‘Taboo’ intrusive thoughts: the unspoken aspects of OCD‘Taboo’ intrusive thoughts: the unspoken aspects of OCD
All In The Mind
You've probably experienced intrusive thoughts — bizarre, fleeting, sometimes inappropriate thoughts that cross your mind without warning. Although these can be weird to experience, they're totally normal. But for people with obsessive compulsive disorder these thoughts can become inescapable — leading to worry, compulsions and shame. Today we're talking about OCD, because it's often quite different from the stereotype of handwashing and lining up pencils. It can venture into taboo and dangerous thoughts, from paedophilia to violent harm. So what does living with these unwanted thoughts feel like? And how much can treatment improve OCD symptoms? This episode covers some heavy topics from sexual abuse to suicide. There are also a few swear words. Please take care while listening. Guests: Uma Chatterjee, M.S., MHPS Neuroscience PhD student, University of Wisconsin-Madison Science communicator Mental health advocate Martin Ingle Writer and filmmaker Professor Vlasios Brakoulias Psychiatrist Sydney Medical School, Westmead Hospital Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Timothy Jenkins You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Support: Lifeline 13 11 14 SANE Australia ARCVic Helpline 1300 269 438 More information: You Can't Ask That - OCD episode
29:38•15 Nov 2025
Intrusive Thoughts: The Unspoken Struggles of OCD
Episode Overview
- Intrusive thoughts can become obsessions leading to compulsions.
- OCD symptoms vary widely, including taboo thoughts.
- Exposure and Response Prevention therapy is effective for OCD.
- Stigma around OCD can delay diagnosis and treatment.
- Understanding and compassion are crucial in mental health recovery.
“"The shame only exists because we're shamed for it, and we are sitting in the darkness."”
Curious about how others navigate their sobriety journey? Dive into the latest episode of 'All In The Mind,' where host Sana Kadar tackles the often misunderstood world of OCD. This episode shines a spotlight on intrusive thoughts, those bizarre and sometimes alarming ideas that pop into our heads unannounced. While most people brush them off, individuals with OCD find these thoughts can spiral into compulsions and shame.
You'll hear from Uma Chatterjee, who shares her experience of living with OCD since childhood, and Martin Ingle, whose struggles began in his twenties. They discuss the harsh realities of dealing with taboo thoughts and the journey to finding effective treatment. Psychiatrist Professor Vlasios Braculius offers insights into why these thoughts occur and how they can be managed. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing the more challenging aspects of OCD, including its impact on daily life and mental health.
Exposure and Response Prevention therapy emerges as a beacon of hope for those grappling with this condition. It's a candid exploration that encourages listeners to rethink what they know about OCD and the importance of understanding and compassion in mental health recovery. So, how do people cope with the challenges of staying sober while managing OCD? Tune in to find out.
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