The Intricacies of Luke Combs’ ‘Particularly Wicked’ OCD
Luke Combs is sharing his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, hoping to inspire others with the same condition.
“I do really well with it for the most part. It’s something in at least some way I think about every day,” Combs told “60 Minutes Australia” in a recent interview.
Understanding OCD Through Combs’ Eyes
The heart of Luke Combs’ experience with his distinctly challenging form of obsessive-compulsive disorder reveals how daily life becomes intertwined with relentless thoughts. Describing his condition, he states, “It’s thoughts, essentially, that you don’t want to have… and then they cause you stress, and then you’re stressed out, and then the stress causes you to have more of the thoughts.”
This cyclical nature of anxiety grips him tightly, often leaving him feeling trapped within his own mind. “It takes a lot of… you have to know what to do. I’m lucky to be an expert to know how to get out of it now,” he reflects, a testament to the long path he has traversed to gain some level of mastery over his thoughts.
The Hidden Battle of OCD
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a deeply complex condition that often goes unnoticed by outsiders. “Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that are intrusive, unwanted, and make most people anxious,” NIMH explains. For Combs, the difficulty comes not from outward actions typically associated with OCD, but from the internal struggle that remains concealed.
The singer acknowledges, “The variant I have is particularly wicked because there’s no outward manifestation of it.” Here, he shines a light on the silent suffering many face, emphasizing that for individuals like him, battling OCD is often a solitary fight.
A Journey to Finding Relief
“It’s really tedious to pull yourself out of it… I’m lucky to be an expert to know how to get out of it now.”
As Combs delves deeper, he shares the coping mechanisms that have emerged from his experiences. “It doesn’t matter what the thoughts even are. You giving any credence to what the thoughts are is, like, irrelevant and only fuels you having more of them,” he notes. Acceptance plays a crucial role in this process — acknowledging the presence of unwanted thoughts without letting them influence his reality.
He adds, “It’s weird, sucks, hate it, drives me crazy, but then you just eventually… the less that you worry about why you’re having the thoughts, eventually they go away.” This remarkable insight speaks volumes, offering a glimpse into his evolving mindset.
Facing OCD on Stage
The pressure of performing can amplify his OCD symptoms. He candidly shares, “When it hits, man, it can be all-consuming.” These flare-ups can become so intense that, at times, they linger relentlessly. Combs recalls, “A really bad flare-up can last 45 seconds of every minute for weeks.” Such prolonged distress is staggering, making his ability to perform even more admirable.
Empathy and Hope
Reflecting on his experiences, he recognizes that this struggle has shaped his understanding of mental health, particularly for younger individuals facing similar challenges. He remembers his own first encounter with OCD, admitting, “I think I first experienced it at 12 or 13, and empathizes with kids going through similar experiences.” This connection fosters a sense of community—a reminder that nobody must endure this battle alone.
Combs articulately addresses the impact of OCD on his personal aspirations, stating, “It’s held me back so many times in my life.” These reflections evoke a blend of power and vulnerability, creating space for others to recognize their own struggles. “I have the tools now… when it happens now, I’m not as afraid of it,” he reassures, imparting resilience to his listeners.
The Legacy of Awareness
With ambitions of mental health outreach, Luke Combs endeavors to shine a light on the capacities that govern a fulfilling life alongside OCD. “It’s possible to continue to live your life, and be really successful, and have a great family while also dealing with things that you don’t want to be dealing with,” he hopes to communicate through his journey. His story pairs inspiring music with deeper understanding, providing affirmation and hope to many affected by OCD.
