When intrusive thoughts took over his life, Jesse Katches felt isolated, hopeless, and afraid to share his struggles — even with his roommate. Fast-forward to today, and Jesse has transformed his pain into purpose as a mental health advocate reaching millions online.

In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Dr. Patrick McGrath sits down with Jesse to discuss his journey through anxiety and OCD, the power of vulnerability, and why taking one small step at a time can change everything. They explore the courage it takes to live authentically, the challenges of sharing personal stories online, and the surprising ways advocacy helps erase the stigma of mental health struggles.

If you are or a loved one is experiencing OCD, there is hope. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more about effective, evidence-based treatment.

Show notes:

0:00 Intro

1:44 Why Jesse began posting online about mental health and OCD

7:39 Dealing with online trolls

11:03 Living life in spite of OCD

14:57 The importance of having nerves

17:15 Dating with OCD

22:37 Changing the narrative around mental health

27:00 Remember why you’re doing it

29:51 Know you’re not alone

31:51 Future of content

34:51 Decreasing the stigma

36:54 Risk of reaching out for help

43:45 Being nice to yourself

47:26 Jesse’s advice to content creators thinking of opening up about struggles

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OCD, Struggles, and Spreading Hope: The Story Of Jesse Katches | Get to know OCD Ep 25