OCD doesn't play fair. Here are some of the ways it tries to convince you that this time is unique:

• The Lie of Physical Sensations: "But now my body is responding physically!" OCD might add a racing heart, a tingling sensation, or a wave of nausea to an intrusive thought. It screams that this physical "proof" means the threat is real. The truth is, our bodies are full of random sensations we normally ignore. When you focus intense anxiety on any body part, you will feel things. This is not reliable evidence; it's your body responding to fear, and learning Stress Management is key to coping with it.
• The Lie of Shifting Language: Your thoughts used to be "What if I harm someone?" Now, they sound more like "I want to harm someone." This shift from a question to a statement can be terrifying, making you fear you've crossed a line. But this is just OCD turning up the volume to get your attention. It's the same old fear, just wearing a more aggressive costume
• The Lie of a "Real" Problem: Sometimes, OCD latches onto something grounded in reality—a real health diagnosis, an important career decision, or a legitimate concern about your child's safety. It whispers, "See? This is a real thing to worry about!" The issue isn't the concern itself, but the OCD-driven, excessive, and paralyzing response to it that goes far beyond what is typical.
• The Lie of a Brand-New Theme: You finally got a handle on your fear of contamination, and then—bam!—you're blindsided by sudden obsessions about your relationship or a past event. The shock and novelty can make you believe a whole new disorder has started. In reality, it's the "same ol' OCD, just in a different costume."

So, What Can You Do? The Power of "Business as Usual"
When faced with these convincing lies, the most powerful response is often the simplest, though not the easiest: treat it like OCD anyway.
The gold-standard treatment for OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), remains effective no matter how convincing the new obsession feels. ERP works by helping you gradually face your fears (exposure) without engaging in the compulsive behaviors that temporarily relieve anxiety (response prevention). The goal isn't to make the thoughts go away, but to change your relationship with them, so they no longer hold power over you.
Whether the thought is a "what if" or a definitive "I am," whether it's about germs or morality, the solution is the same: acknowledge the thought without judgment, refuse to engage in mental or physical compulsions to neutralize it, and move forward with your life. You are learning to see the lie for what it is, without needing to argue with it.

You & Me is Here to Help You See Through the Lies

At You & Me Counselling and Personality Development Centre, we understand how isolating and frightening it can be when OCD feels more real than ever. Led by Dr. Veerender Chennoju, our team of experts, including a qualified health counsellor and experienced professionals in Psychology, is skilled in helping people just like you navigate these very challenges.
We provide a compassionate, supportive space where you can:

• Learn to identify OCD's tricks as they happen.
• Develop and strengthen ERP skills tailored to your unique fears.
• Build the confidence to say, "I see you, OCD," and choose not to listen.

You don't have to figure this out alone. If you are searching for a supportive therapist in near me and you're tired of OCD moving the goalposts and convincing you that "this time is different," reach out to us. Let us help you build the tools for effective Stress Management and find your way back to peace and control.