We’ve talked about OCD on the blog before, but we just released a podcast episode with therapist Lauren Harding, LCSW, talking all about OCD and some of the nuances that are often missed. 

The reality of OCD is much more than we are often taught. OCD is really about intrusive, unwanted thoughts and the anxiety-driven behaviors people use to try to feel safe from them. And the reality is that many people experience OCD almost entirely in their head through mental checking and reassurance-seeking, also called Pure-O. This conversation is so important because of the significant overlap OCD has with eating disorders, including repetitive behaviors, rigid rules, and attempts to reduce anxiety or feel safe.

Eating disorders don’t discriminate. But our systems, our healthcare, and even our cultural understanding of eating disorders often do. So, let’s talk about the reality: LGBTQIA+ folks are disproportionately affected by eating disorders, and yet they’re also more likely to fall through the cracks when it comes to diagnosis and support.