Welcome to a course on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the glitch in your brain's wiring that manifests in obsessive ruminations and ritualistic compulsions. Sounds fun, right? Well, buckle up – we're about to debunk the myth that OCD just equals not walking on cracks and avoiding the number 13.

OCD is the quirky, eccentric cousin in the mental health family that blurs the line between rational fears and absurd obsessions. Picture your brain playing the same distressful thoughts on loop, like a broken song record that can't be powered down. Now think about doing the 'Macarena' repeatedly to drown that relentless noise out - that’s OCD in all its frustrating glory.

Here's a riddle: When is washing your hands not just about hygiene? Answer: When it’s an OCD ritual. OCD sufferers are trapped in a bizarre, behavioural version of 'Groundhog Day', repeating obsessions and compulsions like they're stuck in life’s most irritating rhythm.

Let's put some faces to this mental health condition. OCD is not just one-size-fits-all; symptoms span an enormous range, from fear of contamination to distressing sexual or religious thoughts – joy!

The question you've probably been wondering – what causes OCD? A definitive answer is as elusive as a piece of kale in a Big Mac. We do know that your brain might be contributing, even if it's with an overly enthusiastic response to errors and a lethargic halt signal.

If you suspect hijacking OCD thoughts have taken your brain hostage, don't hit the panic button just yet. There's hope through a range of cognitive therapy treatments such as exposure and response prevention (ERP) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Plus, say hello to our helpful chemical friends, the SSRIs.

Coping with OCD can be as grueling as a CrossFit workout without the adrenaline high, yet arming yourself with the right knowledge is the first step towards becoming an OCD boss. And remember, no shame in this game, not when it comes to OCD or any other mental health condition for that matter.