Luke Combs on Living with Purely Obsessional OCD and Its Impact

Living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an ongoing struggle for Luke Combs. In a recent episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, he addressed the misconception that some aspects of OCD could be viewed positively. He firmly stated, “I don’t think it’s part of my success at all. If I just never had it, that would be awesome. There’s no good parts of it other than when you don’t have it.”

Understanding Pure O

Combs has openly discussed his battle with a specific type of OCD known as “Pure O,” or primarily obsessional OCD. Although this term is not officially recognized in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), it describes individuals who experience obsessional thoughts that lead to severe anxiety, often featuring violent and intrusive thoughts.

He likened these thoughts to a bird passing by, explaining, “You just go, ‘Oh, there’s a bird,’ and then you’re like, ‘What was that bird? Why did that bird fly by?’” This cycle of wondering can trap him in a loop of anxious contemplation, causing distress and making it difficult to break free from these thoughts.

A Journey of Understanding

Initially diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder as a teenager, Combs found that label insufficient. Discovering Pure O helped him articulate his experiences. “Once I found the Pure O thing, it was like, oh my God, this is what I have,” he recalled, making it easier to recognize the disorder’s impact on his life.

He elaborated on the nature of his OCD, saying, “It preys on everything you’re not, and it makes you feel like you are that.” This relentless questioning has led to what he calls "relationship OCD," where he questions his feelings for loved ones. “One of the themes of Pure O is like, do I really love my wife? Do I really love my kids?” he shared, emphasizing that such doubts do not mean the love isn’t genuine.

Finding Solutions

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, Combs has worked hard to identify patterns in his OCD symptoms. He has even made significant lifestyle changes, like eliminating gluten from his diet, to help manage inflammation and reduce his symptoms. “For me, it was like, man, how can I just change what I’m eating, what I’m doing, just everything?” he explained. His proactive approach demonstrates his commitment to living with OCD.

Over time, he has noticed improvements, stating, “It’s been something that’s gotten better for me.”

Are you or someone you know also navigating the complexities of OCD? What strategies have you found helpful?