Our Blog: Upward Alabama

Aging With OCD: Understanding Symptoms, Finding Support, and Reclaiming Your Life

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

Posted: April 15, 2026

OCD doesn’t fade with age, and it doesn’t always look the same from one decade to the next. Many older adults find that symptoms shift as life circumstances change—retirement, health concerns, caregiving roles, and the loss of loved ones can all create new openings for OCD to take hold. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward getting the right support and building a life guided by values rather than fear.

Understanding Avoidance: A Barrier to Mental Health and Healing

By Susan Rathmell, Ph.D.

PTSD Insomnia OCD Anxiety Depression

Posted: December 5, 2025

Avoidance is a significant barrier to mental health and well-being. Often misunderstood, avoidance is not merely a sign of laziness or a lack of motivation; it is a complex clinical symptom deeply rooted in various mental health issues. Many individuals use avoidance as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions, fears, and stressors. Initially, it may provide immediate relief; however, this coping strategy often sabotages long-term recovery and growth. Avoidance is best understood as both a short-term coping mechanism and as a hallmark symptom of numerous mental health conditions such as insomnia, OCD, depression, and PTSD.

Childhood OCD

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

OCD Children

Posted: November 17, 2025

OCD can first appear at any age, but individuals seem to get symptoms most commonly at either ages 7-12 or in the late teens/young adult years. Research shows us that individuals who develop OCD in childhood are more likely to have a family history of OCD or similar disorders. Additionally, childhood OCD often doesn’t come alone—it tends to show up with other disorders like depression, anxiety, tic disorders, ADHD, and autism. Additionally, because there is significant overlap among symptoms, children may be misdiagnosed.

How OCD Impacts Relationships--And What You Can Do About It

By Misti Norton, Ph.D., DBSM

OCD

Posted: October 29, 2025

While the person with OCD endures intense anxiety and emotional distress, their family members, partners, and close friends often struggle too. Feelings of guilt, helplessness, frustration, and emotional exhaustion are common on both sides. But understanding the way OCD works—and the ways it draws loved ones into its cycle—is the first step toward healing.