Jenna Ortega opens up about OCD, describing childhood routines, counting habits and experience with therapy

Jenna Ortega has opened up about her experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), revealing that she began showing signs of the condition at the age of seven.

The Wednesday actress shared details of her routines and ongoing journey in an interview with Vogue.

Ortega recalled waking up early as a child to complete a series of specific tasks before starting her day.

“I had to open the bedsheet a certain way, and open the drawer one way, and brush my hair in a slow-paced way,” she explained.

The actress said some of these behaviours can still return when she feels stressed or overwhelmed. “I just bite the bullet and do the routine,” she said.

Discussing her current habits, Ortega described repeating particular words and following specific patterns when she feels anxious, tired or jet-lagged.

These include “repeating the phrase ‘take care’ a specific number of times throughout the day; stepping onto set with her left foot first; holding her breath and counting to 71.”

Ortega also revealed that she has attended therapy, continues to work with a therapist and has tried medication as part of managing her OCD.

One approach that has helped ease some of the pressure, she explained, is viewing the experience as a game.

According to the Mayo Clinic, OCD involves unwanted, recurring thoughts known as obsessions and repetitive behaviours called compulsions, which can cause distress and interfere with daily activities.

Ortega’s candid account offers insight into her personal experience with the condition while highlighting the different ways people seek support and manage their symptoms.