Yes, it is. Anyone who experiences it knows that it is.

We have all heard, read, or listened to how frustrating it is when someone casually says, "I'm so OCD," yet they have absolutely no idea what that really means.

Did you move your cup too far to the right and now you think someone might get hurt? Did you zone out and look at your coworker in a way that now makes you wonder if they think you're strange, or worse, that they might hate you? Are you obsessing over what to wear in the morning because the colors you chose don't feel just right?

Are you avoiding your fears like the plague, ruminating as if you're trying to win a gold medal for thinking about thinking about thinking, about THINKING? Are you constantly doubting everything you do or say? Are you afraid that the intrusive, repetitive, uncomfortable, or just plain annoying thoughts in your mind mean you're all those negative things?

It can feel as if just thinking something makes it true and feeling something makes it real.

We all have thoughts, but with OCD they are on blast, and a broken record, and the guilt we feel for feeling them is horrible.

You might think you have OCD just because you like a clean workspace or enjoy sticking to a routine, but that doesn't necessarily mean you have it. It just means you appreciate being organized and having things in order.

But listen OCD tribe — you are not alone.

You are brilliant, kind, wonderful, and amazing, even if your mind is telling you otherwise. Right now, you're in a struggle with your emotional brain, which I affectionately refer to as Mike Tyson. However, you don't have to enter the boxing ring with Mike. You can become your own greatest strength.

OCD is indeed tough, but you are awesome and capable of not letting it own you and becoming the boss.

There are tools, and Exposure Response Prevention is the gold standard treatment. It's a matter of finding the right therapist and not giving up hope.

Don't give up hope! Reach out for help; you are not alone. There are tools available to support you.