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OCD in the Spotlight: Celebrities with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
There’s a good chance you know someone with OCD. It’s one of the most common mental disorders worldwide, and it can affect anyone at any age. While OCD is often portrayed inaccurately in the media, many celebrities live with this condition every day. This blog post will look at some famous people who have dealt with OCD throughout their lives. We will also discuss what OCD is and how it affects people’s daily lives.
Celebrities who struggle with OCD
There’s no question that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a seriously disruptive mental illness. It can cause immense suffering and impede people from living their lives to the fullest. However, many people do not understand what OCD is or how it affects someone’s life.
OCD often remains in the shadow, largely misunderstood by the general public. This misunderstanding of the condition is unfortunate, as more attention and awareness of OCD could lead to better support for those who live with it.
That said, it’s encouraging to see OCD getting some much-needed attention in the media lately. A spate of recent articles and documentaries have shone a light on famous people who struggle with OCD.
This increased visibility is helping to break down some of the myths about this condition and show how devastating it can be.
Fortunately, more and more celebrities speak out about their struggles with OCD. Here are just a few of the many stars who have bravely shared their stories about living with OCD.
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus has spoken openly about her battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder. She has said that her condition makes her feel like “a real control freak.” She adds that she tries to follow a particular order to make things look symmetrical. We can assume that she suffers from symmetry OCD, according to her words. Miley shares that yoga and breathing exercises help her relax.
Megan Fox
Megan Fox has also been open about her battle with OCD and ADD. She has said that her OCD often manifests itself in fear of contamination OCD. Megan refuses to use public toilets without seat covers and believes that the bacteria goes into the air every time somebody flushes. Moreover, she is not comfortable using silverware at restaurants because many others have used it before. Megan feels stressed about getting infected with someone else’s bacteria who have used the cutlery before.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most famous actors these days. However, many people don’t know that DiCaprio has struggled with OCD for many years.
The actor shares that he has suffered from repeating compulsions in his childhood and adult life. Repeating compulsions means that the individual needs to perform them to cope with their obsessions.
In this case, DiCaprio had shared that when he used to go to school years ago, he used to step on the same cracks. Moreover, he used to step on each chewing gum on the ground that he could see. DiCaprio does not detail how he treats his OCD, but he assures that he has it under control.
Howard Stern
The famous American radio and television personality Howard Stern has revealed that he has struggled with OCD since childhood. He described some of his disturbing compulsions, including doing things in the same order and manner; otherwise, something might go wrong.
Stern also explains rituals, especially during his college years when the TV star used to be under too much pressure. He used to perform them to keep himself from confronting his fears. Stern shares that he still hasn’t overcome his OCD fears, but he is on psychotherapy which helps him ease the situation. Stern also does transcendental meditation, which appears to be helpful as well.
Amanda Seyfried
The actress has spoken openly about his struggles with OCD since 2016. Back then, she shared in an interview that there is no stove in her house as she is afraid of how people might use or misuse it. Therefore, she has a great need for things to be under control. In terms of medication, Amanda shares that she has been taking the antidepressant Lexapro since she was 19 years old. Moreover, she doesn’t have any plans to stop taking it in the future.
Howie Mandel
The famous Canadian comedian was diagnosed with both ADHD and OCD. Even though he says, he was diagnosed with those conditions as an adult, Mandel shares that he has always been afraid of germs and contamination.
The comedian gives a particular example that he didn’t want to touch his shoelaces as a youngster after they had already been on the ground. Also, during the same years, he felt that his mind had been way busier than himself. Furthermore, the recent pandemic took a toll on him. It made him even more anxious about the possibility of him and his closest dying.
These are just a few examples of celebrities who have bravely shared their stories about living with OCD. By doing so, they are helping to break the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and showing others that they are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, please know that help is available. There are many resources out there that can provide support and understanding. You are not alone in this battle.
References:
Miley Cyrus – https://capelino.com/miley-cyrus-was-diagnosed-with-obsessive-compulsive-disorder/
Amanda Seyfried – https://www.allure.com/story/amanda-seyfried-ocd-mental-health-stigma
Leonardo DiCaprio – http://www.mentalitymagazine.org/speak-out-sunday/2017/4/16/speak-out-sunday-leonardo-dicaprio
Howard Stern – https://www.thethings.com/howard-stern-has-struggled-with-this-disease-his-entire-life/
Howie Mandel – https://www.medpagetoday.com/popmedicine/celebritydiagnosis/93116
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Hi, I am Mack, I suffered for 35 long years. I started my fight against OCD in early 2001. I struggled so long because of a faulty belief system, which is why I never got better. I wanted to tell you all this because what I have learned over the years is that understanding OCD and how it works is essential to getting well. With this knowledge, I want to educate sufferers to help them get the tools they need to get better. You can read my OCD story here: Mack´s story
It is refreshing to know that famous and successful people also have their battles. It gives me more hope to cope with my OCD and other problems.
I send you even more hope, Steve. Celebrities are also people who have their own mental and physical struggles too.
I am the type of person who never looked at celebrities for following trends or any inspiration. However, in terms of OCD, I think they portray a mainly positive image. Most of them seem to be honest about their condition and their struggles. This can inspire other people to get help and not be ashamed of what they think because of their OCD.
Thank you, friend. Unfortunately, sometimes I need to look for an example of how others perceive certain things to determine my own opinion. Not a good character trait but more acceptance and positivity about OCD make me feel way better.
Even though I always advocate for people to be more tolerant of OCD, I know it’s not always the case. That’s why I understand your need to see famous and successful people showing their vulnerability. I hope you are doing good now.