Saturday, May 31, 2014

CNN interview: OCD and religion

Nearly two weeks ago, Elizabeth Landau, a writer and producer for CNN's website, contacted me about an article she was writing about scrupulosity. She had found me via this blog.

She interviewed me by phone about my experiences with religious scrupulosity. I talked to her about the ways my fears of sin affected me, especially as a teenager and young adult.

Landau’s article was published today. You can read it HERE. It’s informative and paints a good picture about how this form of OCD can affect people of any religion or no religion. And it gives hope for those who suffer with this form of OCD, including a section on the use of exposure therapy.

If you do read the article, I ask that you share it on other social media such as Facebook or Twitter, or send links to friends who might benefit. Or you can share this blog post in the same way.

It is my hope that this article will help spread the word and help people feel less alone.


Some background
I went to an evangelical Christian school for high school, and the calls to be “saved” were traumatic for me because I could never be sure if I had said the prayer “right,” or if my heart was “right” with God.

I believed that I had to say all my prayers perfectly or harm would come to my family and it would be my fault. I prayed silently, incessantly, repeating myself over and over. If I made a mistake in my ritual, I had to start over.

I turned away from any hint of God or religion for years because of my experiences with scrupulosity.
I’m in a much better place now, living better with the uncertainty of faith, believing that there are many paths to God for people to choose from, or not.

You can read more about my religious OCD on this blog HERE, HERE, and HERE.


22 comments:

  1. i can understand how religion and fears for perfection would be very harmful. off to read the article, now...

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  2. a very good article - and good interviewees, too.

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  3. I've suffered from scrupulosity since my early teens (I'm 29 now). It was perhaps about two years ago that I found out scrupulosity was even a thing and that OCD was more than just my hand washing. While I've had some success moving forward, I've had a flare up these past few days. Seeing the article on CNN couldn't have been more timely. I look forward to reading your blog :-).

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  4. I'm so very glad the writer found you. I hadn't thought about that angle of things -- well presented.

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  5. A great article Tina, I want to come back (when I have more time) and read the 3 blog entires you shared. You expressed yourself beautifully, I don't believe in organized religion, but it is such a personal choice!!

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  6. Religion and OCD is a new one for me. I'd never heard of it before but the situation makes perfect sense. It's good to hear that you've come to terms with the situation.

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  7. I will read the article Tina. I remember reading once that there was a correlation with incidences of OCD and religious views, meaning that OCD was much more common those who self-identified as religions. Very fascinating!

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  8. Oh Tina I read the article twice and my admiration for your courage and the way you have come through the other side with solutions that work for you make me so happy I found you. You are going to help so many people with your honesty. You are an amazing woman and I am so very proud to know you. You my deaf friend ROCK. Many hugs B.

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  9. Hey just came across this article cause another online friend if mine posted it to our support group! So proud of you, Tina!!

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  10. Tina, I stumbled upon the article this morning and wrote about it on my blog. I thought it was great, and I'm so proud of you......you go girl :)!

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  11. I will definitely make a point to read this later in the week. Pierce had surgery yesterday and I'm limiting online time to care for him, but hopefully he'll perk up in a few days!

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  12. My heart has always been in the right place. Even though my path never leads me to a church!

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  13. I read the article when I saw it on Facebook a few days ago, but I've been busy with my son's visit. Very nicely done piece. My heart goes out to people with these tendencies. My grandmother used to wash her hands until they were red and raw. So sad.

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  14. "Bringing along OCD" has been included in Sites To See #375. Be assured that I hope this helps to point many new visitors in your direction.

    http://asthecrackerheadcrumbles.blogspot.com/2014/06/sites-to-see-375.html

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  15. i am glad you got the opportunity to share your experiences. i have always thought that when you have something to share or help others with it is Mr. God working through you. just my opinion though. although it might tough for you ... you help others ... give them advice, support or resources to get more info too. way cool!! ( :

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  16. That article is so interesting. I grew up as a Roman Catholic and I think I had a bit of it growing up but was able to quit thinking that way when I began to rely on my reason. I can't imagine what it would have been like if I hadn't been able to deal with it. I am no longer a "believer" unless I can see that it makes sense to me. You have been on some journey!

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  17. Sounds like a good read and informative article. I'm off to read and share it.

    Madison

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  18. What a fabulous opportunity, Tina. I'm so proud of you. It might be time to get that memoir going! I read the article a few days ago. I was unaware religious OCD was being called scrupulosity but it makes sense. I am so glad you're okay now. I went through many similar things and it was both traumatic and exhausting. I too am in a better place now. ... Thank you for commenting on my blog. I'm excited for your garden. It's so much trial and error. Hopefully not too much frustration and no heartbreak. Thank you for purchasing my book. I'm very honored. Please let me know what you think. Have a wonderful weekend.

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