Made It Out Anxiety & Intrusive Thoughts with Ashly Burch
Aug 12, 2025
Ashly Burch, an accomplished actor, writer, and director known for her roles in Horizon and Life Is Strange, opens up about her mental health struggles with OCD and anxiety. She reflects on childhood challenges and how video games offered solace during tough times. The conversation explores intrusive thoughts, the importance of mindfulness, and coping strategies like therapy. Ashly also shares insights on managing relationships affected by anxiety and the vital role of community support in navigating mental health.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Performer And Gamer
- Ashly Burch loved performing and played with video games as a toddler, even holding an NES controller pre-verbal.
- She remembers being curious, playful, and always trying to get in front of the camera for attention.
OCD Began In Childhood
- Ashly first noticed severe OCD and anxiety around age 10, including fear of nausea and vomiting.
- Video games helped distract her and calm her down during those episodes.
OCD Isn't Always Visible
- OCD often appears as intrusive thoughts plus internal compulsions that may be invisible.
- People can suffer without classic outward rituals, making diagnosis and recognition harder.
