Jenna Ortega, the star of the upcoming film *Klara and the Sun*, has recently opened up about her ongoing battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) during an interview with *Vogue*, published on October 22. The 24-year-old actress has been navigating the complexities of this mental health condition since she was just seven years old.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jenna-ortega-wednesday-emmys-fysee-event-081226-1-1801196700754a1690b3eca48004a866.jpg)
In her candid discussion, Ortega vividly recounted her childhood experiences with OCD, describing her mind as a chaotic landscape filled with “a lot of different trains rolling in” simultaneously. She shared that her mornings often began with specific routines that she felt compelled to complete before facing the 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, illustrating the exacting nature of her rituals.
OCD, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, involves persistent unwanted thoughts and fears—known as obsessions—which lead to compulsive behaviours. These behaviours aim to alleviate the distress caused by the obsessions, often interfering with normal daily life. The cycle can be harsh; attempting to ignore the intrusive thoughts often results in a compulsion to engage in ritualistic actions, creating a relentless loop of anxiety.
For Ortega, these symptoms have not vanished with age. She revealed that her OCD often resurfaces particularly during periods of heightened anxiety, fatigue, or jet lag. “I just bite the bullet and do the routine,” she remarked, indicating her ongoing struggles with the condition.
The actress detailed some of her current rituals in her *Vogue* interview, which include repeating the phrase “take care” a specific number of times and adhering to a particular set of actions before stepping onto film sets, such as entering with her left foot and holding her breath while counting to 71. These behaviours underscore the continuing impact of OCD on her daily life.
To manage her condition, Ortega has sought therapy and experimented with medications. However, she revealed that reimagining her OCD as a game has provided a unique coping mechanism. “That’s another reason why I like my job,” she added, noting how acting affords her some relief. “When the cameras are rolling, you have to breathe,” she said, articulating how her work environment can create a sense of calm amidst the chaos.
This is not the first time Ortega has addressed her OCD publicly. In a previous *Vogue* interview from August 2025, the actress described her experiences with the disorder as “pretty intense,” elaborating on how her routines often extended to things like counting in the shower and dressing in a precise order. “If I’m having a bad day and I don’t know why, it’s because I put the wrong sock on the wrong foot,” she explained. Though she acknowledged the seemingly trivial nature of such details, she affirmed their significance in providing comfort.
Ortega’s openness surrounding her mental health journey serves as an important reminder of the complexities of OCD. As awareness and understanding of mental health issues continue to grow, her willingness to share her experiences could encourage others facing similar challenges to speak out.
Her latest project, *Klara and the Sun*, is set to release in theatres on October 23, marking yet another milestone in her blossoming career. The film, directed by Taika Waititi and based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s novel, features Ortega in the role of an artificial companion. As she continues to take on diverse roles in her acting career, Ortega’s insights into her mental health journey provide a deeper understanding of the person behind the screen.
As audiences await the premiere of *Klara and the Sun*, Ortega’s story shines a spotlight not only on the challenges of OCD but also on the resilience required to navigate such hurdles in both her personal and professional life.