Navigating Religious OCD
Religion has long been a means of supporting connection to God.
But what of times when a religious experience, previously hoped to bring connection and peace, becomes a source of serious anxiety and deep fear?
This podcast creates space to discuss the journey of navigating religious OCD by sharing experiences, resources, and practical tools.
Navigating Religious OCD
Quinn's Experience with Scrupulosity: "You can struggle for a decade AND things can get better"
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In this interview, Quinn Kunz shares his personal journey with scrupulosity and how deeply it’s impacted his life. From his early experiences in middle school, where guilt and anxiety began to take hold, to the challenges he faced in relationships and his faith, Quinn shares an honest account of living with this condition.
Quinn discusses how scrupulosity led to a relentless cycle of doubt and compulsive confession, affecting his ability to connect with others and maintain a healthy relationship with his faith. Despite trying traditional talk therapy, Quinn found that it often exacerbated his anxiety rather than alleviating it. Instead, he discovered that medication played a crucial role in helping him manage his symptoms and regain mental clarity.
Throughout the conversation, Quinn emphasizes the importance of understanding scrupulosity and finding the right support. He shares insights into how shifting his focus from feeling the Holy Ghost to studying Christ’s life and living as He would has brought him peace and relief.
This episode offers hope and practical advice for those struggling with similar challenges, highlighting that recovery is possible with the right tools.
Join us as we explore Quinn's story and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way, providing encouragement and guidance for anyone facing the complexities of religious OCD.
YouTube Video- Quinn's Experience with Scrupulosity “You can struggle for a decade AND things can get better”: https://youtu.be/RySglhuzN-c
Website: Navigating Religious OCD https://www.navigatingreligiousocd.com/
Email: navigatingreligiousocd@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/navigatingreligiousocd/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingreligiousocd
Contents of this episode:0:01 - Introduction and Welcome
- 0:29 - Quinn's Early Experiences with Scrupulosity
- 1:49 - The Cycle of Confession and Anxiety
- 7:14 - Impact on Relationships
- 16:30- Struggles with Therapy and Finding the Right Help
- 22:01 - Understanding Exposure Therapy
- 26:17- Exposure Therapy for Scrupulosity
- 27:00- Guided Script for Written Exposure as Given in “Freedom for Scrupulosity” by Debra McClendon
- 28:25- Exposure Example from Sariah
- 33:41 - Quinn's Relationship with Jesus and Spiritual Growth
- 42:33 - Final Thoughts and Message to Others
Resources:
McClendon, D. T. (2023). Freedom from scrupulosity: Reclaiming your religious experience from anxiety and OCD. Religious Studies Center & Deseret Book.
Music: Vlad Gluschenko — Waiting for this Moment
License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported: Deed - Attribution 3.0 Unported - Creative Commons