Luke Combs Opens Up About OCD Struggle: ‘It Held Me Back’

Country music star Luke Combs recently opened up about his long-standing battle with purely obsessional obsessive-compulsive disorder (Pure O), a rare form of OCD characterized by intrusive and unwanted thoughts without accompanying physical compulsions. In an interview with “60 Minutes Australia,” Combs revealed that he has been grappling with this condition since the age of 12, describing it as “debilitating” and “particularly wicked.”

Combs explained that Pure O manifests as persistent, intrusive thoughts that cause significant stress. He noted that the more one tries to suppress these thoughts, the more pervasive they become, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety. He described the experience as “tedious” and emphasized the importance of accepting these thoughts without giving them undue attention to manage the condition effectively.

The singer-songwriter acknowledged that during severe flare-ups, these intrusive thoughts can be “all-consuming,” sometimes occupying “45 seconds of every minute for weeks.” Despite these challenges, Combs has learned coping mechanisms over the years and expressed a desire to support others facing similar struggles. He highlighted that it’s possible to lead a successful and fulfilling life while managing mental health issues, stating, “It’s possible to continue to live your life and be really successful and have a great family and achieve your dreams while also dealing with things that you don’t want to be dealing with.”

Combs’ candidness sheds light on Pure O, a lesser-known variant of OCD, and underscores the importance of mental health awareness. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that with proper understanding and coping strategies, individuals can navigate their mental health challenges while pursuing their passions and goals.