Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects an estimated 1-3% of the global population. The more we explore the many facets of mental health struggles, the more we’ve been struck by just how many Christians there are who wrestle with OCD and yet don’t feel like they can talk about it.

We’re here to help change that.

We’ve put together the following podcast episodes, blog posts and videos of believers—and “experts”—who’ve kindly shared their stories with us to help tackle the taboo around Christians and OCD.

If this is all new to you, we hope this will be a space where you can grow in your knowledge, understanding and compassion for those with OCD. And, if you’re someone who has OCD, we pray you’ll be encouraged as you listen, read or watch these stories of other believers like you who are grappling with their faith, this diagnosis, and what that means for them.

If you’d like to join the conversation and share your own story with us, please get in touch. Our team would love to hear from you!

Stories of OCD

Blog Posts

Blog
I Wish I’d Known It Was Religious OCD
I Wish I’d Known It Was Religious OCD

I grew up in an unhealthy church environment, and I believe that is one of the reasons my OCD latched onto faith. It started with scary, intrusive thoughts about the devil, and crippling doubts about the reliability of scripture and whether Christianity was something I truly believed.

I’m Haunted by Intrusive Thoughts
I’m Haunted by Intrusive Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are far more prevalent than many of us realise. Perhaps you’re one of those people who struggles. And perhaps like me, these thoughts rattle you and your faith at times. What’s wrong with me? How can I, one redeemed by Christ and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, experience these kinds of disturbing, violent, or sexual thoughts?

With Trauma Came OCD, but Then Came Jesus
With Trauma Came OCD, but Then Came Jesus

I knew I had anxiety, but I couldn’t help but notice mine was different to what my friends would describe. While theirs seemed to be about a consistent worry or fear, mine changed when something more traumatic or worrying than the last thing reared its ugly head.

Asking God “Why?” in the Midst of OCD
Asking God “Why?” in the Midst of OCD

In the midst of the peak of my OCD, there was a very deep fear that I couldn’t bring myself to face: Where was God? And why was He letting me go through this?

Help! I Can’t Stop Overthinking!
Help! I Can’t Stop Overthinking!

This issue of destructive thought patterns has been on my heart for some time, and I have learned that we can claim back our imaginations—we have to! The reality is, our feelings are extremely misleading and can’t always be trusted.

Podcast Episodes

Podcast
Ep39 - Intrusive Thoughts, Faith, and OCD Therapy
Ep39 - Intrusive Thoughts, Faith, and OCD Therapy

Justin Hughes, a licensed professional counsellor specialising in the treatment of OCD, talks about intrusive thoughts, faith, and OCD. He shares how Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) isn't just a great therapy for OCD, but is a tool we can all use to approach difficult things in our life, faith, or relationships — even if we don’t suffer from OCD ourselves. 

Ep23 - Managing OCD With God
Ep23 - Managing OCD With God

At first, Amelie and her family chalked her anxiety up to the usual stresses of teenagehood and highschool exams, but when it only intensified after high school, she sought professional help. It was then that Amelie was diagnosed with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).

Ep21 - When Your OCD Is About Your Faith
Ep21 - When Your OCD Is About Your Faith

This episode we’re chatting to Mary, a young woman in the UK who has religious OCD or “scrupulosity”, a type of OCD where the obsession and intrusive thoughts are all focused around religion and faith.

Ep10 - Why Hasn’t God Cured My OCD?
Ep10 - Why Hasn’t God Cured My OCD?

Jemimah shares with us what it’s like to live with OCD, and the way it affects her life. But Jemimah is also a person of faith, and today, she opens up about what it’s like to know that she is a new creation in Christ, all the while still dealing with the intrusive thoughts and negative effects of her mental health disorder.

Videos

If you’re struggling yourself or know someone who might be, we strongly encourage you to speak to someone – whether that’s talking to a family member, trusted friend, your pastor, doctor, or psychologist.