In her early 20s, Dana Da Silva experienced something terrifying that she could not explain. A simple moment while caring for a friend’s young child suddenly triggered a disturbing thought: “What if I harmed him?” The thought frightened her because she knew it did not reflect who she was, yet she could not stop questioning what it meant. She began calling them “sticky thoughts” because they stayed trapped in her mind, creating fear and doubt. Dana worried that she might secretly be dangerous, even fearing she could be a pedophile, a murderer, or someone capable of harming others. The constant search for reassurance only made the thoughts stronger, and eventually, the anxiety became overwhelming. Panic attacks followed, and Dana’s life became controlled by fears she never wanted to have. For years, she believed she was facing something much darker, until she discovered the truth: she was experiencing a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder known as pOCD, involving unwanted intrusive thoughts and intense anxiety.

Today, Dana is 38, a mother of two, and uses her experience to educate others about the reality of OCD. She explains that many people misunderstand the condition, believing it only involves cleanliness or repetitive behaviors, while in reality it can involve frightening mental obsessions about harm, relationships, religion, or identity. Through therapy, Dana learned that intrusive thoughts are common, but people with OCD often attach fear and meaning to them in a way that makes them feel impossible to escape. She later wrote a memoir about her journey, hoping to reduce stigma and help others recognize the signs sooner. Dana says sharing her story was difficult, but she wanted people to understand that mental health struggles are often hidden behind shame and silence. Her message is simple: unwanted thoughts do not define a person, and seeking help can be the first step toward taking back control.