How OCD Hijacks Your Brain with Angie Greene

Angie’s OCD obsessions are that she has committed her worst, most insidious, fears.

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Officially diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) when she was 19, some of Angie’s earliest memories are of obsessions, compulsions and seeking reassurance.

Joining us in the studio, Angie talks to Hugh, Ryan and Josh about the reality of living with OCD, how she navigates particularly bad episodes with her partner, and why she wouldn’t wish it on her worst enemy

Angie explains false memories, and the lengths she has gone to seek reassurance, and finally, why it is so important to her to create something that helps people feel less alone.

In amongst all of the OCD chat, Hugh asks Angie about her anti-discrimination work and the beautiful story of where that passion came from.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – Trailer
• 00:01:27 – Angie + Hugh don’t do small talk
• 00:03:46 – Why Angie accepted an ARIA on behalf of Sia
• 00:05:45 – Growing Up in Sporting Royalty
• 00:07:45 – Why Angie’s Brother Came Out To Her
• 00:10:41 – “I’m Crying Because I Could Have Helped”
• 00:13:21 – Why Feeling Safe To Be Yourself Matters
• 00:15:02 – Angie’s Moral Compass: Where Does It Come From?
• 00:18:17 – OCD: Obsessions, Compulsions + Reassurance
• 00:20:45 – OCD Stereotypes vs Reality
• 00:22:52 – Feeling Like A Bad Kid
• 00:24:52 – Why OCD Makes Your Excruciatingly Self-Aware
• 00:28:02 – Examples of Intrusive Thoughts
• 00:30:23 – Invisible Compulsions: Kissing, Hugging, Incest
• 00:32:19 – Relationship OCD: Constant Fear of Cheating On Your Partner
• 00:34:37 – OCD False Memories: How The Brain Builds ‘Evidence’
• 00:36:10 – Why Reassurance Seeking Never Brings Relief
• 00:39:13 – What It’s Like Loving Someone With OCD
• 00:41:40 – What OCD Has Cost Angie: Peace, Presence + Precious Moments
• 00:50:08 – Why Getting The Right Treatment Was Lifechanging
• 00:54:52 – What Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) Actually Looks Like
• 00:57:02 – How To Support Someone With OCD
• 00:59:01 – How Angie and Her Husband Manage OCD Episodes
• 01:02:53 – Finding Your People Through OCD
• 01:05:15 – How To Respond When Someone Tells You They Have OCD
• 01:08:24 – Tips for Supporting Someone Who Has OCD

🧠If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with or thinks they may have OCD, these are some great resources. In an emergency, always call 000.

• OCD BOUNCE - https://ocd.org.au
• OCD WA - https://www.ocdwa.com.au
• International OCD Foundation - https://iocdf.org
• The Joy Thief, by Penny Moodie - https://bit.ly/3VJaKZ4
• It’s Not What You Think podcast - https://bit.ly/4iZppcj
• LifeLine - 13 11 14

🫖Imperfects episodes mentioned in this episode

• Penny Moodie - Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) - https://bit.ly/4jxTPTd
• Penny Moodie’s New Book - OCD & Finding Joy Again - https://bit.ly/4rGXkJa
• Rick Davies - Living with OCD - https://bit.ly/4hxuLZY
• Issac Humphries - Coming Out On Court - https://bit.ly/3VZDHQA

💻Things to check out

• Andrea Wallace’s Website - https://wonderpsychology.com
• Angie Greene’s Website - angiegreene.com.au

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The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.