Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress with Matt Codde

In this episode, we are going to discuss Real Event OCD. Real event OCD is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. A person living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ruminates over a real event that occurred, typically one that they regret, with what feels like no avail. So in this episode, I am going to discuss what real event OCD is and how it onsets in a persons life. Hope you find this hel...

Existential OCD is a subset of OCD in which sufferers are preoccupied with the philosophical aspects of life. A person with Existential OCD might obsess over questions like, “What’s the meaning of life?”  “Why are we even here?” “Does God Exist?” “Why Evil Exist?”. The problem with Existential OCD, like most forms of OCD, is the person is trying to find an answer that they will never obtain,...

In this episode, we are going to continue our discussion on Religious OCD or Scrupulosity OCD. Specifically, we are going to discuss the different behavior rituals or compulsions commonly associated with Scrupulosity OCD. Again, scrupulosity is one of the various subsets of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that can be identified in individuals who experience repetitive, intrusive thoughts (othe...

In this new series, we are going to discuss Scrupulosity OCD. Scrupulosity OCD is a form of OCD focusing around one’s religion or morality. It's common to also hear it referred to as religious OCD or moral OCD and can lead to a hyper-focus on morality and whether or not something is right and wrong. Scrupulosity is one of the various subsets of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) that can be ident...

In this episode, we are going to discuss Checking OCD. Checking OCD is a sub-type where a person experiences intrusive thoughts, fears, or concerns (obsessions) that cause anxiety, doubt, or uncertainty and the person engages in a behavior (compulsions) called “Checking” to neutralize the uncomfortable feelings. People that suffer from Checking OCD feel the need to perform compulsive checking beha...

In this episode, we are going to continue our series with OCD & Addiction with a specific focus on the concept of Tolerance. OCD is a mental health disorder in which people have recurring unwanted thoughts called obsessions, that produce anxiety and they engage in ritualistic behaviors called compulsions to neutralize their unwanted feelings. Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disord...

In this new series, we are going to talk about the similarities and differences between OCD and Addiction. OCD is a mental health disorder in which people have recurring unwanted thoughts called obsessions, that produce anxiety and they engage in ritualistic behaviors called compulsions to neutralize their unwanted feelings. Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by co...

In this episode, we are going to discuss the connection between anxiety and depression. It is quite common for people to experience both anxiety and depression, and it can be confusing on the proper treatment to seek out.  In the episode, I explain the importance of identifying which feeling is primary and which is secondary and focusing your energy on addressing the primary symptom. Enjoy th...

In this episode, we are going to discuss how stress impacts your body. The Stress Response creates physical changes in your body and this happens outside of your conscious awareness. While stress is helpful in the short term, if we are in a state of stress over a prolonged period it can have negative effects on our body. So in this episode, I am going to discuss some of the ways stress and anxiety...

In this episode, we are going to discuss how we often create much of our stress right in our minds. I am also going to discuss some things we can do to bring ourselves back to the present and focus on what really matters in our day-to-day life. In this episode, I am also taking inspiration from the book ‘Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers’ by Robert Sapolsky . Click here to support the show with a donati...

In this new series, we are going to discuss Stress and how stress can influence our daily lives. Stress is a part of life. It is something everyone encounters as we cope with ordinary events, interact with people, and meet the demands of life. In this episode, I am going to draw primarily from the book ‘Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers’ by Robert Sapolsky. A book focusing on self-help and how to cope w...

In this episode, we are going to talk about being lost in thought or getting lost in our own thoughts.  Controlling your thoughts is really important so you don’t get stuck in a loop where you are consumed fully by your own mind and thoughts. So in this episode, I am going to discuss being lost in thought and what it means from a higher-level perspective. Click here to support the show with a...

In this episode, we are going to discuss rumination or ruminating thoughts. It is a mental behaviour that we engage in that stimulates the loop of anxiety and keeps us stuck. So in this episode, I am going to discuss what rumination means, what causes it so we can break ourselves out of it and take back control of our life. Click here to support the show with a donation of your choice: https://www...

Is it possible to recover from OCD, Anxiety, and Psychological stress? Yes, I believe it is. In this episode, I am going to discuss my thoughts on recovery and the misconceptions around it. I often get asked if it is possible to recover and the problem with that question is it presupposes that the experience of anxiety is abnormal or a problem, which it is not. The question also presupposed that r...

In this episode, I am going to discuss unwanted or intrusive violent thoughts. Intrusive violent thoughts are often categorized as ego-dystonic and are common with the subtype of Harm OCD. These thoughts can include violent images or ideas toward oneself or others. These intrusive thoughts often cause the person a significant amount of stress and impact their daily functioning. So in this episode,...

In this episode, I am going to discuss the fear of unwanted or intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts generally fall into the following three categories: unwanted violent thoughts/images, unwanted sexual thoughts/images, and unwanted thoughts related to God or one’s religion. These intrusive thoughts often cause the person a significant amount of stress and impact their daily functioning. So in th...

In this episode, I am going to discuss the fear of embarrassment or the fear of judgement. This is one of the most common fears people experience and can often have a significant impact on their day-to-day life.  So in this episode, I am going to discuss some common ways the fear of embarrassment manifests, some different case studies, and how you can begin to overcome it. Click here to suppo...

In this episode, I am going to discuss the fear of impulsively stealing. This fear is one common manifestation of fears related to the idea that one may impulsively snap and do something amoral or against their true nature. So, in this episode, I am going to talk about how this fear develops. I will also be sharing some case studies and strategies on how to overcome this. If you struggle with the...

In this episode, I am going to discuss the fear of violent thoughts, which is a subset of OCD, often called Pure OCD or purely obsessional OCD. These unwanted or Intrusive violent thoughts may involve violent images or ideas about hurting others or oneself. The unwanted violent thoughts are generally accompanied by various mental and physical compulsions including thought suppression, rumination,...

In this episode, I am going to discuss the fear of blurting out obscenities or curse words. People who suffer this type of fear often worry that they might verbally lash out and say words that are against their personal beliefs or desires. Common compulsive behaviors with this fear include avoiding speaking, avoiding certain places, along with various mental compulsions. In this episode, I will al...

In this episode, I am going to discuss the fear of harming oneself and the fear of harming others as they are very closely linked. These fears fall under the subcategory of OCD commonly known as “Harm OCD”. These fears are kept in the dark by the sufferer for fear of judgment or repercussion, but it is important that we begin to understand them objectively so we can avoid misdiagnosis and move tow...

In this episode, I am going to discuss the fear of making a mistake - also called ‘atelophobia’. I will discuss how this fear develops, common symptoms and experiences, and what to expect in the healing process. As with most fears and phobias, people with atelophobia dedicate a large portion of their time and energy to neutralize their fear.  People that fear making a mistake also often becom...

In this episode, I am going to discuss the fear of losing control. I will discuss how this fear develops, common symptoms and experiences, and what to expect in the healing process. Fear of losing control is very common and can become very overwhelming if left unaddressed.  I am also going to discuss different ways where fear can manifest and common behaviors that reinforce it. Hope you find...

Hello, welcome to a new series where I will discuss the different types of fears that people wrestle with. In this first episode, I am going to discuss the fear of contamination, also known as the fear of germs. I will discuss how this fear develops, common symptoms and experiences, and what to expect in the healing process. Fear of germs is one of the most common types of OCD, and if left untreat...

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible” - Christopher Reeve In today’s episode, I just want to offer a message of hope for the future, especially to my fellow Americans, as we all navigate the chaos in our country. As if the pandemic and quarantine weren’t hard enough, there seems to be an increasing amount of division, anger, and hostility that continues to spread. During these difficult time...