In this episode of The OCD Confessional, we’re joined by Zachary James — known on Instagram as @ocdestigmatize — to talk about living with some of the most misunderstood and stigmatized forms of OCD: Relationship OCD (ROCD), POCD, and health OCD.

Zachary shares how OCD targeted his relationships, his identity, and his health — creating relentless doubt, fear, and intrusive thoughts that felt impossible to ignore. We talk about what it’s like when OCD attacks the things you care about most, why reassurance never works long-term, and how he began to loosen OCD’s grip through awareness and treatment.

In this episode:
• What relationship OCD actually feels like
• Understanding POCD and intrusive thoughts without shame
• Health OCD and constant fear of illness
• The role of exposure and response prevention (ERP)
• Why destigmatizing OCD matters

This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and essential listening for anyone struggling with intrusive thoughts that feel too taboo to say out loud.

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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.

Zachary James on Relationship OCD, POCD & Health Anxiety