The OCD Stories Story: Stephen D'Intino (existential OCD, a detrimental psychedelics experience, trauma) (#486)
May 18, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Stephen D'Intino shares his personal journey with OCD, exploring existential themes and the impact of a negative psychedelic experience. He discusses how OCD has influenced his work and relationships, and the importance of therapy in his recovery. Stephen also dives into struggles with derealization, agoraphobia, and religious scrupulosity, highlighting the necessity of setting boundaries and embracing authenticity. His story emphasizes the healing power of connection and the significance of a supportive network in overcoming OCD.
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Early OCD Rituals and Impact
- Stephen describes early OCD rituals that began around age eight involving compulsions to avoid 'bad days'.
- These rituals, like closing lights before the door touches his arm, slowed daily tasks such as showering.
OCD Affects Work Performance
- Stephen shares OCD's impact on his mechanic career, causing self-doubt and anxiety about his abilities.
- OCD made him struggle to go to work and eventually led to a career shift and incapacitation.
Crisis Triggered by Trauma and Psychedelics
- Stephen recounts his brother-in-law's death fueling existential OCD and distrust in medicine.
- He discontinued medications and self-administered psychedelics, which led to a severe psychotic episode and hospitalization.