Table 3 Major themes and sub-themes

Illness perception changes over time

Confusion, fear and helplessness

Grief and acceptance

Clarity sinks in and battle ensues

Sense of control and hope

Disclosure on a spectrum

No felt need to disclose due to internal barriers

Felt need but no space to disclose

Expressed need and compressed grief in family members

Seek help but face therapist-related barriers

Cascading effects of OCD

Disruptions in sense of self

Failure to fulfil role functions

Victim of bullying and social misperceptions

Treatment infuses hope and helps

Initial refusal to seek treatment

Useful beyond illness

It is a personal process

Navigating through OCD

Internal battles and chaos

Wishful thinking

Wise in retrospect

Calm after the storm