Podcast Summary: Get to Know OCD

Episode: What It’s Like To Have OCD In A Culture That Doesn’t Talk About It
Date: January 22, 2026
Host: Dr. Patrick McGrath, Chief Clinical Officer, NOCD
Guest: Radha Bhagay

Overview

This episode explores the nuanced experience of living with OCD within a cultural context that stigmatizes mental health. The guest, Radha Bhagay, shares her personal journey from growing up in a small Indian town to navigating OCD both as an immigrant in the US and within the Indian community. Radha candidly discusses her late diagnosis, cultural barriers, impact on family life, and her ongoing healing process through participation in research and pursuit of ERP therapy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Radha’s Background and Motivation for Speaking Out (00:00–03:14)

• Radha’s Background: Born in a small town in central India, moved to San Francisco Bay Area 30 years ago, and works as a software quality assurance engineer.
• Cultural Taboo: Mental health, and OCD in particular, carry significant stigma in her culture, affecting family reputation and openness.
• Motivation: Inspired by OCD research and Dr. Carolyn Rodriguez’s work; now ready to "break the cycle" by speaking openly and supporting others.
  • Quote: "I want to talk openly about it on the podcast today, and I also want to announce the condition to many of my friends and family who are not aware of it." — Radha Bhagay (00:00)

Onset and Early Experiences with OCD (05:12–10:01)

• Late Onset: OCD symptoms began at age 35–36, though depressive and anxious tendencies existed from a young age.
• Triggers: Stressful period post-childbirth, returning to work, daughter’s illnesses, and a family bereavement intensified symptoms.
• Initial Manifestations:
  • Excessive concerns about children’s safety.
  • Repetitive cleaning rituals (multiple showers for daughter, over-washing vegetables).
  • Compulsive workplace behaviors (checking printers, locking computers, disposing of items out of contamination fears).
  • Severe driving-related rituals, including repeated U-turns near home.
• Quote: "My workplace was just 15 minutes away from my home...but I used to be stuck...taking U turns there incessantly. I mean, too many U turns, and it used to take me one hour or more many times." — Radha Bhagay (08:55)

The Role of Cultural Stigma (13:13–15:01)

• Medical vs. Psychological Conditions: More acceptable to have physical illnesses than mental ones in her family/culture.
• Family Context: Despite having doctors in her family, mental health was not discussed or prioritized.
• Impact on Self-Concept: Internalized stigma led to avoidance and fear of judgment, especially as a mother and professional.

Diagnosis and Treatment Journey (11:08–22:25)

• Diagnosis: Received an OCD diagnosis ~18 years ago after encouragement from her doctor sister, but despair and lack of understanding followed.
• Barriers to Care:
  • Fear of judgment deterred her from seeking therapy openly.
  • Difficulty identifying appropriate mental health professionals (confused roles of psychologist vs. psychiatrist).
  • Initial encounters with therapists unversed in OCD.
• Turning Point: Started medication in 2015, which “took the edge off,” and finally found an OCD-specialized therapist in her 40s.
  • Quote: "Finding the right therapist and finding the right medication was really difficult." — Radha Bhagay (19:03)
• Therapeutic Impact: Therapy separated her core personality from OCD/depression, clarified life, and boosted family quality of life.

Family, Community, and the Weight of Stigma (23:01–32:14)

• Impact on Motherhood and Career: OCD and unaddressed stigma stunted both personal and professional growth; lost joy in her children’s early years.
  • Quote: "I did not enjoy my kids' childhood at all. And that's a big, big regret for me." — Radha Bhagay (23:41)
• Gradual Acceptance: Over years, especially with more recent reflection after a workforce reduction, she and her family have come to terms with the illness.
• Community Response: Some friends offered quiet support (e.g., organizing rides), while others made insensitive comments or suggested “just stop it.”
  • Quote: "I'm really touched by the kindness of many of my friends who did not really poke around or ask me...They just offered rides without asking. Anything that was really, I'm blessed to have friends." — Radha Bhagay (33:09)

The Unique Cultural Layer (38:00–42:55)

• Shame and Silence: Cultural and familial expectation to “keep up appearances,” avoid weakness, and fear of bringing shame.
• Changing Dynamics: Social media has increased awareness, but generational and community-based taboos remain strong, especially for older and more traditional family members.
  • Quote: "If 30 years ago, you know, his family knew I had some mental health condition, I don't think that they would have...approved of me." — Radha Bhagay (40:19)
• Hope for Normalization: Open discussions about OCD can reduce stigma and bring mental health into mainstream conversations, much like physical health.

Looking Ahead: Research, ERP, and Optimism (25:37–29:49)

• Active in Research: Currently taking part in a Stanford research trial, hopeful for further improvements.
• ERP Excitement: Looking forward to starting Exposure and Response Prevention therapy, especially to regain independence in driving.
  • Quote: "With NOCD, I see a lot of optimism for myself." — Radha Bhagay (29:49)
• Message to Community: Wants OCD to be seen as a genuine, manageable condition, not to be trivialized by jokes or stereotypes.

Advice and Takeaways (43:19–44:21)

• Main Advice: Don’t hide mental health issues—talking about it is the first step toward healing.
  • Quote: "Do not hide or ignore your mental health issues. Talking about it is the first step towards healing." — Radha Bhagay (43:30)
• Empowerment: Encourages others to seek the best available treatment, carve their own path, and not succumb to internal or external stigma.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "OCD does not have your or your family's best interest at heart. It only cares about itself." — Dr. Patrick McGrath (10:01)
• "The biggest lesson...we're not going to try to convince you that it's safe to drive. We're going to convince you that you can handle driving." — Dr. Patrick McGrath (29:14)
• "Love is strong. Love is a strong emotion." — Radha Bhagay (40:59)
• “It’s better to accept it and grow with it than to just ignore it, because it’s not going to go anywhere.” — Radha Bhagay (41:34)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–03:14: Radha’s intro, cultural context, motivation for speaking out
• 05:12–10:01: First symptoms, daily impact, and rituals
• 11:08–15:01: Diagnosis, family reaction, cultural stigma
• 18:18–22:25: Turning points, treatment, and finding the right therapist
• 23:01–24:56: Impact on motherhood, regrets, and message to listeners
• 25:37–27:45: Current research participation, optimism about ERP
• 29:25–30:17: Shifts in family acceptance and ongoing effects
• 33:09–35:13: Community support, nuanced responses, and call for awareness
• 41:30–44:21: Shame, stepping toward healing, and empowering advice

Conclusion

Radha’s journey offers an intimate look at the intersection of OCD, stigma, and cultural silence. Her bravery in coming forward is intended to spark dialogue within her own community and beyond, emphasizing the importance of awareness, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based treatment. Both Radha and Dr. McGrath reiterate that talking about mental health is a key step in reducing stigma—not just for individuals, but for whole cultures.

Key Takeaway:
“Do not hide or ignore your mental health issues. Talking about it is the first step towards healing.” (43:30 — Radha Bhagay)