Get to know OCD

Chris Trondsen is an OCD advocate in every sense of the word. Not only is he a therapist, but he also serves on the Board of Directors for the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). He’s been remarkably open about his lifelong battle with OCD — a journey marked by severe challenges that nearly led to tragedy.In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, recorded live at the 2024 IOCDF Conference in Orlando, Chris shares a candid, unfiltered look at his struggles and ultimate recovery. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone that feels their OCD is unmanageable. 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 Intro1:50 Chris’ background3:25 Emergence of OCD and body dysmorphic disorder in Chris6:27 The OCD subtype that dominated Chris’ early life9:55 Chris’ compulsions lead to his lowest point18:04 Recovery wasn’t easy21:02 Finding out he had OCD24:01 Why evidence-based care is so important 29:28 Treating OCD as a career33:01 Chris involvement with OCD SoCal34:46 Mom saved Chris’ life40:24 Recognizing Chris’ old self44:00 A question Patrick has never asked a guest47:47 Advice to those looking for treatment50:40 What Chris wants to be remembered for53:42 Chris’ message to youFollow 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-specialized treatment can make all the difference in recovery, but these days, the word "specialized" gets tossed around way too often. In this special episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, we sit down with OCD researcher Uma Chatterjee and NOCD's Tia Wilson to dig into what truly counts as specialized care — and what doesn’t. Hear their candid convo as both share their personal experiences with effective and ineffective treatments for their OCD. This is an eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss.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 Intro2:03 Treatments that didn’t work8:53 What is specialized treatment13:14 First line treatment for OCD21:25 Treatment resistance28:15 The proven link between OCD and the brain34:59 Therapist red flags42:56 Therapist green flag45:45 What makes the OCD community so unique 54:11 Remembering why you became an advocate 59:54 Favorite therapists1:11:48 Uma’s message about hope 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.

Gold medal-winning gymnast Aly Raisman spent much of her life chasing perfection. Reflecting on her career as an elite athlete, she now recognizes the impact of undiagnosed OCD: ruminating over mistakes, constantly seeking reassurance, and putting the opinions of coaches, judges, and others above her own.In this episode of the Get to Know OCD podcast, Aly shares the intertwined journey of her athletic career and her journey with OCD. Whether you're a fan of sports, someone navigating the challenges of OCD, or just in need of inspiration, Aly’s story serves as a powerful reminder: OCD does not define your worth or limit what you can accomplish.Listen in to discover how Aly learned to manage these challenges and become an advocate for the OCD community.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 Intro1:30 Becoming an OCD advocate 3:10 Aly’s new children’s book5:33 Aly’s personal OCD experience11:05 Having OCD while in the public eye16:50 OCD is not always what’s depicted in the media20:46 Setting boundaries for yourself 28:58 Having the right therapist for OCD36:50 OCD is a sneaky condition40:51 How OCD affected Aly’s gymnastics career44:20 Talking to medical professionals 49:45 Athletes embracing mental health 51:04 Aly’s adviceFollow 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 Awareness Month is here, and we’re excited to join forces with the International OCD Foundation to shine a light on what it really means to live with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. In this video, we dive into the myths, the struggles, and the toll OCD takes on people’s lives — and why it’s so important to break the stigma. This month, let’s take the first step together and support those affected by OCD in finding the help they need.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 Raising awareness for OCD1:27 OCD myths3:06 Media portrayals of OCD are wrong4:27 OCD treatment is available5:37 Lets break the stigma6:08 Gold standard of treatment for OCD6:36 Take the first step7:24 How do you "get rid" of OCD?7:54 Join us this monthFollow 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.

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.