Around and Around - The OCD Circle

PURE OBSESSION: A CHAT WITH ZACHARY GITTELMAN  In today’s conversation, Zachary Gittelman, a 29-year-old living in Manhattan, shares his experience with Pure O, a form of OCD marked by distressing thoughts (obsessions) without visible compulsions. His OCD symptoms became pronounced in his early 20s after moving away from his twin brother, with his obsessions often involving self-harm thoughts. Through years of therapy, including ERP (Exposure Response Therapy), Zachary has learned to manage his OCD and now helps others via his website, themangohealth.com, which provides OCD resources and self-guided ERP tools. Zachary’s website: themangohealth.com Zachary’s email addresses: Zachary.gittelman@gmail.com and zach@themangohealth.com My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.      

Managing OCD During COVID: My First Experience and Key Lessons Learned Today, I discuss my experience of having COVID for the first time and how I managed my OCD during that period. I explored the challenges of balancing pandemic-related health anxieties with my OCD tendencies and the coping strategies I used, such as mindfulness and self-care. I also reflect on what I learned about myself, including my resilience, the importance of accepting uncertainty, and developing self-compassion. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: JOSH KIRSCHENBAUM'S JOURNEY WITH OCD AND SELF-HEALING In today's episode, I speak with Josh Kirschenbaum, a 39-year-old from Philadelphia who was diagnosed with OCD in his mid-30s. Big trigger warning here! Josh shares that he has experienced suicidal thoughts since the age of 6 and these are discussed throughout much of this episode. He discusses the compulsive behaviors he developed, particularly while driving, and the challenges he's faced in relationships. Despite these struggles, Josh has worked through much of it using self-directed cognitive ehavioral therapy and is currently in a positive place in his life. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.  

Unwelcome Guests: Navigating the Chaos of Intrusive Thoughts I have been managing my OCD very well for the past few years without the assistance of medications and now without monthly therapy sessions. But that doesn’t mean things are perfect around here. This week I talk about some of the recent obsessions I have been having and how I’ve dealt with them, also how I could have handled things differently to keep these thoughts from creeping in. Let me know in the comments some of your recent intrusive thoughts and what you did about them. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

How to Deal: Managing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as a Young Adult Today, I’m speaking with a young woman named Kaur. Her family is from India and she is in her 20’s. She has an amazing story to tell. Struggling with depression, OCD and a diagnosed of Borderline Personality Disorder, she is taking control of her future by switching to a new treatment center. I was very impressed with this young lady’s resilience and hope for her future. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.  

I QUIT OCD THERAPY! I’ve been in therapy for over 40 years of my life! What led me to quit now? Will I ever go back? I by no means am suggesting that YOU quit therapy! I just wanted to let you know some of my thoughts about what led up to this decision. Are you considering ending your therapy sessions? Let me know. You can contact me at any of my social media links below.   My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

NATUROPATHY AND MENTAL HEALTH WITH JANAYA KARLOCI I am so excited to have Janaya Karloci back on the podcast! Janaya, a naturopath living in Australia was gracious enough to return for a second conversation with me. In this episode, she briefly summarizes her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and then we jump right in to her new adventure as a naturopath, who is helping others learn what she has learned, which are ways to managestress, anxiety and OCD with natural herbs, supplements, diet and exercise, and a whole lot more. If you haven’t yet heard my first conversation with Janaya, here’s a link to that conversation: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/1WbPbDvzBMb https://janayakarlocinaturopath.com.au/ Janaya’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janayakarlocinaturopath/ Janaya’s mailing list: https://janayakarlocinaturopath.myflodesk.com/gz27nhcxvy 'Bridging the Gap: A Naturopathic Approach to Mental Wellness and Neurodiversity' Discover how naturopathic perspectives might offer new insights: • Explore the potential connection between gut health and OCD symptoms • Learn how nutrient imbalances might impact your mental wellbeing • Understand how environmental factors could be influencing your OCD Tuesday, 1 October 8:30 PM (Sydney Time) Zoom This isn't about replacing your current treatments, but about exploring complementary approaches that might enhance your overall management strategy. Let's look at OCD from a different angle together. You've come this far – perhaps this is the missing piece in your journey. Register here - https://janayakarlocinaturopath.myflodesk.com/bridgingthegap My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.    

MY OCD DISAPPEARED DURING A NATURAL DISASTER! This week I talk about the derecho (straight line wind storm) that hit my neighborhood in Houston and my experience during a tornado on that same night. Surprisingly, my OCD seemed to totally disappear for almost a week, following the storm. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

Diagnosed with OCD After a Turbulent Childhood Today I had the great pleasure of speaking with David Albert Cole. 54 years old and living in Canada, David has a fascinating story to tell.  Conceived through violence, adopted by an alcoholic mother and many health issues, caused much anxiety in his life. He was diagnosed in 1999 during a medical crisis. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

MATTHEW CYPCAR SHARES HIS OCD STORY TO HELP OTHERS TRANSCRIPT LINK: Around and Around - The OCD Circle: SEASON 1: EPISODE 38 MY CONVERSATION WITH MATTHEW CYPCAR - TRANSCRIPT Welcome to the Around and Around the OCD Circle Podcast. In today’s episode, I speak with Matthew Cypcar, who was diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at the age of 15. Matt says that it all started with perfectionism at school. He told me that telling his story today was like a session of ERP and he was appreciative of the chance to share his journey with each of you. I hope you enjoyed today’s conversation with Matthew Cypcar and that it helped you feel less alone. Today’s episode will be the last episode of the season. I hope to be back with you soon for Season 2. If you feel led to tell your OCD story, please reach out to me at my social media links below. Remember that OCD, while it cannot be cured, can be managed and I am living proof of that. Until next time, have a great summer.   My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.  

SHINE A LIGHT ON HYGIENE: EXPLORING THE LINKS BETWEEN MENTAL HEALTH AND PERSONAL HABITS TRANSCRIPT LINK: Around and Around - The OCD Circle: TRANSCRIPT: SEASON 1: EPISODE 37 EPISODE HOW DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY IMPACTS DAILY HYGIENE HABITS Depression and anxiety can significantly impact daily hygiene habits. Here's how: Decreased Motivation FatigueNegative Thought PatternsAvoidance BehaviorsDisrupted Sleep PatternsHyperfocus on SymptomsLack of RoutineSocial Withdrawal My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q  You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

SIMON RINNE'S STORY: FROM OCD PATIENT TO MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE AND PUBLIC SPEAKER - PART TWO Today’s episode is the conclusion of my conversation with Simon Rinne. Simon has lived with mental illness for over 30 years. Simon started Mindful Men in 2021 to share his story and help normalize discussions about mental health. In today’s conversation, Simon talks about self-care,  his sobriety and how he is currently managing his OCD. We discuss how the term “OCD” is used incorrectly in society and he explains his organization, “Mindful Men”, and how he works with clients in an unconventional way, to encourage boys and men to open up, get vulnerable and deal with the issues that are troubling them.  You can reach Simon at the links below: https://mindful-men.com.au/ hello@mindful-men.com.au My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

SIMON RINNE'S STORY: FROM OCD PATIENT TO MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE AND PUBLIC SPEAKER - PART ONE Today’s episode is part one of my conversation with Simon Rinne. Simon has lived with mental illness for over 30 years. Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Burnout are all challenges he’s been working through over the years. Simon started Mindful Men in 2021 to share his story, and help normalise discussions about mental health. His aim is to encourage boys and men to open up, get vulnerable and deal with the issues that are troubling them.  Simon’s social media contacts are listed below. https://mindful-men.com.au/ hello@mindful-men.com.au Please return next Monday morning for the conclusion of our conversation. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com

MY PERSONAL ENCOUNTER WITH OCD: I WAS OBSESSED WITH A COLLEAGUE In this episode I deconstruct my most significant OCD spell. During this time, I was given a name for my disorder - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. After almost 15 years of reaching out to countless professionals, I finally knew what was causing my obsessions and compulsions and that there was help available. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com .

OVERCOMING, GRATITUDE, CREATIVITY AND GROWTH. MY CONVERSTAION WITH JAIMI McPEEK – PART THREE Welcome back everyone to Around and Around the OCD Circle podcast. I want to remind you that this podcast now has a Facebook page, where we can discuss OCD with others who live with this disorder daily. The link is below in the show notes, along with my other social media links. Today’s show is the conclusion of my conversation with Jaimi McPeek, where we continue diving into the topic of self-love. If you haven’t listened to parts one and two, I invite you to do so. You may remember Jaimi in previous episodes, where she shared her OCD story. She is the founder of the mental health awareness movement, Flip of a Coin During today’s conversation, Jaimi and I discuss the following self-love topics: 1. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Insecurities 2. The Role of Gratitude 3. Self-Love and Mental Health 4. Expressing Self-Love Creatively 5. Embracing Change and Growth 6. Learning from Setbacks 7. Self-Love and Personal Values You can reach out to Jaimi at one of her social media accounts, which are listed below:  IG @flipofacoinfilm  www.flipofacoin.info  https://www.facebook.com/Flipofacoinfilm If you would like to be a guest on this podcast to tell your OCD story, please contact me at one of my social media accounts below. Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

MINDFULNESS, SELF-CARE, HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS.  MY CONVERSATION WITH JAIMI MCPEEK - PART TWO Today’s show is part two of my conversation with Jaimi McPeek, where we continue diving into the topic of self-love. If you haven’t listened to part one, I invite you to do so. You may remember Jaimi in previous episodes, where she shared her OCD story. She is the founder of the mental health awareness movement, Flip of a Coin During today’s conversation, Jaimi and I discuss the following self-love topics: 1. Mindfulness and Self-Love 2. Self-Care Rituals 3. Celebrating Achievements and Progress 4. Healthy Relationships with Others Jaimi also explains Stoicism, the idea of letting go of things you cannot control. For more information on Stoicism, please check out the book The Daily Stoic and The Daily Stoic Journal by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman (available on Amazon) and the podcast The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, available wherever you get your podcast. The Daily Stoic – paperback on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4ck1QVF The Daily Stoic Journal – hardback on Amazon - https://amzn.to/49XAWkZ   You can reach out to Jaimi at one of her social media accounts, which are listed here: Jaimi’s social media accounts are linked here: IG @flipofacoinfilm  www.flipofacoin.info  https://www.facebook.com/Flipofacoinfilm I hope you enjoy today’s episode and that it helps you feel less alone. Please join me next Monday morning, when Jaimi and I will continue our conversation about self-love. I encourage you to share this podcast with others. Everyone, not just those with OCD, may find the topic of self-love useful in their lives.   If you would like to be a guest on this podcast to tell your OCD story, please contact me at one of my social media accounts below. Until next Monday, remember that I am in your corner. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, while not curable, can be managed, and I am living proof of that. I hope you all have a fantastic week. See you next time!   My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

POSITIVE SELF-IMAGE, HEALTHY BOUNDARIES AND SELF-COMPASSION. MY CONVERSATION WITH JAIMI MCPEEK - PART ONE Today, I welcome back Jaimi McPeek, in a three-part conversation about self-love. You may remember Jaimi in previous episodes, where she shared her OCD story. She is the founder of the mental health awareness movement, Flip of a Coin. I encourage you to go back and listen to her story if you have not already done so. During today’s conversation, Jaimi and I discuss the following self-love topics: 1. Understanding Self-Love 2. Cultivating a Positive Self-Image 3. Setting Healthy Boundaries 4. Practicing self-compassion You can reach out to Jaimi at one of her social media accounts, which are listed in today’s show notes. I hope you enjoy today’s episode and that it helps you feel less alone. Please join me next Monday morning, when Jaimi and I will continue our conversation about self-love. I encourage you to share this podcast with others. Everyone, not just those with OCD, may find the topic of self-love useful in their lives.  If you would like to be a guest on this podcast to tell your OCD story, please contact me at one of my social media accounts below. Until next Monday, remember that I am in your corner. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, while not curable, can be managed, and I am living proof of that. I hope you all have a fantastic week. See you next time! My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q  You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

THE ROLE OF STRESS IN OCD: PRACTICAL METHODS FOR RELIEF Everyone in this world has stress, but for a person with OCD, stress can escalate it. In this episode, I talk about ways to manage stress in your life and give my own examples of things that have helped. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.  

EMPATHY AND OCD: HOW SUPPORTING PARTNERS CAN ENHANCE RELATIONSHIPS. MY CONVERSATION WITH MICHAEL AND TRACI PERKINS – PART TWO Today I have for you the conclusion of my conversation with Michael and Traci Perkins, discussing how one partner having Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can affect relationships. If you haven’t already listened to part one of this fascinating conversation, I encourage you to go back and listen. People in relationships with individuals who have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may encounter various challenges. It's important to note that OCD affects individuals differently, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Traci and Michael discuss some common issues that they face with Traci’s OCD, such as: avoidance behaviors, impact on social life, emotional toll, therapy and treatment challenges and balancing support and boundaries. I also mention my wife’s comments about these issues with regard to our relationship. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q   You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.

UNDERSTANDING OCD FROM A PARTNERS PERSPECTIVE: EMOTIONAL WELLBEING THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY. MY CONVERSATION WITH MICHAEL AND TRACI PERKINS – PART ONE Today I have for you part one of my conversation with Michael and Traci Perkins, to discuss how one partner having obsessive compulsive disorder can affect relationships. As you may remember, Traci and I talked in a previous episode about her ocd and her experience on the reality show “the ocd project.” I encourage you to go back and listen to that conversation if you haven’t already. People in relationships with individuals who have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may encounter various challenges. It's important to note that OCD affects individuals differently, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Traci and Michael discuss some common issues that they face with Traci’s OCD, such as: reassurance seeking, rigid routines, time-consuming rituals and misunderstandings and frustration. And I mention some of my wife's comments about these issues, as well. My blog and current social media links are listed below: Facebook Group Page -  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1006937163975152 Blog – aroundandaroundtheocdcircle.blogspot.com Tik Tok - theocdcircle Twitter-- @aroundocdcircle Instagram - @aroundandaroundtheocdcircle YouTube- Around and Around – The OCD Circle: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbyTz1V6a5hinyl4z9Ft09Q  You are welcome to contact me via e-mail at aroundandaroundtheocdcircle@gmail.com.