I’ve been dealing with OCD for most of my adult life, and though it doesn’t interfere with my everyday life, one peek into my closet and it’s obvious: I have a thing for organization. I’m not alone, either: there are hundreds of thousands of my fellow Americans who also have some form of OCD, and that includes a long list of celebs. Some of them might surprise you, too! Here are 7 celebrities with OCD.
1. Howie Mandell
Photo Credit: ctv.ca
Howie Mandell was the first celeb I ever heard of who has OCD, and his compulsion is all about germs. Can you blame him? In his role as a game show host, he meets so many people, from so many places… that’s a LOT of germs! Now I want to wash my hands all the time, too…
2. Billy Bob Thornton
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As talented as he is, Billy Bob Thornton deals with a pretty extraordinary form of OCD, his having to do with numbers. He compulsively figures numbers he encounters, and has certainsuperstitions about them, especially the ages of his children. I loathe math - this would be an awful compulsion to have!
3. Megan Fox
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Photo Credit:fanpop.com
Megan Fox revealed in May that she hates dirt… but her obsession goes further than that. She refuses to use cutlery in restaurants (does she bring her own?) or use public restrooms (can you blame her?). Her compulsion doesn’t seem to impact her life in general though… as long as she can carry her own silverware in her handbag, and doesn’t ever have to use the restroom while she’s out and about, she ought to be fine, right?
4. Charlize Theron
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This gorgeous Oscar-winning actress suffers from anxiety around a compulsion I recently won a battle with - cabinets and cupboards. She, like I, stresses about keeping her cabinets in order, and has admitted to actually losing sleep over it. I don’t… anymore… but it took a long time for me to get here.
5. Cameron Diaz
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Here’s another celeb with a thing about germs. Diaz focuses her germ-fighting obsession on two specific places, though - her hands and doorknobs. In an interview with ABC News, she admitted that some of the doorknobs in her home are shedding paint because she’s washed them so much.
6. David Beckham
Photo Credit: connect.in.com
It gives me more pleasure than I can express to say that Dave Beckham and I have the same obsessions, starting in our closets. We both have to have everything sorted just so, and hanging on just the right hangers. His other compulsion is unique, though, not something we share - everything in this three fridges has to match, and be an EVEN number.
7. Leonardo DiCaprio
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We’ve all heard the superstition: step on a crack, break your mother’s back. Leo doesn’t technically believe this, but his superstition made him compulsively step on the same spots or cracks in a sidewalk every time he walked anywhere. How could he even remember every step he took? I sure couldn’t.
It seems that there are just as many of my favorite leading men and leading ladies who are dealing with their own OCD… and I think that’s reflected in the numbers of regular Joes (and Janes, like me) who are affected by it. Do you know of any other celebs that have OCD? Or do you deal with some form of it yourself? Please share!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is OCD?
- OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, recurring thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
- Which celebrities have openly discussed their OCD?
- Several celebs like Howie Mandel, Lena Dunham, and Justin Timberlake have shared their experiences with OCD.
- Can OCD affect anyone?
- Yes, OCD can affect anyone regardless of age or background.
- Are OCD symptoms the same for everyone?
- No, OCD symptoms can vary widely from person to person.
- How do celebrities manage their OCD?
- Many use therapy, medication, and support systems to manage their symptoms.
- Is OCD just about being neat or organized?
- No, OCD involves intrusive thoughts and compulsions beyond just cleanliness or order.
- Can talking publicly about OCD help others?
- Absolutely, it reduces stigma and encourages people to seek help.
- Are there effective treatments for OCD?
- Yes, treatments like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication are proven to help.
- How can I support someone with OCD?
- Be patient, listen without judgment, and encourage professional help if needed.
- Why is it important to learn about OCD?
- Understanding OCD promotes empathy and helps break down misconceptions around mental health.