Feeling stressed as the New Year approaches? Learn why it’s normal, how to manage the pressure, and how therapy can help. Start your year with clarity and support.

Relationship OCD (R-OCD) is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder that affects romantic, familial, and platonic relationships. People with R-OCD experience intrusive thoughts and compulsions that lead to persistent doubts about their feelings or the feelings of others, resulting in significant distress. Common symptoms include obsessive doubts, reassurance-seeking, hyper-focus on flaws, and constant comparisons. R-OCD can be triggered by genetic factors, past traumas, and personal insecurities, and can worsen with stress, lack of sleep, and avoidance behaviors.

R-OCD can impact any relationship, from romantic partners to friendships and family bonds. Managing R-OCD involves understanding the disorder, practicing mindfulness, and reducing compulsive behaviors. The gold standard treatment for R-OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, which helps individuals confront their fears and resist compulsions, ultimately reducing symptoms and improving relationship quality. By learning to manage R-OCD, individuals can reclaim their peace and build healthier connections.