How to Survive Halloween with OCD
Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday, and in this episode, we'll chat about how to enjoy it as an adult, even if you have OCD. We'll cover everything from dealing with contamination fears to the paranoia about needles in candy (seriously, who even thinks of these things?). I’ll share my personal strategies for calming OCD and grounding techniques to keep you present. Plus, I’ll give you some exposure exercise tips, like the joys of watching spooky movies without the sound to ease anxiety. Oh, and if you're terrified of blood, don't worry – I've got some hilarious exposure stories and even a blood exposure video. Stick around to hear about how early treatment can prevent OCD spirals, and get a sneak peek of next week's guest, a psychiatrist ready to dish on OCD meds. Let’s make this Halloween unforgettable and keep that OCD at bay!
01:13 OCD and Halloween: Managing the Struggles
05:57 The Cycle of OCD and Seeking Treatment
07:42 Exposure Therapy with Halloween Movies
14:11 Preparing for a Fun Halloween Night
14:38 Understanding the OCD Nightmare
15:37 Staying Present in the Moment
19:26 Facing Blood Phobia and Halloween Triggers
23:32 Worst Case Scenario Script