Using Star Wars to Understand My OCD

An iconic Star Wars quote gave me insight into my obsessive compulsive disorder

I’ve often written about the role Star Trek has played in helping me in my battle with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety.

However, Star Wars - which is tied with Trek as my favorite franchise - has also been integral to my journey.

In fact, one classic quote had a profound impact on the way I view my OCD and the manner in which I convey it to others:

"If you strike me down I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."

- Obi-Wan Kenobi

The wise Jedi Master spoke this line to Darth Vader prior to their duel aboard the Death Star in Star Wars: A New Hope (1977).

Although Obi-Wan Kenobi was referring to the Force, my experience with OCD has caused me to find fresh meaning in his words.

Every patient’s condition is unique, but - for me - the “obsessions” and “compulsions” reflect an unreachable mountain. If I can just overcome this one repetitive thought, then I will be okay.

Sounds simple, right? Over time, I’ve gradually learned there’s a problem with this line of thinking. There will always be another rumination (or ten!) to take the place of any thoughts I believe I’ve ‘conquered.’

When my severe OCD was at its peak, the Kenobi quote written above stood out during one of my many, many, many Star Wars re-watches.

I began to look at the statement in a new light. By ‘striking down’ a rumination and expecting my OCD to be gone, I was actually making my condition “more powerful than [I could] possibly imagine.”

If I kept focusing on individual thoughts rather than dealing with OCD as the root cause, I would be forever battling a foe I could never defeat.

OCD is also incredibly misunderstood among the general public, and I often find it difficult to encapsulate into words. Yet when I share this comparison with other people, it seems to help them grasp what fighting OCD can be like.

So, while Obi-Wan Kenobi was speaking about a mythical power in a galaxy far, far away, his words have significantly benefited me in my struggle with a very real condition on present-day Earth.

Thanks Obi-Wan and Star Wars, I owe you a blue milk! :)