SAD? SAD is a type of depression associated with the change in season, occurring more prevalently during colder months. SAD often strikes in winter, but some people can experience it in summer. The high humidity and heat during hot temperatures drive people indoors most of the time, contributing to mood changes and depressive symptoms. Between the two, winter-pattern SAD is more common. You'll hear others often complain about winter blues. It describes the extreme sadness and emptiness people feel during wintertime. Studies have shown that winter-pattern SAD occurs because of reduced levels of serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood. Experts believe the lack of access to natural light during winter due to longer nights and shorter days results in the dysfunction of molecules controlling normal serotonin volumes. This anomaly leads to hormone imbalance and SAD diagnosis.  The lack of vitamin D — which production is activated by sun exposure — also contributes to this seasonal disorder. Symptoms  The common symptoms of SAD include the following: Excessive sadness of persistent empty feeling Hopelessness and pessimism Irritability and frustration Trouble sleeping Loss of interest in hobbies Reduced energy and fatigue Trouble concentrating Headaches, digestive problems and cramps Suicide ideation and attempts The signs start to manifest in the late fall or early winter but disappear during spring and summer.  The swing to the colder months is a precursor of SAD. Women, people with existing mental health illnesses and those with family history of psychological disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing this problem. Traditional Treatments for Seasonal Affective Disorder Fortunately, you can manage SAD with conventional treatment methods. Here are common interventions. Light Therapy This treatment uses a light box emitting 20 times brighter illumination than the indoor bulbs in your home to mimic the feel of natural sunlight. You'll have to sit in front of the light box in the morning for 30-45 minutes to get treated. This exposure can help compensate for the reduced daylight access during darker months, helping regulate the hormones. It helps ease SAD symptoms and is considerably a more effective intervention than other control therapies. Psychotherapy Mental health illnesses are linked with thought patterns, and these are what you'll work on during counseling. A therapist will help you excavate negative ways of thinking and replace them with positive ones to improve depressive symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that teaches one to challenge and change their unhelpful behaviors and thoughts. Antidepressants Medications offer the most convenient remedy for SAD, although you’ll have to factor in the side effects. Your doctor may prescribe this remedy in combination with another therapy for a faster recovery. It often takes 4-8 weeks for antidepressants to work and ease the symptoms. You’ll feel so much better once the effects kick in. They can also prevent recurring SAD.  Vitamin D Supplements Vitamin D deficiency is a common symptom among SAD patients because the skin is deprived of sunlight-induced vitamin D. Supplementation may help normalize levels in the body. Often, this nutritional approach is an adjunct to other therapies, like phototherapy and medications, to improve the efficacy of the overall treatment. Alternative and Complementary Treatments Secondary approaches to treating SAD promote holistic health. Here are other interventions to kick the blues away during winter. Exercise Physical activities have long been known as a natural remedy for depression and other mental health conditions.  A study of 370 participants revealed that engaging in high-intensity physical exercise made them less sensitive to the effects of the changing season. Alternatively, those highly susceptible to the impact of darker months had lower psychological well-being. Going out for a run puts you in a better mood, which may help strengthen your defense against SAD.  Mindfulness and Stress Management Strategies Activities combining movement, meditation and stress reduction, like yoga and tai chi, can boost your coping skills when the season shifts. Additionally, they make you feel relaxed and reduce feelings of distress. Adequate Sleep People with SAD experience delayed sleep timing and hypersomnolence, which is excessive daytime sleepiness. This problem happens when the circadian rhythm dysfunctions because of the low natural light levels in winter. The internal clock synchronizes with sunlight, which is used as a cue to determine day and night and regulate sleep. Rest patterns sometimes get disrupted due to the decreased daylight hours during colder months.  Talk to your doctor about restoring your usual sleep pattern. Since SAD affects each person differently, the best approach is to get personal advice.  Other Lifestyle Habits The habits you engage in during winter are critical to your overall well-being. Practice self-care by eating healthy foods, getting enough rest, taking vitamins and increasing exposure to natural light using alternative methods. Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder During Darker Months Some people temporarily relocate to warmer locations to escape winter. Do the same if it’s an option for you. Otherwise, the best remedy is to take better care of yourself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  Eat nutritious foods, lace up your shoes and go for a run, get sufficient sleep and adopt strategies to reduce stress. If you're at an elevated risk, consult your doctor about treatments. SAD affects many people, so there's no shame in talking about it with your primary care physician and loved one. It's highly treatable with various methods.

When left unaddressed, trauma can take over your well-being and cast a shadow on your quality of life. It may affect your physical and emotional health, relationships, and willingness to step into the world. Many people participate in somatic experiencing therapy to heal. The somatic nervous system is part of the peripheral nervous system and controls voluntary body movement using skeletal muscles. It is common for trauma to become locked up in these parts of the body. However, you can reclaim your life and experience safety and release from your emotional and physical pain.  Here is how somatic experiencing therapy works, an overview of its studied effects and other ways you can address trauma in your somatic nervous system. What Is Somatic Experiencing Therapy? Somatic experiencing therapy is a unique approach to healing trauma stored in the somatic nervous system. Whereas talk therapy focuses on negative thought processes, somatic experiencing concentrates on physical sensations and responses to trauma triggers and overcoming them. The process works like this: When chronic or acute trauma activates the body’s natural survival instinct, the body isn’t always able to remove the negative energy altogether. The trapped trauma then leads to symptoms like anxiety, depression, flashbacks and pain.  While somatic experiencing therapy taps into the felt experience, it doesn’t mean individuals relive the trauma. A trained practitioner facilitates various exercises and guided awareness, allowing people to identify where the trauma is stored. The framework is as follows: Sensation: Attuning oneself to bodily sensations.   Imagery: A guided imagery practice in which the individual depicts what they feel to the practitioner.  Behavior: An observance of the body’s response to the trauma trigger. Affect: A display of emotions during the guided experience, including tonal changes and conversational speed. Meaning: The outcome of the experience.  Somatic experiencing therapy is a gradual process that will not fix problems immediately. Like anything, healing requires time and patience. Likewise, it is best to dive into somatic experiencing in addition to other types of therapy.  Does Somatic Experiencing Work? Research into somatic experiencing therapy is ongoing. However, experts believe it may be effective in supporting those with trauma, anxiety and depression. According to one study, trauma is an inability to live in the present, whereas healing trauma is imperative to reconcile a mind-body connection — restoring oneself to feel alive again. In another study, somatic experiencing therapy helped reduce symptoms of PTSD and improve quality of life. In fact, a 2017 study found that 44.1% of people undergoing somatic experiencing moved past their PTSD diagnosis. Individuals can process and let go of trauma trapped within the somatic nervous system by building resilience and learning to cope with stress triggers. Other outcomes usually include fewer nightmares and flashbacks of the traumatic incident, better emotional regulation, a greater sense of safety and improved mindfulness.  Other Ways to Release Trauma From the Somatic Nervous System Because trauma is stored as physical tension, various methods are available to find relief. Combining techniques is also beneficial for gaining a deeper understanding of your trauma, shifting from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest mode, and developing a positive relationship with your body. The following are powerful tools for releasing trauma from the somatic nervous system and enhancing one’s well-being.   Breathwork Breathwork is one of the most effective ways to address trauma. Concentrating on the breath makes one more aware of the physical sensations they experience. Breathing exercises also induce relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.  You can release emotional and physical tension by integrating visualization into your breathwork. For instance, imagine your trauma as a ball — as you breathe, visualize the ball rolling up your body and out of your mouth as you exhale.  Massage Massage can relieve muscle tension associated with trauma, inducing safety and stability. It also helps regulate the nervous system through sensory stimulation — you can focus your attention on the physical wonder of touch. Massage therapists know how to track tension within soft tissues, looking for resistance in various muscle groups. Those with trauma training are better equipped to notice how clients respond to pain triggers or react emotionally. Nevertheless, as the body relaxes, you’ll experience a somatic discharge of the trauma.  Finding a trauma massage therapist is not the easiest, but there are several resources you can turn to. The American Massage Therapy Association and other platforms have directories you can search through to find someone nearby. Additionally, you’ll want to check for a Trauma Touch Therapy (TTT) certification. TTT means they’ve undergone specialized training for trauma massage.  Movement Movement is a great way to unblock negative energy in the body. Some people dance, while others sway their arms and rock their hips. However you decide to do it, the practice can make you more present. Start by standing with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-length apart. Move your upper body from side to side while staying in one place. Slowly begin moving your whole body with breathing techniques. Of course, shaking or rubbing your hands vigorously and pausing to feel the sensation also works sometimes.  Grounding Grounding is a simple technique to bring awareness to your body and the present moment. It provides a greater sense of safety and allows you to regulate emotions.  While there are several approaches to grounding, they all begin with bare feet firmly planted in place. Some people prefer to do it in their bedroom, while others prefer the feeling of nature, like grass.  You might say the date and time out loud to remind yourself of where you are in a given moment. Others integrate sensory and visualization exercises — aromatherapy, clenching their fists and letting go, and guided imagery. You could also take note of things you can see, taste, smell, touch and hear while standing.  Process Traumatic Experiences With Somatic Healing Somatic experiencing therapy is a helpful way to alleviate a trauma response. While it isn’t the easiest process for some, the outcomes are usually quite positive. Learn about your body with the help of a professional somatic therapist and incorporate other trauma-healing methods into your routine. 

Can pets improve mental health? Science generally says their presence is beneficial. Animal lovers think having a dog or a cat around can make them happier and healthier. Fortunately, evidence of these merits abounds. Several studies have proved that while it can be a source of hairy health hazards for some, adopting one offers a long list of upsides. Learn how bringing a dog or a cat home can improve mental health. Understanding the Link Between Pets and Mental Health Owning a pet has been associated with psychological health benefits —the interaction, companionship and fun these furry friends bring impact human health in many ways. For example, the bouts of pet-stroking can help reduce stress levels and put you in a good mood. These much-loved family members provide significant health merits to those around them.  Benefits of Pets on Mental Health Pets can be a source of joy. Caring for them may be a huge responsibility but they make their owners happy in many ways. Some cite their furry family members have made their lives more meaningful. Others claim adopting a dog has helped them heal from mental worries, like depression. Learn the different ways owning a pet can boost your mental well-being.  1. Reduce Stress  When a golden retriever bud excitedly wags its tail and jumps on you as you open the door, you'll have no choice but to reciprocate the enthusiasm with a smile. This scenario describes how seeing your loved furry animals can instantly cure stress and uplift your mood.  In one study, college students who interacted with their dogs for 10 minutes improved their stress levels and mood.  Pets have effects comparable to sedatives, helping you calm nerves and tension. They're always there to listen if you need to vent or have a problem you can't share with anyone. They can detect when you’re stressed and in need of comfort. The best thing is that their presence makes you feel like you have a friend to lean on around the clock.  2. Improve Resilience and Overall Mental Well-Being Having an animal as a companion has impressive psychological merits. During the pandemic, pet owners had significantly higher levels of mental well-being, were better at coping with negative situations and generally more emotionally positive compared to non-pet owners.  Furry family members can provide meaningful interactions, boosting their owners' resilience under highly stressful situations. With them around, you won't have to feel lonely or isolated.   3. Enhance Physical Activity If you want to stay fit, adopting a highly active dog can be the solution to incorporating a habit of exercise into your daily routine. Pets influence people's lifestyles in optimistic ways.  Responsible owners treat their pets like young family members, giving them healthy food and taking them out in the morning to exercise and get sun exposure. Dogs have a considerable positive effect on their owners' movement activities. They'll bug you to play outside until you give in. Outdoor activities can strengthen your bond and give you mutual health benefits. You can play fetch or tug-of-war, go for a hike or swim. You’ll be challenged to match your dog’s unceasing energy and inspired to engage in any type of movement. Anything that keeps you active can merit your mental well-being. Some breeds have a higher exercise requirement, which you must meet to keep your furry friends healthy and fit.  Some breeds have a higher exercise requirement, which you must meet to keep your furry friends healthy and fit.  4. Boost Immune System Some people refuse to adopt pets due to health worries such as allergies. While it's understandable, evidence also cites that their presence can strengthen one's immune system and allergy resistance.  An earlier study found children exposed to pets before birth had 28.8% lower immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels than offspring in homes without them.  IgE is an antibody the immune system makes that binds with the allergens. Higher volumes mean your body is more sensitive to common allergens and conditions, like food allergies, eczema and asthma.  Scientists found owning a dog can lower the IgE levels by 26.7%. The effects continue through the child's teen years, increasing their resistance to allergies. One theory revealed dogs tend to bring bacteria from the outside into the home, influencing the unborn child's gut microbiome. As a result, their immune system matures faster, and they develop resistance to allergies.  A robust immune system is associated with improved mental health.  5. Lower the Risk of Heart Disease Cardiovascular illnesses are a leading cause of death among Americans. One person dies every 33 seconds from it and it’s become a public health concern. While an ideal lifestyle helps people sidestep the risk factors of heart illnesses, a pet can also elevate overall quality of life. One way they support their owners is through increased physical activities, which lowers their incidence of obesity. Dogs and cats will force you to get up from bed, go outside and exercise, allowing you to maintain a healthy weight and live more actively.  Unless you're allergic, having furry family members appears to bring more benefits than downsides. Do you feel excited to adopt one? Before doing so, note that taking a pet home is a responsibility. You'll have to provide food and bring them to vet sessions. While their needs will take a cut from your paycheck,  they can increase your quality of life by being a source of joy. Other Ways to Improve Mental Health You can't solely entrust your health to your pet. Here are other lifestyle shifts that can boost your mental health.  Get sufficient sleep. It’s good for the brain.  Consume a balanced diet. Some foods, like salmon, avocados and nuts, are rich in compounds and nutrients that support cognitive health.  Include exercise in your routine. Consider increasing your movement besides the light morning walks with your pets. Regular gym sessions can do wonders for your physical and mental health.  Try a relaxing activity. Spending time in nature and engaging in fun hobbies can deflate stress and minimize its impact on mental health. Stay connected. Schedule social activities with friends and family members. Meaningful conversations are like an exercise to the brain.  Adopting a Pet Can Improve Mental Health Having furry family members at home has many health upsides. They can reduce stress, improve your coping abilities, boost immunity, and encourage physical activities. However, caring for them is a huge responsibility. Consider if you're up for the challenge before bringing a dog or a cat into your residence.

With appropriate treatment, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can improve gradually. However, there are instances where symptoms may intensify or new compulsions emerge, even when you believe you have it managed. Suddenly, it can feel like a maze with no way out. Although confusing, there are some lesser-known things and scenarios that can contribute to this. Know what causes OCD to get worse so you’ll know how to manage it better. What is OCD? This mental health condition happens when a person gets trapped in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. An individual can have either of the two or both.  Obsessions are intrusive urges, thoughts and images that can cause stress and disrupt routines. On the other hand, compulsions refer to repetitive behaviors and thoughts someone may feel compelled to do to generate relief from the anxiety brought by their obsessions. OCD starts with unwanted thoughts, often fear-driven, that can balloon into distress. For instance, if contamination is your obsession, possible compulsions would be washing hands excessively and avoiding public restrooms. There are four main branches of OCD, including: Order OCD: An individual with this type of OCD wants everything in order, such as their items, thoughts and actions. Checking OCD: People with this condition constantly check certain things. Someone with Checking OCD might go outside the house, forget if they locked the door and relock it repeatedly until they feel satisfied with the task.  Rumination OCD: This type happens in the place where obsessions originate —the mind. Persistent “what ifs” and fear of hurting oneself are some manifestations. Contamination OCD: This subtype is characterized by obsessions about fear of spreading germs or becoming infected with contaminants. What Causes OCD to Get Worse? Before we take a deep dive into its potential triggers, it’s essential to know that OCD is a diagnosed condition. To say someone has this mental health condition because they are obsessively organized is inaccurate. For example, a friend may enjoy organizing your closet, but someone with OCD will do it for hours because of their obsessive urges. It’s not a quirk but a medical condition that requires medical intervention. 1. Coexisting Mental Health Conditions Sometimes, individuals with OCD get diagnosed with other mental health problems called comorbid conditions. This may include anxiety disorders, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), eating disorders and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). When you or a loved one struggles with two mental health conditions, it might exacerbate obsessions and compulsions even more. 2. Life Transitions If you have OCD, you are likely to notice that symptoms worsen when you’re experiencing a significant transition. Maybe you moved into a new house and are obsessively checking the stove and doors. Suddenly, your intrusive thoughts are louder and more challenging to deal with. Feelings of anxiety and regret may appear during these moments. Therefore, you rely on your compulsions to feel in control. 3. Recent Traumatizing Event  The adverse effects of traumatic events that happened recently can cause distress to an individual with OCD. For instance, an individual may resort to hoarding after losing something significant. This disorder is characterized by difficulty throwing physical items that no longer bring value. Trauma can also exacerbate the need to feel in control after a destabilizing situation. 4. Past Traumas Experiencing a traumatic situation in the past can trigger the development of OCD. Trauma can cause the brain to create recurring thoughts and behaviors. Individuals with diagnosed PTSD can experience worsening symptoms when they remember this painful event. Obsessions and compulsions can serve as avenues to reestablish safety and control. 5. Stress One of the causes of OCD getting worse is stress. For instance, acute stress can trigger obsessive thoughts. Toxic stress, such as chronic job stress, can leave you feeling overwhelmed, so you resort to your compulsions in an attempt to gain control over your life. Stressors such as relationship problems, breakups, bullying, job loss or marriage can trigger worse symptoms of OCD. 6. Menstruation Females who have OCD might experience worsening symptoms during their period. One study found that anxiety-related signs can fluctuate along with the menstrual cycle, albeit noting that this isn’t the case for everyone. Women may also experience aggravated symptoms during their luteal phase, which happens after ovulation and before menstruation.  7. Substance Abuse  Those with OCD and battling substance abuse may experience changes in some brain areas, which can lead to aggravated symptoms. Regular use can increase the risk of depression, anxiety and schizophrenia. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic illnesses and other mental health conditions. 8. Poor Lifestyle  Another cause that can make OCD get worse is your lifestyle choices. If you have this mental health condition and you’re not getting enough sleep, it might alter your natural hormone production, which regulates stress and appetite. Alternatively, if you eat unhealthy foods, you may consume excessive calories, which can exacerbate symptoms of depression, anxiety and OCD. 9. Inefficient Treatment Strategies Sometimes, the reason why your OCD symptoms are getting worse is because of a lack of treatment or ineffective interventions. Without appropriate medical interventions, controlling your urges may feel more uncontrollable. On the other hand, if you’re following your physician’s orders but nothing seems to be working, it may leave you feeling stressed and isolated, further increasing your obsessions and compulsions. When Is OCD at Its Worst? You’re most vulnerable to symptoms at night because there’s time for rumination, which can lead to compulsions like relieving past situations and excessive seeking of validation. To help manage your symptoms, try practicing mindfulness. When you are catastrophizing about the worst things that can happen, consider meditating for a moment—focus on your breathing and slowly let go of your worries. Speaking with your physician about medical support options can help improve your symptoms. Therapy is a safe and effective way that can help you identify and slowly free yourself from unhealthy thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Your licensed mental health professional may also advise you to take medications to reduce stress levels. Manage Your OCD Living with this mental health condition is challenging. However, it shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of your existence. Learning what causes your OCD to get worse and seeking professional treatment are your initial steps toward feeling better.

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m just so OCD about this,” or “Having things unorganized makes me so OCD”? While it can have specific triggers, the different types of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) don’t just stop and start. They are persistent and can take over your life without healthy coping methods. Are you wondering if you might have one of the kinds of OCD? Do you have a loved one with it and want to learn more about it? Perhaps you simply didn’t know OCD is an umbrella and are curious about its different facets. Regardless of your purpose, you can find your answers below. 4 Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder There are currently four main branches of OCD, along with a handful of subcategories. Overall, it’s defined as behavior revolving around obsessions — intrusive and irrationally negative thoughts — and compulsions — actions that either reduce anxiety or attempt to eliminate the outcome of the adverse, persistent idea. Here’s a look at the nitty-gritty of each of these categories. Order OCD This is probably one of the two types of OCD you think of when you hear the term. Order OCD will often look like a need to have everything in its place, have everything even or move something a certain number of times. You might show outward compulsions like physically adjusting something or inward ones like saying words in your head repeatedly. Again, while someone might joke about having OCD because they like being neat, it needs to alter your life significantly to qualify. For example, you may reposition things a lot because you enjoy when they look perfect, but someone with OCD will do so for hours because their obsessive thoughts are triggering the compulsion. Rumination OCD This type of OCD is often less apparent because it mostly happens in the mind. Someone with this kind will have frequent intrusive thoughts that are sexual or violent, and have trouble letting the obsession go until they perform the compulsion to get rid of it. Rumination OCD includes but is not limited to the following categories: Relationship OCD: Constantly worrying about being with the right person, flaws, or anxiety about the strength of the platonic or romantic relationship, culminating in enacting compulsions to relieve the stress or prevent the outcome Harm OCD: Persistent fear of hurting yourself, loved ones or others, which can include undesired violent images or thoughts Sexual orientation OCD: Rumination on your sexuality, repeatedly asking others for reassurance or questioning your attraction These thoughts can be especially stress-inducing because they don’t align with a person’s morals. For instance, someone might have pedophilia OCD because they irrationally worry about harming a child or experience intrusive thoughts about doing so. This doesn’t mean someone actually is a pedophile or they’re a threat — in fact, people with rumination OCD frequently go to extremes to avoid these thoughts because they make them so uncomfortable. Checking OCD Checking OCD often consists of making sure things feel “just right.” The most common example is locking a door. Someone without this disorder might get in their car, forget if they locked their door, and simply get out and check. Alternatively, someone with OCD might experience the same first two occurrences but need to relock the door repeatedly until the task “feels” complete — no matter how long it takes. However, checking OCD doesn’t stop at forgetting and needing to check. You might know for a fact you turned the oven off or unplugged your hair dryer, but your brain makes you doubt the memory. The obsessive idea then compulsively leads you to check multiple times. Contamination OCD This is the second of the different types of obsessive-compulsive disorder people typically imagine. Again, someone may clean a lot or separate their food because they like cleanliness or don’t like when things touch, but it becomes OCD when it’s a compulsion driven by an obsession. You might deeply fear getting sick or spreading illness to others, which causes you to scrub every surface for hours or wash your hands until it’s painful. According to GoodRx, recent research shows those with contamination OCD may have an overactive disgust reaction. It’s much harder for them to let go of the feeling and they can experience it more frequently. How the Kinds of OCD Can Affect Your Life To many, the different types of obsessive-compulsive disorder might seem like something someone can just stop. “Come on, you know you turned the TV off, can we just go already?” But the second part of the condition’s name is “compulsive” — in other words, you cannot help performing the action because of your anxiety. You might spend a few minutes on the compulsion or it can take hours. The obsessions aren’t a piece of cake, either — and being told “just stop thinking about it” doesn’t do anything for the situation. Because the thoughts are obsessive, you can’t prevent thinking about them or having them keep popping up. These ideas are also intrusive, so they aren’t desirable and cause the person immense distress. That’s why they perform the compulsions. Obsessions and compulsions can be completely unrelated. Someone might start cleaning their room because they were told to but experience an intrusive thought that a family member will die if they don’t do it well enough. It could also get incredibly specific, like a fear of throwing up, accidentally hitting someone with their car or breaking religious rules they didn’t know they broke. A therapist, psychiatrist or verified online resource can determine if you have OCD, if it fits into one of the subcategories, and help you find ways to manage it. Overall mental health tips could be key, but everyone operates differently. Exercise and patterned breathing might assist in relieving your anxiety causing obsessions and compulsions — however, some may find other strategies alongside professional work more effective. Always defer to your doctor over online advice. Bring Up the Different Types of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to Your Doctor If these symptoms sound familiar, talk to your doctor about your concerns. They can get you started on your journey toward finding a therapist or psychiatrist that connects with you and is covered by your insurance. Even if you don’t end up with an OCD diagnosis, these professionals will offer management strategies and ways to adjust your thinking that’ll make your day-to-day much more manageable. The different types of obsessive-compulsive disorder are hard to live with, but you’re strong and more than capable of handling it. Identifying your triggers and when they turn into obsessions that cause compulsions is the first step to a calmer mind. Updated on March 1, 2024