In this episode of The OCD Confessional, we’re joined by Rachael Mathews, OCD advocate and creator of the Hold Space community, to talk about living with health OCD and anxiety.

Rachael shares her experience navigating intrusive thoughts and constant fear around her health. We talk about what health OCD actually feels like, why reassurance never quite sticks, and how anxiety can quietly take over your day-to-day life.

We also explore:
• What health OCD really looks like beyond “being a hypochondriac”
• Intrusive thoughts and fear of illness
• How motherhood changes the experience of OCD
• The importance of community and feeling understood
• The story behind Hold Space, her private support group for people navigating health anxiety and OCD

Rachael’s story is honest, calming, and deeply relatable — especially for anyone whose OCD shows up as fear about their body, their health, or their future.

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Supported by NOCD
If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD, check out NOCD — a leading virtual health platform that connects people with licensed therapists specially trained in Evidence-Based ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy. NOCD offers live video sessions, between-session therapist messaging, access to in-app therapeutic tools, and a global peer community. Their goal: make expert OCD treatment accessible, effective, and affordable.

➤ Visit https://learn.nocd.com/ocdconfessional to learn more and get matched with an OCD-trained therapist.

🧠 The OCD Confessional is hosted by Liam Martin & Alicia Hill — real stories, intrusive thoughts, and the tools we use to cope (with plenty of laughter).

Disclaimer: The OCD Confessional is intended for education, awareness, and community support only. It does not provide therapy or professional mental-health advice. If you are struggling or in crisis, please seek help from a licensed mental-health professional. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.