What Is OCD? Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the more misunderstood mental health conditions out there. Oftentimes, it’s characterized as someone who insists on straightening picture frames in other people’s homes, or who “likes things organized,” when in reality, OCD can be deeply distressing and disruptive to a person’s ability to function in all areas of their life. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, our providers are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of OCD, ensuring clients receive appropriate treatment.
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This article offers an overview of what OCD is, how it shows up, and what the evidence-based treatment options are for people suffering from OCD. 

What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

OCD involves a cycle of obsessions and compulsions that can feel impossible to break out of.

• Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that spark anxiety or distress. 
• Compulsions are behaviors or mental rituals someone feels driven to perform in order to reduce the distress caused by the obsessive thoughts. 

This back-and-forth creates a loop that can consume a person’s time and energy, leaving little room for the things that matter most. Even when compulsions happen “in the mind” and aren’t visible to others, the impact is still real and exhausting.

Common Symptoms

While OCD looks different for everyone, some common signs include:

• Recurrent, intrusive fears—such as worries about contamination, harming others, or committing morally wrong or destructive actions.   
• Engaging in compulsive rituals like cleaning, checking, arranging, or repeating actions until they feel “just right.” 
• Mental rituals, such as silently counting, reviewing, or seeking reassurance. 

These patterns may provide short-term relief but rarely quiet the anxiety for long. Instead, the cycle tends to grow stronger over time, interfering with daily life, relationships, work, and wellbeing.

How OCD Affects Daily Life

Left untreated, OCD can be incredibly draining. People often describe:

• Spending hours each day stuck in rituals or intrusive thoughts. 
• Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger symptoms. 
• Feeling shame about obsessions and hiding them from others. 
• Struggling to concentrate, work, or fully engage in relationships. 

Even when rituals are invisible to others, the mental weight can be heavy. Living with OCD often means wrestling with thoughts and rituals most of the day, every day.

What Causes OCD?

There isn’t one single cause of OCD. Instead, it often develops through a combination of factors, including:

• Biological/Genetic influences—family history of OCD or related conditions. 
• Brain and chemistry differences—how certain brain circuits and neurotransmitters function. 
• Life stressors or trauma—events that can trigger or worsen symptoms. 
• Cognitive patterns—beliefs around responsibility, perfectionism, or the need for certainty. 

How OCD Is Diagnosed

OCD is diagnosed by a mental health professional after a careful evaluation. Diagnosis typically involves looking at:

• The presence of obsessions and compulsive behaviors. 
• The extent to which these symptoms are time-consuming, distressing, or disruptive to life. 
• The extent to which the person is aware that the thoughts are intrusive and the compulsive behaviors are irrational.  

It’s important to note: recognizing you might have OCD does not mean you’re “choosing” your thoughts or behaviors. In fact, most people with OCD are fully aware that their obsessions and compulsions are not directly tied to reality – but knowing this does not make them go away. 

Treatment Options

OCD is often treatable. Many people see significant improvement with the right support. Common approaches include:

• Therapy 
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—a specialized form of CBT—is considered the gold standard for OCD treatment. ERP involves gradually facing triggering thoughts or situations while resisting compulsions, breaking the cycle over time.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – ACT is considered an “adjunctive treatment” that can be used alongside ERP to improve outcomes. ACT helps people with OCD change their relationship with their OCD symptoms and move towards a more values-driven life. In contrast to CBT and ERP, ACT focuses less on challenging irrational thoughts and behaviors, and more on altering their reactions to them. ACT for OCD is currently being researched, but is showing promise as an effective treatment. 
• Medication 
  • Medications such as SSRIs can help reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions.
  • When SSRIs are ineffective for reducing symptoms of OCD, the tri-cyclic antidepressant Clomipramine is often prescribed. While Clomipramine is often very effective at treating OCD, it also tends to come with more side effects than SSRIs.  
• Integrated Care 
  • Combining therapy, medication, and lifestyle support, such as stress management and healthy routines, often brings the best results. 

OCD can also appear in less obvious forms, such as “Pure O,” where compulsions happen mainly in the mind. Even in these cases, ERP, ACT, medication and a strong  support system remain central to effective treatment.

What Helps Along the Way

Recovery from OCD is possible, and progress often looks like:

• Understanding that intrusive thoughts are not a reflection of who you are, but instead are something that is happening to you.  
• Building tolerance for discomfort instead of fighting against it. 
• Working with therapists trained in ERP and OCD-specific treatment. 
• Finding the right balance of therapy, support, and medication.
  

Moving Forward

Living with OCD can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right treatment and support, many people find freedom from compulsions, peace of mind, and the ability to live more fully.

If you’ve recognized yourself in what you’ve read here, reaching out for help is an important first step. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we have therapists who are trained in evidence-based OCD treatment and are here to walk alongside you. They will also refer you to a higher level of care if needed, as some people require a more intensive program in order to achieve and sustain relief from their OCD symptoms. 

Ready to get started on the path to healing? Contact us today to be matched with a provider at one of our 11 Minneapolis-St. Paul locations. 

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6 Tips for Healthy Co-Parenting

Parenting after separation or divorce is rarely simple (after all, parenting is rarely simple even in the best of circumstances!). In addition to the usual stressors like work, family, and everyday life, the conflicts and challenges that led to the end of the relationship between you and your co-parent can easily spill into how the two of you parent your children. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we know children thrive when parents feel grounded and supported, and when they are able to support each other. 
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Here are six therapist-informed tips, ordered by priority, to help reduce conflict and strengthen your co-parenting relationship.

1. Improve Communication

Healthy co-parenting starts with clear, respectful communication. Use neutral language, keep conversations focused on your child, and avoid asking your children to act as messengers. Parenting apps or shared calendars can make schedules and plans transparent, reducing misunderstandings before they become conflicts. Remember: you don’t have to like your ex, you just need to parent with them as effectively as possible, which means ensuring your communication is clear and fact-based. 

2. Use Structure to Reduce Tension

Routine and structure provide stability for both parents and children, and minimizes the need for frequent communication between parents. A written parenting agreement that covers schedules, holidays, and communication norms lowers stress and prevents confusion. Just as structure reduces overwhelm at work, it also helps create calm at home.

3. Set Clear Boundaries

Boundaries protect everyone involved. This might mean honoring parenting time without interference, determining when and how communication will take place, or deciding ahead of time what steps you will take when you disagree on a child-related issue. Boundaries keep the focus on the child rather than on past grievances or ongoing tension.

4. Ask for Support

Co-parenting is demanding, and it’s okay to lean on others. Friends and family can help with daily logistics, just keep in mind that friends and family can also fuel conflict unnecessarily. Be sure to let them know what you need from them, and keep in mind that you set the tone for how they talk about your ex. Family therapists who specialize in co-parenting can guide you through conflict, communication challenges, and building healthier patterns. In some cases, divorce professionals may be brought in to clarify parenting arrangements and assist with decision-making.

5. Avoid Bad-Mouthing Your Co-Parent to your Children

As hard as it can be sometimes, it is critical that you (and your friends and family) avoid trash-talking your ex in front of your children. Remember that this is their other parent, and they deserve the chance to form their own relationships with that parent, without you weighing in with your opinions or criticisms. This includes ensuring your kids can’t overhear you airing your grievances during phone conversations with friends or family. 

6. Prioritize Self-Care

You can’t co-parent well if you’re running on empty. Prioritizing rest, movement, and nutrition helps you stay grounded and model healthy habits for your child. Simplifying schedules, delegating when possible, and carving out small breaks make a big difference in your capacity to show up consistently. Lastly, ensure you have a strong support system so that you have people you can talk to about the challenges of co-parenting, as that will reduce the temptation to vent to your kids. 

When to Seek Professional Help

If stress, conflict, or anxiety are interfering with your ability to parent or co-parent effectively, therapy can help. Counselors can provide tools for better communication, healthier boundaries, and strategies that keep your mental health and wellbeing – and thus your ability to meet your children’s needs – front and center.

Additional Resources

Here are few books and other resources for co-parents, recommended by our therapists who work with divorced or separated parents and their children:

Mom’s House, Dad’s House

The Co-Parenting Toolkit

The Co-Parenting Handbook

Parenting Apart: How separated and divorced parents can raise happy and secure kids

The Bridging Center – online courses and coaching for divorced and separated parents

A Compassionate Next Step

If co-parenting feels overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, our therapists specialize in supporting parents through significant life transitions, helping reduce conflict, and creating more stable environments for children. Reaching out is not a weakness — it’s a step toward building a calmer, healthier future for your family.
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What Is Manic Depression? Understanding Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

If you or someone you care about has ever wondered, “Could this be more than just mood swings?” this post is for you. Sometimes referred to as manic depression, bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition marked by significant shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts can severely disrupt all aspects of a person’s life in very real ways. 

Below, we’ll explore what bipolar disorder looks like, how it’s diagnosed, possible causes or risk factors, and what treatments are currently available. If you suspect you may have symptoms of bipolar disorder, or have already been given this diagnosis, know that finding effective treatment is critical to managing the symptoms of bipolar disorder and minimizing the damage it can cause. 
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What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder in which people experience prolonged cycles of mania or hypomania (periods of very high energy, elevated mood, impulsivity and even psychosis) and depression (periods of persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, or thoughts of death).

Manic and depressive episodes are far more extreme than the ordinary ups and downs most of us experience throughout our lives. These mood swings are also different from those associated with Borderline Personality Disorder, in which a person’s mood may shift dramatically throughout the course of one day, usually in reaction to events happening around them. 

With bipolar disorder, manic and depressive episodes are not typically related (at least not directly) to external events or interactions. Moreover, if left untreated these extreme mood states can last for days, weeks, or even months, and often cause significant disruption to the person’s health, work, relationships, and daily functioning. 

Types of Bipolar Disorder

• Bipolar I disorder involves at least one manic episode, which may be severe enough to require hospitalization. Depressive episodes often follow. 
• Bipolar II disorder involves recurring major depressive episodes along with hypomanic episodes, which are less intense than full mania but can still disrupt life. 
• Cyclothymia and other subtypes involve ongoing but less extreme mood shifts.
  

Symptoms

Although bipolar disorder looks different for each person, common symptoms include:

Mania or Hypomania

• Elevated or irritable mood
• Racing, and often incoherent, thoughts
• Reduced need for sleep
• High energy or restlessness
• Impulsivity or extreme risk-taking
• Inflated self-esteem or grandiose ideas
• Hallucinations and/or delusional thinking 

Depression

• Persistent sadness or emptiness 
• Loss of interest in activities 
• Fatigue or slowed movements 
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 
• Changes in sleep and appetite 
• Thoughts of death, self-harm, or suicide 

What Causes Bipolar Disorder?

There is no single cause, but several factors can contribute:

• Genetics: Plays a strong role in bipolar disorder.  
• Brain chemistry: Differences in neurotransmitters and brain function are associated with bipolar disorder. 
• Life events: Stress, trauma, sleep disruptions, or substance use can trigger episodes.

Diagnosis

Bipolar disorder should only be diagnosed by a trained mental health professional, since many other medical and mental health conditions can present with similar symptoms. Diagnosis typically involves:

• Identifying manic, hypomanic, and depressive episodes 
• Assessing the severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms 
• Ruling out other causes, such as medical conditions or substance use 
• Considering family history and life stressors
  

Treatment

Bipolar disorder is treatable, and many people live full, meaningful lives with the right plan. Treatment usually includes:

• Medication 
  • Mood stabilizers like lithium  
  • Antipsychotics 
  • Antidepressants (used carefully to avoid triggering mania) 
• Therapy 
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address negative thought patterns 
  • Family-focused therapy to involve loved ones and strengthen support 
  • Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy to build consistency in sleep, routines, and relationships 
• Lifestyle support 
  • Regular sleep schedule and balanced routines 
  • Stress management 
  • Monitoring moods to notice early warning signs 
• Education and ongoing care 
  • Learning about bipolar disorder helps reduce shame and build insight 
  • Treatment plans are often adjusted over time to reflect what works best for you

Why Early Recognition Matters

Research on bipolar disorder has shown repeatedly that accessing effective treatment as soon as possible after the first manic episode is the best way to prevent future episodes from becoming more severe or frequent. Early, effective treatment often means less disruption to work, relationships, financial stability, and overall wellbeing.

Common Misconceptions

• “It’s just mood swings.” Bipolar shifts are more intense and longer lasting than typical ups and downs. 
• “You always know when you’re manic.” Mania or hypomania can feel enjoyable, so it may not seem like a problem until it leads to serious consequences. 
• “Medication means weakness.” Medications are medical treatments that stabilize brain chemistry, similar to insulin for diabetes. For bipolar disorder, medication is an essential part of the treatment plan, in addition to effective therapy and social support.
  

When to Seek Help

It may be time to talk to a professional if:

• Mood swings disrupt your work, relationships, or daily functioning 
• You experience manic or hypomanic episodes 
• Depression feels overwhelming or includes thoughts of death or suicide 
• Symptoms are becoming more frequent or severe 

How LynLake Can Help

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we approach bipolar disorder with compassion and care. We provide:

• Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
• Individual and family therapy to help manage symptoms and improve relationships
• Collaboration with medication management providers
• Support for long-term stability and wellbeing
• Assistance in accessing a higher level of care when necessary 

Moving Forward

Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition, but it is also treatable. With the right combination of medication and support, many people regain balance, find relief from symptoms, and live fulfilling lives. Contact us today to be connected with a therapist who can help you create a plan to manage your mental health symptoms and get back to living your life. 
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Why Are Mental Health Challenges on the Rise for College Students?

College is often described as an exciting chapter in a young adult’s life, and it certainly can be. But for many young adults, it is also a time of stress, uncertainty, and major transition. Over the last several years, mental health concerns among college students have risen sharply, often outpacing the support campuses and counseling centers can provide.

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we are committed to helping college students navigate the mental health challenges that can accompany this chapter of life. 
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What the Data Shows

• • Rates of anxiety and depression among college students are higher than ever before. Specifically, in a 2023 survey, 44% of students reported symptoms of depression, 37% said they experienced anxiety, and a staggering 15% said they were considered suicide. 
  • Eating disorders, loneliness, and overall declines in emotional wellbeing are more common as students navigate the transition into adulthood.
  • White college students were almost twice as likely as students of color to access mental healthcare.

Key Risk Factors

Understanding the rise in mental health challenges means looking closely at the pressures many students face.

1. Academic and Performance Stress

The push to excel academically and professionally can feel relentless. Students often juggle coursework, internships, and extracurriculars while adjusting to self-directed learning for the first time. This pressure can be particularly intense for student athletes, who are often expected to maintain a high GPA while spending multiple hours every day at practices and games. 

2. Environmental and Social Pressures

Leaving home brings both freedom, loneliness and additional stress. Add in financial strain from tuition, housing, and food insecurity, and the stress multiplies.

3. Loss of Support and Structure

The structure and support of high school—family, routines, social networks—are often left behind. Campus counseling services are frequently overwhelmed, making it harder for students to access help when they need it most.

4. Global and Cultural Stressors

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified isolation, uncertainty, and health concerns. Ongoing exposure to global crises, economic instability, and the pressures of social media continue to weigh heavily on young adults.

5. Preexisting Mental Health Conditions

For many young people, mental health challenges begin before college. Preexisting depression, anxiety, or trauma can resurface or worsen in the more independent college environment.

How These Challenges Show Up

Mental health concerns may look like:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness
• Intense anxiety about grades, relationships, or the future
• Loss of motivation or difficulty concentrating
• Eating concerns or body image struggles
• Irregular sleep patterns or exhaustion
• Thoughts of death or suicide when stress becomes overwhelming
  

Barriers to Getting Help

Even when students recognize they are struggling, support is not always easy to access. Common barriers include:

• Inability to continue seeing their therapist and/or medication management provider due to moving to another state for college
• Long waitlists or limited sessions at campus counseling centers
• Stigma that makes visiting the college counseling center feel unsafe
• Not knowing where to go or how to start
• Financial or insurance barriers

What Can Help

It is important to remember that support exists and can make a difference.

For Students

• • Prioritize rest, nutrition, and breaks from screens
    
  • Stay connected with friends, groups or clubs, and family
  • Pay attention to early warning signs and reach out when symptoms interfere with daily life
    

For Colleges and Universities

• • Expand mental health services and reduce stigma through open conversations
    
  • Offer prevention programs like stress management workshops and mindfulness training
    
  • Support financial stability with food programs, housing resources, or scholarships

For Counseling Centers and Providers

• • Be accessible, culturally responsive, and proactive
  • Provide early outreach to reduce crises
  • Collaborate with campus staff to create a network of support
  • Maintain a strong referral network with mental health providers in the community

Why This Matters

When student mental health concerns are unaddressed, the consequences can be serious. Academic performance often declines, dropout risk increases, and struggles can extend far beyond college years. Supporting mental health now sets the stage for long-term stability, health, and success.

How LynLake Supports Students

At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we meet students where they are. We provide:

• • Therapy and assessments for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and related concerns
  • Individual counseling designed specifically for young adults
  • Crisis support, including care for suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • Collaboration with campus counseling centers for continuity of care

Moving Forward

College can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you or a college student you know is struggling, you do not have to navigate it alone. At LynLake Centers for WellBeing, we have a team of therapists who are passionate about working with and supporting college students, providing compassionate, effective support to help students manage stress, reduce anxiety, and find a healthier balance. Contact us today to be connected with one of these providers. We are here to help. 

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