OCD Subtype:
Real Event / False Memory
Real Event or False Memory OCD is a subtype where your mind fixates on something you might have done — or fear you could have done. You might find yourself replaying a real situation, a blurry moment, or even just a feeling that something bad happened. OCD tricks you into using a LACK of evidence as EVIDENCE that your doubt is possibly true. This pushes you to mentally review every detail, trying to find proof that you didn’t act inappropriately, offensively, immorally — or even criminally.
But here’s OCD’s trap: “You don’t have proof that you didn’t do it… so maybe you did.”
And that single argument is enough to keep you stuck in hours of rumination, mental rewinding, body-checking for guilt responses, or even asking others for reassurance. The harder you try to confirm your innocence, the farther away it feels.
This isn’t about refusing accountability — it’s about OCD hijacking your memory and your common sense about the way memory works. With specialized treatment, you can learn to step out of the loop and rebuild trust in both your memory and your true character.
Real Event OCD can sound like:
I feel guilty, so I must have done something horrible.
What if things would have gone differently if I hadn’t said/done that?
I need to know if I crossed a line… even if it was years ago.
Am I remembering that correctly?
But I was intoxicated, so maybe it happened and I just don’t remember.
Could I still get in trouble for that now?
What if someone finds out?
Common Real Event Obsessions
Recurrent, persistent, and intrusive thoughts or doubts about past events or experiences.
Preoccupation with whether things would be different if you had acted otherwise.
Distressing thoughts about what happened and how it played out.
Repeated concern that you made a big mistake and now your life will never be the same.
Fear that you lied or misled others without realizing it.
Persistent fear of being caught for something you said or did.
Concern if you move on from this event, it would mean you don’t care and aren’t a good person.
Common Real Event Compulsions
Mentally replaying events over and over to try and get clarity of what occurred.
Seeking reassurance from others who were with you at the time of the event - asking them to tell you that you did not do anything wrong.
Reviewing past interactions to determine how your words and actions impacted the other person.
Punishing yourself through harsh self-criticism or by depriving yourself of positive emotions, experiences, or rewards.
Researching laws, morality, or similar cases online.
Checking messages, photos, or videos for “proof” of wrongdoing.
Avoiding reminders of the person, place, or situation involved.
Confessing repeatedly to friends, partners, or therapists.
What If You Stop Analyzing The Past
& Start Living InThePresent?
It’s exhausting to live as though every memory is a crime scene. With the right help, you can stop analyzing and start experiencing your life again — regaining confidence in your mind and reconnecting with who you really are.
You don’t have to stay stuck replaying the past when there’s so much more life ahead of you.