Dr. Alex George, known for his appearances on Love Island, recently shared a candid post on social media discussing his recent diagnosis of OCD, a mental health condition. The 34-year-old doctor expressed that while the diagnosis wasn’t a surprise, it was still overwhelming for him.
In an Instagram update to his 2.1 million followers, Dr. Alex revealed his struggles with OCD, emphasizing that it has been a significant source of distress for him. However, he expressed optimism about gaining clarity and embarking on a path towards improvement.
OCD is characterized by obsessions, emotions, and compulsions. Dr. Alex, in his disclosure, mentioned having what is commonly referred to as ‘pure O’ OCD, where the compulsions involve obsessive rumination rather than physical actions like cleaning or counting.
Reflecting on his experiences, Dr. Alex highlighted the intrusive nature of obsessive thoughts and the exhaustive mental processes he undergoes to cope with them. He acknowledged that his OCD had gone unrecognized for a long time and credited someone else for bringing it to his attention.
It is estimated that one in every 50 individuals experiences OCD at some point in their lives. While the exact causes of OCD remain uncertain, factors such as stress, genetics, and brain changes are believed to contribute to the condition.
For those seeking more information, the NHS offers guidance on recognizing symptoms of OCD and understanding the impact of persistent intrusive thoughts. Dr. Alex emphasized the importance of seeking professional help for those who resonate with his experiences.
