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.
MID-WEEK MOTIVATION - GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE
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.
MID-WEEK MOTIVATION - MY HAPPY PLACE
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.
Mid-Week Motivation - The Story of Nick Vujicic
In this week’s motivation, I will be telling you the story of Nick Vujicic, a motivational speaker who was born without arms or legs. I think you will find his story very inspiring.
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.
Mid-Week Motivation - Erma Bombeck
I hope you enjoy these quotes by Erma Bombeck and that they help you with your mental health and life struggles.
Erma Bombeck was a beloved American humorist and writer known for her witty and relatable take on the everyday experiences of suburban life, particularly from the perspective of a housewife. Born in 1927, she started her career as a newspaper columnist, and her humor columns, often centered around family life, quickly gained popularity.
Her writing was characterized by a sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and a deep understanding of the joys and frustrations of domestic life. Bombeck had an incredible knack for turning the mundane into something hilarious, whether she was writing about the trials of raising children, the challenges of marriage, or the absurdities of housework.
She authored several best-selling books, including "The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank" and "If Life Is a Bowl of Cherries, What Am I Doing in the Pits?" Her humor resonated with millions of readers who found comfort and laughter in her honest portrayal of the ups and downs of life.
Despite her humor, Bombeck also touched on serious topics, often with a poignant twist that revealed her depth of empathy and understanding. She was widely appreciated not just for making people laugh, but for helping them feel seen and understood.
Erma Bombeck's legacy lives on as one of America's most cherished humorists, and her work continues to be enjoyed by readers who appreciate the timeless humor and wisdom she brought to everyday life.
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. Let’s take a listen.
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.
MID-WEEK MOTIVATION - OUR PLACE IN THIS WORLD
I hope you enjoy this week’s mid-week motivation. We can begin and continue our healing process by recognizing our special place in this world and what we have to offer. I know it’s hard. When you are depressed or anxious, it’s hard to think about something positive about urselves, but we are in control of our own healing. I have no doubt that you can do this!
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.
Mid-Week Motivation - Lessons from Yoda, Jedi Master
Are you a Star Wars fan like I am? If so, May the Force Be With You! If not, you may have been missing out on some important life lessons.
In this week's mid-week motivation, I discuss some of the lessons taught by the Jedi Master himself, Yoda. I will mention some of his quotes in the Star Wars movies, and give my opinion on how we can apply these lessons to our mental health and a happy and fulfilling life.
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.
MID-WEEK MOTIVATION - A LESSON FROM MY DRIVER'S ED INSTRUCTOR
Each Thursday morning I present you with a song, quote,poem or passage to bring some positivity to your week.
This week I reflect on a lesson I learned from my high school driver’s education instructor. “Always drive at a speed that is safe for conditions.” I have remembered this lesson for over 45 years and I have applied it to other areas of my life. I tell you about how what I considered an “amazing weekend” ended in total chaos, due to circumstances beyond my control. And how applying this lesson, helped me get through it.
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.
MID-WEEK MOTIVATION - 20 SECONDS OF COURAGE
Each Thursday morning I present you with a song, quote, poem or passage to bring some positivity to your week. This week I will talk about a lesson from the movie "We Bought a Zoo" and how I have applied this lesson in my personal life. I hope this lesson helps you when you are anxious and/or afraid to do or say something you are not comfortable with.
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.
MID-WEEK MOTIVATION FROM THE DAILY STOIC. IT TAKES COURAGE TO MAKE CHANGES.
Each Thursday morning I present you with a song, quote, poem or passage to bring some positivity to your week.
Today I will be reading a passage from “The Daily Stoic”, written by Ryan Holiday. I heard about this book from my guest, Jaimi McPeek, in the episodes where we talked about self-love. There is one passage a day to read and think about. It takes about three minutes of my day and it is already changing my perceptions about situations I run across on a daily basis. I also write in my “Daily Stoic Journal” each night and I find it is really helping retrain my OCD brain.
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 roundandaroundtheocdcircle@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.