Get to know OCD

Alegra Kastens' world was turned upside down at 19 when a single taboo thought —pedophilic in nature — triggered the onset of her OCD. That one thought spiraled into thousands each day, overwhelming her to the point where she avoided sleep, fearing the torment her dreams might bring.Now, a decade later, Alegra is 97% better and isn’t shy about sharing her incredible story. In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Alegra details her transformation from silent suffering to outspoken advocate. As a therapist and social media voice, she’s breaking the stigma around taboo thoughts, offering hope and insight for those navigating similar struggles.If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit ⁠⁠https://learn.nocd.com/podcast⁠⁠ to learn more.Show notes:0:00 Intro 2:24 Alegra’s OCD started suddenly at 197:31 Alegra didn’t want to treat other’s OCD initially8:53 Treating taboo thoughts remains touchy11:03 Link between OCD and eating disorders14:04 Doubting whether it’s OCD or you’re actually a bad person16:22 Alegra lived a “double life” with OCD17:08 Not all OCD is created equal23:55 OCD makes you question your character24:45 Why OCD feels so real30:28 Treating OCD with personal experience32:29 Lifestyle habits to help with OCD35:59 Difference from when Algeria’s started to now37:25 “I have a little OCD too”38:11 Correcting Dax Shepard on his podcastFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can never truly be healed, it CAN be combated and managed. In this episode, Dr. Patrick McGrath will break down the very top tools for OCD, from therapy to medication to lifestyle choices. He also covers what types of treatments to NOT do if you have OCD.If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit ⁠⁠https://learn.nocd.com/podcast⁠⁠ to learn more.Show notes:0:00 Intro1:04 Exposure and Response Therapy3:14 Life habits that help5:05 Medication7:11 Other types of therapy 10:00 Treatments to avoid13:39 Get help for OCDFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YouTuber Nicole Rafiee has built a community of over a million subscribers by sharing her life experiences in the only way she can: honestly and with pop-culture references galore. But when she was diagnosed with OCD in 2021, Nicole initially vowed to keep it private. In this interview, she opens up about why she decided to break her silence, the challenges of living with OCD, and how sharing her journey has helped both herself and others feel less alone.If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to learn more. Show notes:0:00 Intro1:53 Where Nicole's passion for YouTube started 4:27 When Nicole found out she had OCD11:05 Lack of a great portrayal of OCD in media12:38 How cultural identity influenced Nicole’s OCD diagnosis 16:42 OCD “manifesting” worldwide issues22:16 “What if” ruling Nicole’s life26:00 Life post-ERP therapy28:24 No compulsion is ever enough31:49 Nicole's thoughts have become passing moments34:09 Being open about OCD on YouTube39:00 OCD mental compulsions go unnoticed by others43:18 OCD will never give us the answers we want43:51 Nicole’s advice for those with OCD46:51 Outro Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, we dive into the topic of "autumn anxiety" and how it impacts individuals with OCD. As the year comes to a close, many of us start reflecting on unmet goals and unfinished plans, but OCD has a way of amplifying these feelings. We discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the seasonal changes that affect mood, and offer practical tips for managing OCD during this time of year. If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn more.Show notes:0:00 Intro0:49 Fall-time anxiety1:41 Unmet goals2:33 Get outside3:06 Think about next year's plans3:55 Mental trick for treating yourself5:31 Don't use OCD as a motivator6:22 Celebrate yearly achievements 7:43 A big reminderFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stuart Ralph is the host of the The OCD Stories podcast — a series that broke ground when it debuted in 2015. Stuart has interviewed almost 500 people for his show, but now we turn the tables and interview him. He talks about having his first intrusive thoughts at the age of 7, almost quitting the podcast, specializing in therapy for adolescents, and more. Don't miss this deep dive into Stuart’s personal journey and professional insights!If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, know there is help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/YT to learn more.Note: This interview was filmed at the 29th Annual OCD Conference in Orlando.Show notes:0:00 Intro1:39 Stuart’s lived with OCD since he was 74:10 OCD Stories podcast broke ground 6:57 What Stuart is up to now 8:05 Treating young people with OCD9:26 How Stuart uses his own experience to help those with OCD 11:50 How Stuart developed his podcast 15:56 What’s next for the OCD Stories podcast 16:56 Balancing a career and everyday life while having OCD19:28 Recurring OCD themes Stuart hears on the podcast and while treating others 21:56 Stuart returning to the location where his OCD started 23:16 What people say to Stuart when they meet him 24:33 How Stuart found treatment for himself 26:48 OCD usually doesn’t travel by itself 28:26 Managing crises with OCD30:50 How Stuart wants to be seen in 25 years 32:49 What does Stuart’s “billboard” say?33:59 How does OCD affect someone’s ability to love?Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Got a friend or family member with OCD and not sure how to help? In this video, we’re breaking down simple, effective ways to offer real support without overwhelming them. Whether it’s knowing what to say or understanding what they’re going through, these tips will help you be there for your loved one when they need it most.Show notes:0:00 Intro3:06 Exposure4:10 Response Prevention6:34 Non OCD Example8:30 Open dialogue 10:39 Support yourself too12:23 Seek help13:54 Watching this video is tryingFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Millie Farrow's football career has taken her around the world. Joining her on the journey, step for step, has been OCD. The pressures of being a professional athlete are immense, and her condition has only added to the challenges. Fresh off the release of her book "Brave Enough Not To Quit", Millie shares the highs and lows of her journey in this special episode of the Get to Know podcast.Show Notes:0:00 Intro1:35 Football or soccer?2:12 Being open about OCD5:39 Becoming a professional athlete while having OCD9:04 OCD latching onto playing injuries10:59 Struggling to get proper treatment15:07 Therapy is for anyone16:21 Why Millie was inspired to share her story19:41 OCD latching on to uncertainty in sports and life23:15 How obsessive cleaning affected Millie’s life28:55 How Millie got help34:01 The key of ERP35:23 Millie wouldn’t change her experience37:24 Friends denying the importance of mental health39:55 Advice to others going though the struggles Millie did42:23 You’re not alone43:55 Finding someone who supports and understands your condition 46:15 How Millie’s life has changed from then to now49:25 Millie reads from her bookFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OCD doesn’t like to show up alone. In fact, it often brings “friends” along — other mental health conditions that can tag along and make life even more challenging. This is called comorbid OCD. In today’s video, we’re going to dive into the most common conditions that often accompany OCD and what that means for those who are managing it.  0:00 What is comorbid OCD2:02 Tic Disorders2:37 Hoarding3:13 Trichotillomania3:59 Excoriation disorder 4:23 Depression5:30 Anxiety6:48 PTSD7:17 Phobia8:09 Social anxiety disorder9:13 Generalized anxiety disorder 10:17 It’s NOT schizophrenia 11:50 Treating these conditions Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Social media influencer Camaryn Swanson spent seven months in silence with a severe case of harm OCD. At first, she had no idea what she was facing — but now, she’s opening up about her journey, the struggles, and how it’s shaped her into a stronger person. Hear Camaryn’s heartfelt account and discover how she’s using her experience to inspire others.Show notes:0:00 Intro1:36 Camaryn’s Elements brand2:27 Camaryn’s OCD journey before she knew it was OCD5:19 The TikTok video that triggered Camaryn’s obsessive thoughts12:46 How Camaryn found out she had OCD19:49 Reflecting on intrusive thoughts after therapy22:14 OCD can distort your reality 26:36 OCD’s favorite phrase29:06 How real Camaryn’s OCD felt30:00 The doubting disorder31:34 How Camaryn balances her career and treatment35:37 Strange thoughts are normal36:13 Camaryn’s ERP experience41:34 Life after treatment44:05 Living with OCD can be unrelatable to others 46:47 “I’m so OCD” and the stigma49:23 A message of hope51:55 Camaryn’s future aspirations54:24 Having a strong support systemFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of our own NOCD therapists, Saraa Lee, joins us on this episode of the Get to know OCD podcast. Treating OCD from a cultural lens is one of Saraa's many specialties. She believes our culture can shape our identities as it has hers, as well as influence how we do or don't treat OCD. In this candid interview, she opens up about her challenging upbringing and offers deep insights into her approach to helping others manage OCD. Saraa leaves no stone unturned, delivering a powerful conversation about the intersection of culture and mental health.Show Notes:0:00 Intro1:19 Saraa’s own story7:48 Why Saraa HAD to be a therapist9:56 What Saraa has learned from being a therapist12:26 What happens when someone resists Saraa's therapy17:26 Creating space to be vulnerable21:19 Not making assumptions based on culture 25:41 OCD IS treatable 27:23 Saraa’s intrusive thoughts about race36:50 Culture and ancestry creating distrust in therapy45:36 ERP Therapy49:40 Existing in the vanguard53:19 How an OCD therapist and talk therapist differ55:50 Saraa’s message to aspiring therapistsFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.