Do you ever feel like you have to do certain things in a specific way or something terrible will happen? Like if you don't stop the microwave before it beeps, your family will get hurt? That's called magical thinking—and if you experience it, you're not crazy. You're dealing with a very real form of OCD. 💜

In this episode, I break down what magical thinking OCD is, how it shows up in everyday life, and why it feels so powerful even though it doesn't make logical sense.

• What Magical Thinking Really Is: 🔹 Why you believe certain thoughts or actions can prevent bad outcomes [00:24] 🔸 How this differs from superstitions or normal worry patterns [00:29] 🔹 The irrational rules your brain creates to keep loved ones "safe" [01:06]

• Real-Life Examples: 🔸 The microwave ritual that controls your morning routine [01:06] 🔹 Why you might avoid certain numbers, words, or actions [01:35] 🔸 How magical thinking can take over your entire life [02:40]

• Why This Happens and What to Do: 🔹 The brain patterns that create magical thinking loops [00:37] 🔸 Why this is a treatable condition, not a character flaw [03:11] 🔹 Next steps: Understanding the core lie OCD tells you [03:30]

00:00 Introduction to Magical Thinking 00:24 Understanding Magical Thinking OCD 01:06 Personal Experiences and Examples 01:35 Common Patterns and Behaviors 02:40 The Urgency and Impact of OCD 03:11 Treatment and Hope 03:30 Conclusion and Next Steps

• Magical thinking OCD makes you believe your thoughts or actions control outcomes
• These beliefs don't make logical sense, but they feel incredibly real and urgent
• You're not crazy—this is a recognized form of OCD that's treatable
• The more you obey these irrational rules, the stronger OCD becomes

Tired of living by irrational rules that control your life? My OCD Intensives program helps you break free from magical thinking patterns in just 3 weeks.

You'll learn to:

• Recognize magical thinking patterns as they happen
• Stop obeying the irrational rules OCD creates
• Reduce the urgency and power of these thoughts
• Reclaim your life from superstitious compulsions

LIMITED SPOTS! Only ONE person per month.

👉 APPLY NOW

Managing OCD takes mental and physical energy. I personally use Core Nutritionals supplements to support my mental clarity and focus during challenging moments.

Use my code "ERIND" for 15% off your first order.

👉 Shop Core Nutritionals

Affiliate link - I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use my code!

You're not crazy for having these thoughts. Magical thinking OCD is real, it's treatable, and you don't have to live under these irrational rules forever. 💜

Next episode: I'll reveal the core lie that OCD tells you and why obeying these rules only makes it stronger.

#OCD #magicalthinking #intrusivetoughts #mentalhealth #anxiety #OCDrecovery #mentalhealthmatters #superstition

Affiliate links may be included, supporting my content at no extra cost to you.

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

DISCLAIMER: https://bit.ly/3ycFiY4

Do you feel like you're fighting an invisible battle while the people who love you tell you to "just stop" or "get over it"? In this powerful episode, I read anonymous Facebook posts from people whose families don't understand their struggles—and I want you to know: your struggle is valid, even when others can't see it. 💜

If you've ever felt alone because your loved ones dismiss your fears or tell you you're "playing games," this episode will validate your experience and show you that you're not alone.

• The Stay-at-Home Mom Who Can't Play: 🔹 Why she can't focus on her kids because of constant cleaning and sanitizing [00:29] 💔 🔸 How people say "just don't do the housework" without understanding it's not that easy [00:29] 🔹 The meltdowns that happen when she tries to ignore the compulsions [00:29]

• When Medical Trauma Creates Obsessions: 🔸 The woman whose kitten triggered contamination fears she can't control [01:47] 😰 🔹 Why she's locked in her room crying while her family doesn't understand [01:47] 🔸 How acute medical trauma can create rituals around hand washing and separation [01:47]

• What Your Family Needs to Know: 🔹 Why judgment makes everything worse, not better [02:57] 💔 🔸 The difference between attention-seeking and a real struggle [02:57] 🔹 How to support someone with OCD without enabling compulsions [04:17]

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Part 5 00:29 Stay-at-Home Mom Struggling with Cleaning Obsessions 01:47 Medical Trauma Leading to Contamination OCD 02:57 Understanding and Supporting Loved Ones with OCD 04:17 Conclusion: Your Struggle is Valid

• Your struggle is real and valid—it's not attention-seeking or playing games
• "Just stop" isn't helpful advice when you're dealing with OCD patterns
• Family members need education about OCD, not just willpower from you
• You deserve understanding, support, and compassion from people who love you

Tired of feeling dismissed by the people who should support you? My OCD Intensives program helps you break free from the patterns that are controlling your life—even when your family doesn't understand.

In just 3 weeks, you'll learn to:

• Break the cleaning and checking cycles that steal your time
• Handle contamination fears without locking yourself away
• Communicate your needs to family members
• Find relief even when you don't have support at home

LIMITED SPOTS! Only ONE person per month.

👉 APPLY NOW

Constant mental battles are exhausting on your body. I personally use Core Nutritionals supplements to support my mental clarity and energy levels when struggling with difficult patterns.

Their science-backed formulations help me stay grounded. Use my code "ERIND" for 15% off your first order.

👉 Shop Core Nutritionals

Affiliate link - I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use my code!

To the mom who can't stop cleaning: you're not failing your kids. To the person locked in their room because of the kitten: your trauma response makes sense. You all deserve understanding, support, and compassion—especially from people who love you. 💜

#OCD #mentalhealth #contamination #intrusivetoughts #anxiety #parentinganxiety #familysupport #mentalhealthmatters #OCDrecovery

Affiliate links may be included, supporting my content at no extra cost to you.

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

DISCLAIMER: https://bit.ly/3ycFiY4

Have you been fighting intrusive thoughts for so long that you feel exhausted, isolated, and like you don't belong here anymore? In this deeply emotional episode, I read anonymous Facebook posts from people struggling with debilitating OCD—and I want you to know: you belong in this world, even when it doesn't feel like it. 💜

If you've ever felt like giving up because the intrusive thoughts won't stop, this episode is for you.

• The 8-Year Battle: 🔹 Real post from someone who's had debilitating OCD for 8 years with no break [00:01:00] 💔 🔸 Why constant intrusive thoughts create unbearable exhaustion [00:01:00] 🔹 The isolation that comes when OCD takes over your life [00:01:00]

• When Depression Joins OCD: 🔸 The person who plans their death more than their future [00:03:00] 😰 🔹 How OCD pairs with depression to create hopelessness [00:03:00] 🔸 Why "what's the point?" thoughts become constant companions [00:03:00]

• Finding Hope in the Darkness: 🔹 Why your thoughts aren't facts—even the hopeless ones [00:04:00] ✨ 🔸 Tiny steps you can take today when everything feels impossible [00:04:00] 🔹 Resources available right now if you're in crisis [00:00:00]

00:00 Content Warning and Crisis Resources 01:00 Anonymous Post: 8 Years of Debilitating OCD 03:00 When OCD Creates Suicidal Thoughts 04:00 Why You Belong Here Despite the Pain 05:00 Next Episode Preview and Final Encouragement

• You're not weak for feeling exhausted after years of fighting OCD
• Your thoughts aren't facts—even when they feel unbearable
• Help is available: Call 988 for the suicide crisis lifeline (24/7)
• Focus on tiny steps and things that bring you meaning

Have you been fighting OCD for years with no relief? My OCD Intensives program is designed for people who need results FAST.

In just 3 weeks, you'll learn to:

• Break free from constant intrusive thoughts
• Find meaning and joy again
• Build a life beyond OCD's control
• Get specialized help that actually works

LIMITED SPOTS! Only ONE person per month.

👉 APPLY NOW

IN CRISIS? CALL 988 - The suicide crisis lifeline is available 24/7. You matter. 💜

Managing severe OCD takes energy. I use Core Nutritionals to support my workouts and mental clarity. Use code "ERIND" for 15% off.

👉 Shop Core Nutritionals

Affiliate link - I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!

You belong in this world. Your life has value even when you can't see it. 💜

#OCD #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #intrusivetoughts #depression #hope #mentalhealthmatters #988lifeline

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

DISCLAIMER: https://bit.ly/3ycFiY4

Have you ever been so scared of something happening that you avoid normal activities like eating an apple or brushing your teeth? In this powerful episode, I share real stories from people whose intrusive thoughts have turned everyday tasks into absolute mental warfare—and reveal why your brain does this and how to break free! 💜

If you've ever felt trapped by fears that seem ridiculous but feel SO real, or if you find yourself doing rituals just to feel "safe," this video will help you understand what's really happening in your mind.

• The Teeth Obsession Trap: 🔹 Why a 13-year-old couldn't brush her teeth for a week out of fear [00:00] 😰 🔸 How hyper-awareness of your teeth, gums, and enamel steals your peace [00:30] 🔹 Why she can't eat carrots or apples without panic [01:00] 🥕🍎

• When Studying Becomes Punishment: 🔸 The student who must repeat lesson titles perfectly or start over [01:09] 📚 🔹 Reading exam questions multiple times even when you know the answers [01:30] 🔸 How perfectionist study habits turn into self-sabotage and avoidance [02:00]

• Understanding False Alarms: 🔹 Why your brain makes normal activities feel dangerous [02:31] 🧠 🔸 How these "protective" rituals actually build MORE anxiety [02:45] 🔹 The simple strategy to break free: delay, skip, or decrease [03:00] ✨

00:00 Introduction: The Teeth Obsession That Controlled Her Life 00:30 Hyper-Awareness of Teeth, Gums, and Enamel 01:00 Too Scared to Eat Carrots or Apples 01:09 The Studying Obsession: Repeating Everything Perfectly 01:30 Reading Exam Questions Over and Over 02:00 When Perfectionism Becomes Self-Sabotage 02:31 Understanding False Alarms and OCD Patterns 02:45 Why "Protective" Rituals Build More Anxiety 03:00 Breaking Free: Delay, Skip, or Decrease Your Rituals 03:30 Conclusion: You Can Break This Cycle

Is your brain turning normal activities into mental torture? My exclusive Intensive Support Program is designed for people who are:

• Avoiding normal activities because of intrusive fears
• Doing rituals that temporarily relieve anxiety but make it worse long-term
• Tired of feeling controlled by thoughts that seem ridiculous but feel SO real
• Ready to reclaim their life from mental warfare

In just 3 weeks, you'll learn to:

• Recognize false alarms your brain is sending you
• Stop the rituals that are building more anxiety
• Handle daily activities without mental battles
• Live your life without constant fear

SPOTS ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED! I only accept ONE person per month into this transformative program.

👉 APPLY NOW

Struggling with overthinking in your relationships? Download "The Overthinker's Guide to Love": 👉 https://livebeyonddoubt.com/overthinkersguidetolove

Mental battles are exhausting on your body and mind. I personally use Core Nutritionals supplements to support my mental clarity and focus during challenging moments.

Their science-backed formulations help me stay grounded. Use my code "ERIN" for 15% off your first order.

👉 Shop Core Nutritionals

Affiliate link - I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use my code!

Your teeth won't fall out from eating an apple. You won't fail your exam from reading questions once. These are false alarms—and you can learn to recognize them and break free. You deserve to live without your brain making everything torture! 💜

#intrusivetoughts #OCD #anxiety #mentalhealth #overthinking #perfectionism #studyanxiety #mentalwellness #OCDrecovery #anxietyrelief

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

DISCLAIMER: https://bit.ly/3ycFiY4

What if I told you that feeling responsible for everyone's safety, happiness, and wellbeing isn't about being a good person—it's actually a form of mental torture? In this raw episode, I share real stories from people trapped in responsibility OCD, including a woman who hasn't taken out the trash in 8 YEARS because of garbage truck fears. 💔

If you've ever forced a family member to shower after being near something "contaminated," or felt like you're the only thing standing between your loved ones and disaster, this episode will help you understand what's really happening—and why it's stealing your life.

• The Garbage Truck Prison: 🔹 The woman who hasn't left her house in 8 years because of garbage truck contamination fears [00:01:00] 🔸 Why she forces her sister to wash her hair after a truck passes by [00:01:00] 🔹 How responsibility OCD turns you into the "safety manager" for everyone around you [00:02:00]

• The Mental Torture of Hyper-Responsibility: 🔸 Why feeling responsible for everyone isn't noble—it's OCD [00:00:00] 🔹 The exhausting burden of believing YOU control everyone's wellbeing [00:02:00] 🔸 How family members become trapped in your OCD accommodations [00:03:00]

• Breaking Free from Responsibility OCD: 🔹 Why you're NOT the universe's risk management department [00:04:00] 🔸 The truth about what you're actually responsible for (hint: only yourself) [00:04:00] 🔹 How to stop managing everyone else's "contamination" and "exposure" [00:05:00]

00:00 Introduction: When Responsibility Becomes Mental Torture 00:01:00 Real Story: 8 Years Without Taking Out the Trash 00:02:00 The Sister Who Must Wash Her Hair After Garbage Trucks 00:03:00 Understanding Responsibility OCD and Contamination Fears 00:04:00 You Are NOT the Universe's Risk Management Department 00:05:00 Breaking Free: What You're Actually Responsible For

• Responsibility OCD makes you believe you control outcomes you don't actually control
• Forcing accommodations on family members (like making them shower) spreads your OCD
• You are only responsible for yourself—not everyone's safety, happiness, or wellbeing
• The more you try to manage everyone's "exposure," the worse your OCD gets

Are you exhausted from being everyone's "safety manager"? My OCD Intensives program helps you break free from hyper-responsibility in just 3 weeks.

You'll learn to:

• Stop managing everyone else's "contamination" and "exposure"
• Set boundaries around OCD accommodations
• Distinguish between real responsibility and OCD responsibility
• Reclaim your life from the mental prison of hyper-responsibility

LIMITED SPOTS! Only ONE woman per month.

👉 APPLY NOW

Managing responsibility OCD is exhausting. I personally use Core Nutritionals supplements to support my mental clarity and nervous system during challenging moments.

Use my code "ERIN" for 15% off your first order.

👉 Shop Core Nutritionals

Affiliate link - I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!

You are not the universe's risk management department. You never were. Let me help you find freedom. 💜

#OCD #responsibilityOCD #contaminationOCD #mentalhealth #intrusivetoughts #anxiety #OCDrecovery

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

DISCLAIMER: https://bit.ly/3ycFiY4

Ever feel like you have two voices arguing in your head—one that feels like you and one that's something else? In this powerful episode, I break down exactly what's happening when intrusive thoughts take over and why they feel so real, so disturbing, and so much like YOU. 💜

If you've ever thought horrible things that made you question who you are, this episode will help you understand that you're not evil—you're just experiencing OCD.

• The Two-Voice Phenomenon: 🔹 Why it feels like there are two versions of you fighting in your head [00:01:00] 🔸 How OCD blurs the lines between "you" and "the thoughts" [00:01:00] 🔹 Why emotions behind thoughts don't make them true [00:02:00]

• The Evil Thoughts Trap: 🔸 Why good people have the most disturbing intrusive thoughts [00:02:00] 🔹 The proof that you're NOT the person your thoughts say you are [00:03:00] 🔸 How OCD targets what you value most to create maximum distress [00:03:00]

• Breaking Free from the Noise: 🔹 The difference between observing thoughts and being entangled in them [00:04:00] 🔸 Why the voice that's horrified by the thoughts is the REAL you [00:05:00] 🔹 How to stop losing your identity to intrusive thoughts [00:05:00]

00:00 Two Voices Fighting: Understanding the Confusion 00:01:00 Why OCD Feels So Real and Personal 00:02:00 The Evil Thoughts That Prove You're Good 00:03:00 How OCD Targets Your Core Values 00:04:00 You Are Not Your Thoughts 00:05:00 Finding Yourself Again Beyond the Noise

Tired of intrusive thoughts controlling your life? My OCD Intensives program helps you break free from the mental prison in just 3 weeks.

You'll learn to:

• Distinguish between "you" and "OCD thoughts"
• Stop getting entangled in disturbing intrusive thoughts
• Reclaim your identity beyond the mental noise
• Find peace even when thoughts show up

LIMITED SPOTS! Only ONE woman per month.

👉 APPLY NOW

You haven't lost your identity—you've just temporarily lost sight of it. Let me help you find yourself again. 💜

#OCD #intrusivetoughts #mentalhealth #anxiety #selfidentity #healing

Had the honor of being a guest on the Pete vs Anxiety Podcast, and I'm thrilled to share this powerful conversation with you! Host Pete and I dive deep into the unique ways OCD shows up for high-achieving women—and why traditional anxiety advice often misses the mark. 💜

If you've ever been told "it's just stress" when you know it's something more, or if you've struggled for years without getting real help for your intrusive thoughts, this episode will validate your experience and give you hope!

• Why OCD Gets Misdiagnosed: 🔹 The sneaky ways OCD shows up that therapists often miss [00:05:00] 🔸 Why women are told "it's just stress" when it's actually OCD [00:03:00] 🔹 The difference between anxiety and OCD (and why it matters!) [00:08:00]

• The Narcissism Fear Trap: 🔸 Why thoughtful, kind women worry they're narcissists [00:15:00] 🔹 How OCD attacks what you value most in the sneakiest ways [00:18:00] 🔸 The difference between narcissistic behavior and OCD intrusive thoughts [00:20:00]

• Real Talk About Treatment: 🔹 Why "Dr. Google" makes OCD worse, not better [00:12:00] 🔸 The exposure therapy approach that actually works [00:25:00] 🔹 How to support someone with OCD (without giving reassurance) [00:35:00]

• The homeless man analogy that perfectly explains intrusive thoughts [00:22:00]
• Why your fear of being a narcissist is actually proof you're NOT one [00:16:00]
• The average 10-14 year delay before people get proper OCD treatment [00:10:00]
• How OCD is a belief disorder, not just an anxiety disorder [00:06:00]

This episode originally aired on the Pete vs Anxiety Podcast, hosted by the amazing Pete who's on a mission to break the stigma around mental health. Pete creates a safe space for real, raw conversations about anxiety, depression, and everything in between.

If you loved this episode, please: 👉 Subscribe to Pete vs Anxiety Podcast on all platforms 👉 Follow Pete on social media @petevs.anxiety 👉 Check out his other incredible episodes with mental health experts and real people sharing their stories

Pete's tagline says it all: "Don't ask how your day is, ask how your mental health is today." 💙

Tired of being told "it's just stress" when you know it's more? My exclusive OCD Intensives program is designed specifically for high-achieving women who need specialized OCD treatment, not generic anxiety advice.

If you're:

• Struggling with intrusive thoughts that therapists don't understand
• Worried you might be a narcissist (even though you're clearly not)
• Tired of Googling symptoms and making things worse
• Ready for treatment that actually addresses OCD, not just anxiety

My OCD Intensives program will give you the specialized help you've been searching for.

In just 3 weeks, you'll learn:

• How to identify OCD thoughts vs. anxiety thoughts
• Exposure techniques specifically designed for your OCD subtype
• How to stop compulsions (including mental ones therapists miss)
• The difference between helpful self-reflection and OCD rumination

SPOTS ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED! I only accept ONE woman per month into this transformative program.

👉 VIEW PROGRAM DETAILS & APPLY NOW

Managing OCD takes mental and physical energy. I personally use Core Nutritionals supplements to support my nervous system and mental clarity during challenging moments.

Their science-backed formulations help me stay grounded and focused. Use my code "ERIN" for 15% off your first order.

👉 Shop Core Nutritionals

Affiliate link - I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you when you use my code!

Thank you to Pete for having me on his show and for doing such important work in the mental health space. And thank you for listening—you deserve specialized help that actually understands OCD! 💜

#OCD #anxiety #mentalhealth #intrusivetoughts #relationshipOCD #narcissism #therapy #mentalhealthpodcast #petevsanxiety

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

DISCLAIMER: https://bit.ly/3ycFiY4