Repeating Things to Feel Safe?
That temporary relief reinforces OCD.
Many people check things twice, sometimes - like making sure the door is locked, or the gas stove is turned off. But in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), these repeated actions can become difficult to control and emotionally exhausting. A person may keep repeating certain behaviours not because they enjoy them, but because they feel intense anxiety or doubt if they stop. The temporary relief they feel after repeating the action can actually strengthen the OCD cycle and make the compulsions return again and again.
What are compulsions?
Compulsions are repetitive behaviours or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform to reduce distress caused by unwanted intrusive thoughts called obsessions. These compulsions often follow strict personal rules or routines.
The key feature of a compulsion is that it is not done for pleasure. It is done to neutralise anxiety or prevent a feared outcome.
For example, a person might repeatedly check the stove not because he enjoys it, but because the thought "what if the house burns down" feels unbearable unless the check is done. The relief is real, but it is short-lived, and it teaches the brain that the ritual is necessary, deepening the cycle over time.
Research suggests that people with OCD may have difficulty trusting their own internal feelings of certainty, safety, satisfaction, or completion. Because of this, they may rely on external actions or rituals as “proxies” to feel reassured.
Common Symptoms
Common symptoms of compulsions include:
Checking: Repeated checking of doors, switches, or appliances
Cleaning or washing: Excessive handwashing, showering, or sanitising due to contamination fears
Ordering or arranging: Placing objects repeatedly until they feel “just right”
Counting or repeating: Saying words, phrases, or prayers a set number of times
Mental compulsions: Internally reviewing events, seeking reassurance in one's mind, or neutralising "bad" thoughts with "good" ones
Seeking reassurance: Constant reassurance-seeking from others. For example, repeatedly asking others "Are you sure everything is okay?" even after being reassured
Avoidance: Staying away from situations, people, or objects that trigger the obsession
Persistent doubt, anxiety, or fear if the ritual is interrupted
A defining feature is that the person often recognises the behaviour as excessive, yet feels powerless to stop it.
Immediate care and treatment steps:
Compulsions are treatable, especially when identified early.
Helpful management steps include:
Learning to recognise the OCD cycle
Gradually resisting the urge to perform compulsions
Practicing stress reduction and relaxation techniques
Following regular sleep and self-care routines
Seeking professional psychological support
One of the most effective treatments is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), where individuals slowly learn to tolerate anxiety without performing the ritual. Doctors may also prescribe medications such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) in moderate or severe cases.
For example, a person who repeatedly checks the lock may be guided to lock the door once and resist checking again, helping the brain slowly rebuild trust in its own sense of certainty.
What not to do?
Do not shame or criticise the person for their compulsions
Avoid repeatedly reassuring them, as it may reinforce the OCD cycle
Do not force someone to suddenly stop rituals without support
Avoid self-diagnosing and self-medicating based only on online videos or social media
Do not ignore symptoms if they begin affecting daily life
When to seek medical care?
Professional help should be sought if:
Compulsions take up a large amount of time each day
Daily activities, studies, work, or relationships are affected
Anxiety becomes overwhelming
Sleep, concentration, or emotional health worsen
The person feels hopeless, ashamed, distressed, or unable to control their behaviours
Early treatment can significantly improve quality of life and reduce symptom severity.
Prevention tips:
While OCD may not always be completely preventable, symptoms can often be better managed by:
Reducing stress levels
Maintaining healthy sleep habits
Seeking help early for intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviours
Practicing mindfulness and emotional awareness
Staying consistent with therapy and treatment plans
Living with compulsions can feel exhausting and isolating, like your own mind is working against you. But these patterns are not a character flaw, and they are not permanent. They are part of a mental health condition that can trap a person in cycles of doubt, anxiety, and temporary relief. Understanding OCD with empathy rather than judgment is important. With proper therapy, support, and treatment, many people learn to manage compulsions effectively and regain confidence in their daily lives.