Jenna Ortega discusses lifelong struggle with OCD

Actress Jenna Ortega has shared details regarding her experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition she has managed since the age of seven. In an interview with Vogue, the 24-year-old described her mental state as having “a lot of different trains rolling in my brain at the same time.”

Ortega detailed specific repetitive rituals used to manage her anxiety, such as arranging bedsheets in a particular way, opening drawers in a specific manner, and brushing her hair slowly. She noted that her symptoms often intensify during periods of stress, exhaustion, or jet lag. Current coping mechanisms include repeating the phrase “take care” a set number of times, holding her breath while counting to 71, and stepping out with her left foot first.

To manage the disorder, Ortega has utilized professional therapy and medication. She also noted that her acting career provides a form of relief, as the requirement to breathe and focus when the cameras are rolling helps her manage tension.