Zane Gonzalez, the kicker for the Washington Commanders, has become a trending topic on social media due to his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

A video showing him adjusting his socks and running his fingers through his hair during a recent game sparked responses that ranged from sarcastic to confused and even mean-spirited. However, the reality is that Gonzalez has struggled with OCD since he was a child. This was simply part of his routine before kicking the ball.

“It’s just a little routine that I go through every time,” Gonzalez shared two days before the Commanders’ NFC divisional-round game against the Detroit Lions. “For me, it’s just the usual.”

The National Institute of Mental Health describes OCD as a “common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder” that can disrupt an individual’s “work, school, and personal relationships.” According to Dr. Juanita Guerra, a clinical psychologist based in New Rochelle, New York, about 1-3% of people globally live with this condition, affecting “children, adolescents, and adults” alike.

Understanding OCD

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by a cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, as explained by Guerra. Individuals coping with this condition often experience unwanted, intrusive, and irrational thoughts accompanied by “intensely uncomfortable feelings.”

The distressing nature of OCD is heightened by these obsessive thoughts, leading sufferers to engage in repetitive actions that interfere with their everyday lives. If these compulsive behaviors aren’t executed to their satisfaction, it can lead to significant emotional discomfort. Guerra notes, “The individual engages in these behaviors to alleviate obsessive thoughts and lessen the uncomfortable feelings they bring.”

Reflecting on his experiences, Gonzalez stated, “I just wish more people understood how difficult it is to describe the mindset of OCD. When these situations arise, you inherently think the worst-case scenario is going to happen. It could be the most unrealistic or bizarre thing, and people might say, ‘You’re crazy for thinking that.’ I know it sounds irrational, but that nagging thought stays with you. It’s persistent, and though you get accustomed to it, it never really goes away.”

OCD symptoms can vary widely and may involve behaviors like frequent counting, repetitive checking (like ensuring doors are locked or lights are off), obsessive cleaning, recurring distressing thoughts, saying the same words or phrases repeatedly, or requiring a specific sequence to complete tasks.

It’s important to recognize that many might incorrectly label behaviors as “being OCD” when they aren’t connected to the disorder. “The term OCD has sadly become a catch-all for describing a preference for orderliness or cleanliness, but it encompasses much more,” Dr. Amanda Darnley, a psychologist in Philadelphia, has explained. For those genuinely suffering from OCD, their obsessions and compulsions can severely hinder their ability to manage daily responsibilities, she emphasizes.

Experts advise being more mindful of the language surrounding mental health. Phrases like “being OCD” are often used casually but can be harmful to individuals facing genuine mental health challenges or addictions.

How to Address OCD

While having a preference for a clean and organized space does not equate to OCD, many who experience aspects of the disorder find ways to cope through various strategies often recommended by mental health professionals. Other individuals may seek further medical assistance.

Dr. Guerra suggests that for those showing symptoms of OCD without the full-blown disorder, simple anxiety-reducing techniques such as mindfulness, exercise, meditation, and yoga can be effective. However, for individuals meeting the criteria for OCD, “it is crucial to seek help from a trained therapist who can apply techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy in a structured approach.” Therapists may also suggest medication to help manage any underlying anxiety or depression issues, she says.

Contributing: Daryl Austin and Chris Bumbaca