When most people think of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), they picture excessive cleaning or handwashing. But OCD is far more complex than common stereotypes suggest. In this episode of Rise Above, a Podcast from Rogers Behavioral Health, host Andy Meddaugh sits down with Dr. Andrea Hartman, Regional Clinical Director at Rogers Behavioral Health, to explore the many different ways OCD can present itself.

Dr. Hartman explains common OCD themes and subtypes, including contamination OCD, harm OCD, moral and religious scrupulosity, perfectionism, checking behaviors, intrusive thoughts, and reassurance-seeking. She also discusses how OCD symptoms can change over time, why many people experience shame or confusion about their symptoms, and how OCD can affect relationships, work, school, and daily life.

Most importantly, she shares why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, can help people face their fears, reduce compulsions, and reclaim the lives they want to live. Whether you're living with OCD, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to better understand this often misunderstood mental health condition, this episode offers practical insights and hope for recovery.

What happens when the drive to succeed collides with the relentless uncertainty of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

In this episode, we sit down with Connor, a former Division I golfer and current professional golfer, who shares his deeply personal journey of living with OCD. From experiencing intrusive thoughts as a teenager to navigating college athletics, seeking treatment, and learning to manage OCD while pursuing a professional sports career, he offers an honest look at the challenges and realities of recovery.

You'll hear about the impact OCD had on relationships, academics, and athletic performance, the importance of receiving an accurate diagnosis, and how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy helped him regain control of his life. He also discusses the lessons he's learned about self-compassion, embracing uncertainty, and continuing to chase ambitious goals while managing a chronic mental health condition.

Whether you're living with OCD, supporting someone who is, or simply interested in mental health and athlete wellness, this conversation provides hope, insight, and a powerful reminder that recovery is possible.

What are intrusive thoughts and how can we manage them?

Many teens struggling with emotional dysregulation appear successful on the outside while secretly battling overwhelming emotions, self-harm, shame, or chronic hopelessness. In this episode of Rise Above, host Andy Meddaugh talks with Dr. Eric Ulland, Medical Director at the Nashotah Center for DBT Adolescent Residential Care and DBT Services, about the realities of emotional dysregulation and the transformative work taking place at the Nashotah Center. Together, they discuss how Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps teens learn emotional regulation skills, navigate relationships, and regain a sense of possibility when life feels stuck in a cycle of crisis. Dr. Ulland shares insights into why relationships are central to recovery, how families play an essential role in treatment, and the powerful moments when teens begin to realize they are capable, resilient, and ready to return to everyday life with renewed confidence.

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