Jenna Ortega, the 22-year-old actress known for her standout roles in You and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, has shared a candid look into her battle with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In a recent interview on the Heart Evening show with Dev Griffin, Ortega revealed how her condition affects her daily life and routine, offering an honest portrayal of the challenges she faces.
The actress explained that her tendency to do most of her activities at night stems from a desire to avoid overloading her brain with tasks before the next day. However, this late-night routine often leaves her physically and mentally exhausted, which in turn triggers her intense OCD episodes.
“When I’m tired, I have pretty intense OCD,” Ortega explained. “So, that’s kind of my routine, in terms of repetitive thoughts and counting everything multiple times and having to do the same action over and over.”
Ortega’s OCD manifests in various ways, with one of the more distressing habits being the need to check things repeatedly. For example, she confessed to running up and down the stairs multiple times a night to ensure no one is breaking into her home. “Sometimes my nights consist of just being really exhausted and going up and down the stairs six times because that’s what I think I need to do to make sure no one breaks into my home,” she shared.
Despite the challenges she faces, Ortega’s vulnerability in speaking about her OCD provides a relatable moment for many who struggle with mental health issues. Her openness serves as a reminder that even the most successful individuals can face significant battles behind the scenes.
In addition to sharing her personal struggles, Ortega is also making waves professionally. Her latest project, Death of a Unicorn, in which she stars alongside Paul Rudd, premiered in theaters on March 28. Despite her ongoing health challenges, Ortega continues to captivate audiences with her talent and courage in the face of adversity.
