Can OCD Cause Depression? Understanding the Connection & How to Cope
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression often go hand in hand, making daily life feel like an uphill battle. If you or someone you love struggles with OCD, you may have noticed feelings of hopelessness, exhaustion, or sadness creeping in over time. But why does this happen? Can OCD actually cause depression, and if so, what can be done about it?
In this post, we’ll explore:
The link between OCD and depression
Symptoms of both conditions
Challenges in navigating them together
Three simple steps to start managing both
How therapy—specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—can help
Let’s dive in.
Can OCD Cause Depression?
Yes, OCD can contribute to depression. The constant cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions can be emotionally draining, leading to feelings of hopelessness and despair. Here’s how OCD can set the stage for depression:
Emotional exhaustion – Repeatedly battling intrusive thoughts and engaging in compulsions can wear a person down.
Feelings of helplessness – If compulsions don’t seem to "work" or if OCD symptoms worsen, it can feel like there’s no escape.
Social withdrawal – OCD can make social interactions stressful, leading to isolation, which is a major risk factor for depression.
Guilt and shame – Many people with OCD struggle with intrusive thoughts that feel distressing or morally unacceptable, leading to self-judgment and sadness.
Over time, this emotional burden can lead to a deepening sense of depression, making it even harder to manage OCD symptoms effectively.
Symptoms of OCD and Depression
While OCD and depression are separate disorders, they share some overlapping symptoms. Here’s what to look for in yourself and in your loved ones:
Symptoms of OCD
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause distress
Urges to perform compulsions (such as checking, counting, washing, or seeking reassurance)
Feeling stuck in obsessive thought loops
Anxiety when trying to resist compulsions
Temporary relief after completing a ritual, followed by more distress
Symptoms of Depression
Persistent sadness or low mood
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Fatigue or lack of motivation
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia or excessive sleep)
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide (If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm, please reach out to a crisis helpline or a trusted mental health professional.)
When OCD and depression co-occur, they can intensify each other. For example, a person with OCD may feel hopeless about ever finding relief, worsening their depression. At the same time, depression can sap the motivation needed to resist compulsions, making OCD harder to manage.
Challenges of Navigating Both OCD and Depression
Living with both OCD and depression presents unique challenges:
Lack of motivation – Depression can make it harder to engage in treatment or resist compulsions.
More intrusive thoughts – OCD thrives on intrusive thoughts, and depression can fuel negative self-talk, making distressing thoughts feel even heavier.
Increased avoidance – People with both conditions may avoid situations that trigger OCD or reinforce depressive withdrawal, which can lead to a shrinking world.
3 Simple Steps to Work on Both
If you're struggling with OCD and depression, small, manageable steps can help. Here are three simple ways to start:
1. Break the Cycle with Small Wins
Instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, start with a small challenge. If OCD urges you to wash your hands for 10 minutes, try cutting back by 30 seconds. If depression keeps you in bed, commit to stepping outside for 5 minutes. Small successes build confidence.
2. Challenge Negative Thought Patterns
Depression and OCD both thrive on distorted thinking. Try recognizing and labeling thoughts as "OCD thoughts" or "depression thoughts" rather than treating them as truths. Techniques like cognitive restructuring (a CBT strategy) can help reframe them.
3. Stick to a Routine
Both OCD and depression can disrupt daily life, but structure helps. Even if motivation is low, having a simple daily routine—wake up at the same time, eat meals at regular intervals, get outside for a walk—can make a big difference.
How a Therapist Trained in ERP and CBT Can Help
Finding a therapist trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be life-changing.
ERP helps reduce compulsions by exposing you to anxiety-provoking thoughts or situations while preventing compulsive behaviors. Over time, this reduces OCD’s power over you. Think of it as learning to swim before diving into the deep-end.
CBT challenges negative thinking patterns that fuel both OCD and depression, helping you develop healthier coping strategies.
A therapist can provide guidance and accountability, helping you navigate the ups and downs of treatment.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by both OCD and depression, know that you’re not alone—and help is available. With the right support and treatment, it’s possible to break free from the cycle of compulsions and hopelessness, reclaiming joy and control in your life.
Looking for Support?
At Better Minds Counseling & Services, we specialize in treating OCD and depression using evidence-based approaches like ERP and CBT. Our Pennsylvania-based online therapy services are here to help you take the first step. Reach out today to get started.
