She may be one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars, but Jenna Ortega wants people to know that life behind the scenes isn’t always as perfect as it looks. The 22-year-old Wednesday actress recently opened up about something deeply personal, sharing that she has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
In a candid conversation on the Heart Evening Show, Jenna shared how her nights often follow a strict ritual, even when she’s exhausted. “Sometimes my nights consist of just being really tired and going up and down the stairs six times because that’s what I think I need to do to make sure no one breaks into my home,” she said.
For Jenna, these repetitive actions aren’t just quirks, they’re part of living with OCD, a condition that causes unwanted thoughts and the need to perform certain actions over and over. And she’s not alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), OCD affects millions of people worldwide and can seriously impact daily life. Such repetitive behaviours are not just habits, they’re a way of trying to gain a sense of control over overwhelming anxiety.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic mental health condition that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), affects more than 2 per cent of people worldwide at some point in their lives. It means having or experiencing:
- Obsessions – unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress (e.g., fear of germs, doubts about safety, or intrusive violent images).
- Compulsions – repetitive actions or mental rituals (e.g., handwashing, counting, checking) performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event.
While everyone may have intrusive thoughts occasionally, OCD symptoms are persistent, distressing, and time-consuming, often interfering with work, school, relationships, and daily life.
Signs of OCD
As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the common OCD symptoms fall into two categories:
1. Common obsessions:
- Fear of contamination or germs
- Doubts about safety (e.g., ‘Did I lock the door?’)
- Need for symmetry or exactness
- Intrusive, taboo, or violent thoughts
2. Common compulsions:
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Repeated checking (locks, appliances, etc.)
- Counting, tapping, or repeating actions a set number of times
- Arranging items in a specific, precise way
These patterns can consume hours each day, leading to significant emotional and physical exhaustion.
What causes OCD?
Research cited by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests causes as a combination of:
- Genetics: Having a close relative with OCD increases risk.
- Brain Structure and Function: Differences in the brain’s frontal cortex and deeper structures may play a role.
- Environment: Childhood trauma, stress, or infections (like strep throat, linked to PANDAS syndrome in rare cases) may trigger symptoms.
- Neurochemical Factors: Imbalances in serotonin, a brain chemical linked to mood and anxiety, are often associated with OCD.
OCD is not a personality flaw or something someone can ‘just get over.’ It’s a serious mental health condition requiring understanding and treatment.
How to help someone with OCD
If you have a loved one struggling with OCD, here are some ways to support them, as recommended by WHO and CDC:
- Listen without judgment – Allow them to share their feelings without dismissing their fears as ‘irrational.’
- Encourage professional help – Treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (especially Exposure and Response Prevention, or ERP) and medication can be highly effective.
- Avoid enabling rituals – Don’t participate in compulsions, as it can reinforce the OCD cycle. Instead, gently encourage coping strategies learned in therapy.
- Learn about OCD – Understanding the condition can help you offer the right kind of support.
- Be patient – Progress takes time, and setbacks can happen. Celebrate small victories.
The WHO lists OCD among the top 20 causes of illness-related disability worldwide. With the right support, people with OCD, like Jenna Ortega, can manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know may be experiencing OCD, seeking help from a mental health professional is a crucial first step.
