Carly Pearce Details “Crippling” Struggles With Anxiety and OCD

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Carly Pearce is opening up about her mental health struggles.

The artist behind the hit song “What He Didn’t Do” gave a peek into her personal journey as she dealt with anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) over an extended period.

Carly mentioned during the August 25th episode of Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast that she began experiencing anxiety around three years ago, which was particularly heightened during her divorce and the pandemic. However, she shared that she has struggled with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) since childhood.

In the past, her Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder manifested through daily habits such as frequently verifying her alarms and her bag.

She reminisced about how her mother would always attempt to soothe her, especially during storms when I’d get really worked up. To help with this, she even took me to our local library to meet a meteorologist. This anxiety has been a constant companion in my life since then.

As an ardent admirer, I’ve always marveled at this iconic Grammy winner’s talent and resilience. Yet, her lifelong struggles with anxiety and OCD have been a part of her journey too. However, it was during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic that these symptoms seemed to intensify significantly. This period also marked a challenging time for her, as she was navigating the complexities of a divorce from her husband, Michael Ray, after eight short months together.

During the Covid pandemic, the accumulation of events such as being removed from work and experiencing a public divorce led to a strong, emotional response in me. It felt like a sudden, intense realization that I needed to take action.

She shared, “Over the course of numerous interviews, I’ve struggled to maintain composure. This experience has been quite a personal journey for me, as at times it felt like I was imprisoned within my own physical self.

Even after several years, her difficulties haven’t vanished completely, but she has chosen therapies as a means to manage her symptoms more effectively.

Over the past ten years, I’ve found myself suppressing issues and dealing with them on my own,” Carly explained. “This went on for so long that eventually, a few years ago, I had to seek therapy again to work through these challenges. Interestingly, I didn’t realize it until recently, but OCD has been a part of my life since I was around 6 or 7 years old.

As early as November 2020, the country singer underscored the crucial role and positive impact that therapy played in managing her mental well-being.

She expressed that she focused on managing what she could, primarily her mental wellbeing, as reported to Us Weekly. She admitted to trying therapy for the first time, a step many people shy away from mentioning, but found it incredibly beneficial. It was crucial for her to ensure she was healing properly and moving forward positively.

For more celebs who have spoken out about their own mental health journeys, keep reading…

The former star of “Gossip Girl” shared insights into his childhood acting career, referring to it as an instance of “feeling uncomfortable with his body image.

According to Penn’s statement to The Guardian in April 2025, he admitted that he strongly disliked his physical self and desired a change.

In the aftermath of his parents’ divorce, he expressed that there was a time when, emerging from depression and solitude, he found himself voluntarily immersing in, yet also being pushed into, a world where being perceived as conventionally attractive could potentially lead to success and increased worth.

Despite the mental struggles, though, Penn credited his ability to persist to his spirituality.

He clarified that it was this factor that helped him continue despite feeling disenchanted and struggling with various issues. Eventually, he returned to everything again, hoping that he underwent an internal change for the better.

The Scrubs alum has been vocal about her past difficult relationship with food.

She expressed on the “The Funny Thing Is” podcast that others might label it as an eating disorder, but for her, it’s simply a part of her life. She often referred to food as her vice or addiction. She had some unusual behaviors related to food.

She added, “I would over-exercise, and there was a sprinkle of bulimia in there.”

Despite admitting her challenges with her diet, she’s also been open about her advancements towards her wellness and physical fitness objectives.

At the age of 23, she eliminated all sugar from her meals, stopped consuming alcohol, and adopted yoga, breathing exercises, and stretching routines. In an interview with Bon Appétit in 2017, she stated that this lifestyle change was like the best Ritalin you could provide anyone.

She went on to say, “I’m an actress who struggles with food and body image concerns – it’s a genuine part of me. However, I’m working hard on self-healing in this aspect and taking care of my health naturally by nourishing my body with the best possible nutrients.

The actress from “Full House” shared insights about her personal struggle with mental health, particularly dealing with depression.

On her podcast with Candace Cameron Bure, she confided, “It’s challenging for me to discuss this, even with those closest to me. For my part, I often think I should be able to handle it on my own, and admitting weakness makes me feel vulnerable instead.

The Grammy-winning artist is quite transparent about her methods for preserving her vitality, which include disregarding negative comments on social media, while simultaneously offering guidance for those who might benefit from it.

In response to Vogue’s question about what words of wisdom she would share for those seeking guidance on mental health, she simply replied, “All I can suggest is to practice patience.” She practiced this self-compassion by being patient with herself, avoiding hasty decisions, and allowing time for things to gradually improve.

During the time when people were doing their best to adapt to social distancing as a means to combat the coronavirus outbreak, the artist known for “Firework” spoke honestly about how such circumstances can also lead to significant stress and pressure.

Occasionally, it’s tough deciding which is more challenging – navigating the virus or battling the surges of depression in this changed lifestyle,” Katy posted on Twitter. She further discussed managing these surges, stating, “With nowhere else to go, I find myself spending a lot of time in my car. It serves as my sanctuary.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but share my enthusiasm when I talk about the remarkable model who joined forces with the brilliant Kenneth Cole to advocate for The Mental Health Coalition. On Good Morning America, she bravely opened up about her personal battles with anxiety, a testament to her courage and commitment to mental health awareness.

After her panic attacks began reoccurring, she eventually managed to gather the essential details about it.

Kendall mentioned that her mood fluctuates between good periods and periods of intense anxiety, making her feelings unpredictable. She shared her motivation for joining the movement was to help others feel less isolated, hoping to create a sense of unity among those going through similar experiences.

Actor of Black Adam openly discusses his struggle with depression, emphasizing that many men find it challenging to share their mental health issues.

Life can bring us through tough times, and sadness doesn’t choose who it affects. After much reflection, I found that the crucial step is not to fear sharing your feelings. Men, in particular, often tend to hold things inside. Remember, you’re never alone in facing these challenges.

The Duke of Sussex played a role in reducing the social taboo surrounding mental health support by candidly discussing his personal experiences with therapy during an interview with the Telegraph. In sharing his story, he expressed that he discovered he was among many who have gone through similar journeys when he said, “I’ve found that once you begin talking about it, you realize you’re a member of a rather large group.

The Empire actress openly discusses her battles with depression and relies on professional help, as she has revealed in past interviews that she regularly consults with a therapist to cope with her challenges.

Taraji P. Henson herself established The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, an organization dedicated to lessening the societal stigma surrounding mental health within the African-American community while simultaneously increasing the pool of Black therapists.

The Grammy-winning artist revealed that battling an eating disorder and stage fright inspired her to undertake a type of PTSD treatment known as MDMA and psilocybin therapy.

She shared with Rolling Stone in May 2025 that she was experiencing stage fright-free performances for the first time. She described it as if there was a tug on her gut, and everyone in the room felt the same way, similar to a sudden shift in atmospheric pressure. This experience made her understand the depth of her affection and need for that intense, physical response from the audience to truly feel connected to her music.

Instead of saying “more expansive,” she clarified that the renewed emphasis on her mental health and her choice to cease using birth control broadened her perception about her own gender.

She expressed feeling a desire to discontinue using birth control, as if she had severed some connection to the controlled notion of femininity associated with it. It might seem strange, but she felt freed from the feminine norms, and she believed this liberation enabled new opportunities.

In 2017, the actress from Riverdale shared on Instagram that during my middle school years, I was battling intense anxiety and depression. The aid and encouragement I got from my family and a therapist were instrumental in saving my life. Reaching out for help is crucial. Remember, you’re far more valuable to this world than you might think.

As a fervent admirer, I couldn’t help but delve into the profound insights my idol, the “What He Didn’t Do” singer, recently unveiled. She took us on a journey through her tumultuous years grappling with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sharing intimate glimpses of her life’s struggles.

Three years ago, amidst my divorce and the onset of the pandemic, I might’ve shared with you that my anxiety began then,” Carly confessed during an episode of Bunnie Xo’s Dumb Blonde podcast in August 2025. “However, what I didn’t mention is that I’ve been grappling with OCD, a debilitating condition, since my childhood.

She explained that over the past decade, she had become accustomed to keeping quiet and enduring challenges. This pattern continued until a few years ago when she felt compelled to seek therapy again, delving deeper into understanding various issues. She also clarified that her OCD didn’t emerge in 2020; it had been present since she was around six or seven years old.

For several years, the actress from the movie “Frozen” has openly discussed her methods for managing her mental health during public speeches as well as on her Instagram Stories.

As a committed supporter, I’ve championed the quest for strategies tailored to individual needs. For me, as suggested by Health magazine, these methods could encompass medication, maintaining a balance of ten positive aspects over each negative thought, and ensuring regular physical activity.

The cookbook author is a loving mother to four children and openly discusses the common struggle of postpartum depression that many new mothers face but often find difficult to address.

In a letter penned for Glamour magazine in 2017, she expressed that speaking up about it became progressively simpler each time. Her intention was to make others aware that this can happen to anyone and to reassure those who experience it that they shouldn’t feel ashamed or isolated.

During an interview with The Edit magazine, the author spoke candidly about her struggles with depression and suicidal feelings as a teenager, describing a sense of “darkness” within herself during that period.

In her conversation with the publication as reported in W magazine, Cara expressed that she had placed an excessive emphasis on others’ love and their ability to bring her happiness. She acknowledged the need to learn how to find happiness within herself. Now, she feels capable of finding joy in solitude, a journey that took some time to complete.

The artist behind “Thank U, Next” has humorously replied to a Twitter joke about her therapist, saying, “This is really funny, but seriously, therapy has saved my life on numerous occasions.

As a lifestyle expert, allow me to say that if you find yourself hesitant to seek assistance, remember there’s no need for that apprehension. You don’t have to endure persistent discomfort and you can work through your traumas. I, too, am on a journey of self-discovery and growth, but recognizing the potential for healing is a significant step forward.

The artist has been transparent about her struggle with addiction, recovery, mental health issues, among other things, often reflecting these experiences in her songs.

As a devoted follower, I consistently emphasize that nurturing one’s mental health is a continuous voyage, filled with moments of triumph and tribulation. Just as I’ve shared on Instagram, “A gentle nudge to those fighting through: remember, life is a journey with many highs and lows, but never lose heart.

Apart from portraying characters centered around mental health concerns, like her role as Rue in the teen series “Euphoria”, she has also openly dealt with these topics in her personal life as well.

In the year 2013, Zendaya opened up on her now-closed app about experiencing anxiety following an appearance on Ellen, where technical issues caused her microphone to malfunction. Over time, she has developed methods to cope with these feelings, expressing, “At times, you simply need to pause and step back to help reduce your stress levels.

The artist openly discussed her mental health odyssey with WSJ Magazine, stating, “My peaks were extremely intense, while my valleys could keep me sidelined for several weeks.

She revealed that she struggles with mental health problems. After finding the right medication, her life has undergone a significant transformation.

The Grammy-winning artist dedicated herself to sharing compassion, transparency, and openly discussing her personal experiences with mental health.

She revealed during the Global Changemakers Award event at Children Mending Hearts’ Empathy Rocks fundraiser in 2018 that she had hidden her mental health struggles for a long time, either privately or publicly. But now, she strongly feels that hiding such issues only perpetuates illness. In other words, ‘I’ve kept my mental health battles under wraps for quite some time, but I’ve come to realize that keeping things secret only makes you sicker.’

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2025-08-26 16:49