Dr. Alex George, a 34-year-old doctor and former Love Island contestant, recently shared his battle with a severe mental health issue on social media. He disclosed that he was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) just a few days ago, admitting that while not surprising, the news was still overwhelming for him.
Opening up to his 2.1 million Instagram followers, Dr. Alex expressed relief at having clarity about his condition, emphasizing his determination to work on overcoming it. OCD is characterized by obsessions, emotions, and compulsions, with intrusive thoughts leading to anxiety and a compulsive need to act.
In his Instagram posts, Dr. Alex described his experience with “pure O” OCD, where he spends hours ruminating on thoughts triggered by real-life events rather than engaging in physical compulsions like cleaning or counting. He highlighted the exhausting cycle of obsessive thoughts, fact-checking, and seeking reassurance, emphasizing the relentless nature of OCD.
Despite his medical background, Dr. Alex admitted that he struggled to recognize his OCD symptoms until recently. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the impact of obsessive thoughts on his mental well-being and stressed the importance of seeking professional help for those facing similar challenges.
Statistics suggest that OCD affects approximately one in 50 individuals during their lifetime, with factors like stress, genetics, and brain changes playing a role in its development. The NHS outlines how persistent and intrusive thoughts can indicate an obsession, urging individuals to seek support if they experience such symptoms.
For more information on OCD symptoms and treatment, visit the NHS website.