3 Lies OCD & Anxiety Make You Believe (And How to Break Free)
Apr 30, 2025
The 3 Lies OCD & Anxiety Make You Believe (And How to Break Free)
Are you struggling with OCD or anxiety and feeling stuck in constant mental loops? You’re not alone. In this post, we’ll break down the three biggest lies your mind convinces you to believe—lies that keep you feeling trapped—and share practical steps to break free. This guide draws directly from the wisdom shared by Matt, founder of Restored Minds, in his popular video, "The 3 Lies OCD & Anxiety Makes You Believe."
Lie #1: You Are Your Thoughts
OCD and anxiety often convince you that every thought your mind produces defines who you are. But here’s the truth: You are not your thoughts.
As humans, we all experience a wide range of thoughts, both intentional and automatic—the mind will throw out random words, images, and chatter constantly. However, your true self is the observer of these thoughts. Trying to fight, battle, or change every thought is a losing game. The more you argue with your mind, the more new thoughts pop up, making the battle endless and exhausting.
Key takeaway: Practice viewing your thoughts as passing mental events, not as an intrinsic part of who you are.
Lie #2: You Are Your Feelings
Just like thoughts, OCD and anxiety push the narrative that you are defined by your feelings. You might believe that feeling anxious, sad, or stressed means that something is inherently wrong with you. In reality, feelings are temporary, ever-changing experiences.
Ask yourself: What is constant about you, no matter your age or emotional state? While your emotions fluctuate throughout a single day (or even within an hour), your consciousness—the part of you experiencing these ups and downs—remains the same.
Identifying with every mood shift can lead to obsessive efforts to control or suppress emotions, which ultimately makes things worse.
Key takeaway: Recognize that feelings come and go, but you are the steady observer of them.
Lie #3: You Must Change Your Thoughts and Feelings to Be Okay
Perhaps the most seductive lie is the belief that in order to feel okay, you need to change your thoughts and feelings. This leads to compulsive behaviors: rumination, thought blocking, checking, mental distraction, or even using substances to escape uncomfortable emotions.
The trap? By focusing all your energy on changing something that’s always in flux (like thoughts and feelings), you get stuck in a loop that shrinks your life and increases your anxiety. The more you chase certainty or comfort, the more anxious you become.
Key takeaway: Shift your focus from controlling thoughts and feelings to observing them. The less energy you give to fighting them, the more freedom you gain.
How to Break Out of the OCD & Anxiety Loop
Awareness is your first step toward recovery. As Matt explains, once you recognize these three lies for what they are—just stories the mind tells—you can begin to step out of the compulsive loop. Remember, you are not your thoughts or feelings; you are the conscious observer experiencing them.
If you want a deeper dive into actionable tools for breaking the OCD and anxiety cycle, check out the resources at RestoredMinds.com. You can find step-by-step guides to help you identify underlying beliefs, handle intrusive thoughts and emotions, and regain control of your life.
Final Thoughts
OCD and anxiety play dirty, tricking you into wrestling with your own mind. The secret to freedom lies in seeing through these illusions and reclaiming your role as the observer. When you dismantle these lies, you make room for healing, growth, and a life not ruled by fear.
If you found this helpful, share your thoughts in the comments, and remember to subscribe to Restored Minds for more insights on overcoming OCD, anxiety, and mental health obstacles.
