Natalie Altman, 27, described a childhood marked by obsessive routines aimed at warding off perceived threats to her family's well-being. Her Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) often centered on death, compelling her to perform elaborate 'checking' rituals, such as repeatedly shutting curtains if she thought of someone potentially harming themselves, or ensuring symmetrical facial expressions to prevent a stroke.
As she entered adulthood, Altman's anxieties increasingly focused on her own health. She frequently sought medical attention, convinced she was suffering from serious illnesses like throat cancer or pleurisy, despite repeated reassurances from doctors. Her struggles led one therapist to suggest that her level of anxiety might prevent her from having a romantic partner.
Altman's experience with health anxiety, a subtype of OCD, involves a constant loop of intrusive thoughts and fears about uncertainty. This can manifest as compulsively checking for physical symptoms of illness and a strong need for reassurance. Her fascination with health articles from a young age, coupled with a persistent feeling of a strange sensation while eating at age 15, led her to believe she had throat cancer, a diagnosis later refuted by a doctor.
Despite initial skepticism from healthcare providers, Altman's symptoms eventually led to a referral for suspected OCD. Her journey has involved numerous therapists, psychiatrists, and different therapeutic approaches, including schema therapy, a form of psychotherapy that addresses self-defeating patterns. For a period, antidepressants also played a role in managing her symptoms, particularly when combined with schema therapy.
However, discontinuing her medication during a stable phase inadvertently led to a severe health anxiety episode. A minor sensation in her eye triggered fears of a brain aneurysm, leading to multiple emergency room visits and diagnostic tests, all of which confirmed she was healthy. Altman recounted how, even after receiving negative results, she questioned the accuracy of the scans, highlighting the powerful grip of her intrusive thoughts.
Altman found that her fiancé, Aaron, proactively attended therapy to better understand her condition. He learned coping mechanisms to support her, as explained in sessions as if he were the patient. She explained that while her OCD is a constant presence, she has learned to manage it, though it still impacts her daily life. Rituals include ensuring her fiancé says 'see you later' when he leaves, checking on family members' online statuses, and touching her engagement ring a specific number of times for herself and her loved ones.
She has found a sense of community by sharing her experiences on platforms like TikTok. Other public figures, including Sir David Beckham and Megan Fox, have also spoken about their OCD diagnoses, which manifest in various ways, from arranging items to excessive handwashing due to germaphobia.
Official statistics indicate that a significant portion of the UK population is diagnosed with OCD, yet experts estimate it takes an average of nine years to diagnose. Altman hopes her candor will educate others about the nuances of OCD, countering the casual use of the term and emphasizing the intrusive nature of the thoughts and the distress they cause. She stated that OCD does not negate rationality and that the fear of illness is far more profound than general anxiety.
Altman views her condition with a sense of acceptance, acknowledging that while it is a persistent challenge, it also fosters a deep sense of gratitude and empathy towards her loved ones. She aims to demonstrate that a fulfilling life is possible despite the ongoing management required for her OCD.