PinkPantheress on OCD, perfectionism, and looping thoughts

PinkPantheress may be known for her dreamy music and chart-topping hits—but in a recent interview on Jake Shane’s podcast, TherapussTherapuss, she opened up about something much more personal: her struggle with OCD. She described having Pure O, a subtype of OCD where compulsions happen in your mind. "I don't really care about neatness. I'm actually quite untidy…However, once I have a thought, it loops, loops, loops…and it will never stop." She went on to share how Pure O shapes the way she sees herself, her performances, and even her ability to enjoy success. "My biggest fears are always on loop, so when it comes to performing…if I don't consider myself a certain standard at what I'm doing, I don't see the point in doing it. Or I don't enjoy it. [It’s] very detrimental to me as a human being." But PinkPantheress also said she’s learning to let go of OCD’s impossible standards through exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy: “I can choose which thoughts to dwell on.” OCD often tries to convince us we’re alone—that we’re the only ones who think this way, fear these things, or feel this stuck—but PinkPantheress’s story reminds us there are people who understand, and there's treatment that can help. You deserve to live life without being ruled by the thoughts in your head. Read more about Pure O and how to find proper care and support.