MAKEUP THERAPY 💚 OCD & BRAT Girl Summer 💚

I'm chatty today people. There was construction outside ALL day so imma take you through a very Chappell Roan inspired BRAT makeup look while I talk about my OCD treatment journey 💚💚💚
You can become a member here / @alexandraanele ❤️
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[@AlexandraAnele]

Thank you everyone for listening 🙏🏼💚💚💚

[@sebumpostmortem]

Thank *YOU* for speaking. 🧛🏻‍♀️🖤

[@saranoelle3927]

I have OCD too. I appreciate your sharing ❤

[@laurarivera1992]

I have it as well and I just turned 61. I realized I had it from talking to my son’s friend.

[@six23ist]

Thank you for sharing. It was courageous of you and shows how much you care about your audience.

[@HaydeeSophia]

I do the same thing with skin care and especially gloss. I want an even application every time. Everything you've described symmetry, the whole gamut I can relate to.

[@user-lf5oz9ki8z]

You've no idea how much you helped me to understand my son, who has OCD, with this video. "Thank you" just doesn't seem like enough. And on top of that, I loved watching your artistry. Thank you!

[@margueritahayworth6820]

Same for me and my son.❤ I think Alex just may have reached him today with the words she chose.

[@elizabethgrassi9444]

What ......

[@justines1919]

Ugh you’re so pretty ❤ and not a dumb unrelated influencer- just a human and good teacher. Thanks for speaking. I have ADHD and I’m struggling. ❤

[@AlexandraAnele]

😭🙏🏼💚

[@nadined9282]

I realised I had adhd last year and everything clicked. But yeah everything is a struggle 😢

[@dime.overmatter]

Some really good books that helped me with ADHD are "You mean I'm not lazy, stupid or crazy!?" And "Delivered from Distraction" as well as "FAST Minds" the main thing I learned was: 1. You're not "doing it" on purpose (ie being late, being forgetful, being impatient, being sloppy or slapdash) 2. You should be kind to yourself because of reason #1 3. You're very creative, resilient, flexible, adaptive, empathetic, capable, valuable, and interesting. You add a lot to the world. Your ADHD is important for challenging the status quo, and questioning existing structures (like, maybe sitting for 8 hours at a desk inside in one position isn't good for ANYONE, and maybe we shouldn't tolerate it as a society!!) 4. You can build life skills that help you to feel more confident and in control of your life (work, chores, personal goals).

[@catherinebell122]

Very helpful video! I imagine most people have some form of OCD if we are honest with ourselves. After all, we are all unique beings😊

[@Aaron-pu9hn]

Yup she's awesome!!

[@mushmush55]

Thanks for this Alex. I'm a psychotherapist that specializes in treating OCD and OCPD, and it's a privilege to hear about your journey thus far :) these disorders are so, so isolating at times, opening up about this topic is a really wonderful resource to share with folks to feel heard and understood.

[@hope4sumthinghappy]

Applause to you for diving in and taking care of yourself, Alex! I have been struggling with PTSD and anxiety for so long and although I have made a lot of progress, it’s still a daily struggle. I hope you feel better and you find joy in your creative outlet along the way. Love this look, btw! 💜

[@agirlwhopaintslove8053]

Thanks for talking more about OCD, it helps a lot hearing it from other people. My OCD is compulsions, intrusive thoughts and images that are graphic and scary and just pop into my mind whenever, but I also relate to the eye cream thing because I get this super tense feeling in my arm that makes me think I’m not applying my makeup or lipstick right and I have to re-do it or something bad will happen. OCD sucks so muchh, and can really make you not be present so it’s been really great hearing others talk about it, makes me come back to the present when I’m sometimes not.

[@emma_luce_0623]

Oh my gosh, the intrusive thoughts are so bad. 😢 It's never something just a little weird or crazy either for me, it'll be something insane and disgusting like brutally hurting someone that I love. And it can be so hard to realize that it's not something I'm choosing to think about, and that is just a side effect of this condition.

[@agirlwhopaintslove8053]

@@emma_luce_0623Yeah it’s super hard to realize it’s just OCD. I remember as a kid that I thought I was some kinda witch because of how I thought If I did a compulsion I could save whoever from dying, based on whatever intrusive thought I was having at the time. I wish there was alot more info on ocd because I went years without knowing why I thought the way I did lol.

[@melissaneal3808]

I have this!!!! I’ll just be answering the door and wondering if someone’s going to stab me or cooking something in the microwave and think what if it explodes! It doesn’t stop me from doing anything but I always thought wtf is wrong with me???!!! I have had other little idiosyncrasies all my life like counting or not looking away from the clock if I see it says 13 until it turns to 14 or else. So weird. I know I have anxiety so I just swept it under that umbrella but reading these comments makes me feel less like a freak. Thank you! 🫶🏼💜

[@FernandaFattu]

same

[@SamM-z1c]

Same here. ACT therapy has been helpful for me + medication.

[@beautybybrendanese]

I love that you're being so transparent about your treatment-- I can resonate with much of what you said. Thank you for making many of us not feel so alone ❤

[@AlexandraAnele]

❤️❤️❤️

[@alicepirola7077]

I have had OCD since I was a child. Because my father was abusing my brother and I physically and sexually, I had no way to control it. So I went into magical thinking OCD... Like if you wear a certain item daddy won't do that tonight. Or if you walk a certain way to school Daddy won't hurt us tonight. So that is where mine set in and then it became compulsive OCD as I grew older with germs and cleaning. I used to clean my ceilings in my house. That's how bad it got. I was convinced that the cleaner my house was the nicer a person I was or I would be accepted as a person I should say. Anyway, as to you dear Alex... Thank you for sharing your mental health journey with your vast community. Obviously we are here for it, just as we are here for you the whole person. I pray that you find relief in this new therapy. It has peaked my interest quite intensely. Anyway, you are still one of my favorite KZbinrs and love your channel girl. For many reasons. Hang in there for us, we need you! Xoxo Alice

[@FeedYourHead1947]

It’s really comforting to hear the person I’ve watched for many years talk about something so personal to me. Thank you! I’ve had intrusive thoughts about weird shit, and the classic checking ocd. Most of it is gone due to exposure therapy:D Stil got work to do tho. It still manifests in relationship ocd/ work/ planning and making choices. The regular life stuff mental compulsions Ive found really difficult to get rid of. So it’s still a shitshow sometimes but so so thankful for all the growth and freedom I already won. Stay strong everyone 🖤

[@MelissaW-b7s]

I’m an OCD therapist, and it’s remarkable how quickly and effectively ERP treats OCD. Good for you, cause it’s not easy work.

[@lurenawalters6865]

I was medically diagnosed in my early 20s. Back then it was unheard of. Very important to bring mental health issues out of the closet. THANK YOU. The weird thing about OCD is you know it’s happening ~ you are aware ~ you aren’t delusional and yet you must behave in a certain way. There is a misconception that it is merely perfectionism. Not true. So much more about it. There is a genetic component. 16:57 Treatments are available and do help. Videos like yours help erase and stigma and prompt people to seek help. Thank you !! There is plenty of hope. ❤️ 😊💕love the eye makeup 😎

[@afsanarosebd]

Thank you. Not enough people talk about mental health and OCD. I have a different type of OCD. I was diagnosed in my early twenties. I have a social OCD. I worry that I say the wrong things or I upset someone. I worry if I did the wrong thing or I didn’t do a good job. In school I worried constantly if my grades weren’t perfect. I was sent to a school counselor because I was being such a perfectionist. I find it very debilitating and sometimes it stops me from doing things or moving forward in my life. I also can’t stand anything out of place or disorganized. I can’t create or work if my workshop isn’t perfect or my house isn’t clean. I’m also an artist. I was a graphic designer for many years. Now I work from home. I paint and I’m a fiber artist. I would love it if you would share more of your story and if you would incorporate your artwork into your videos. If you would share your creative process. I would be interested if it’s a perfectionism like mine and if it causes you frustration or hinders you. I love your makeup and your work that I’ve seen. I think it’s so interesting that you paint and do makeup as well. Thanks again.

[@caseyelizabethan]

I totally relate to this ❤

[@woolnotwheat]

finding an article that discussed Moral Scrupulosity OCD as similar to the more recognized religious OCD was a big step for me, in realizing not all OCD was contamination focused (when i get cleaning obsessed, it's more about completion than contamination), and that those thoughts about did i do the right thing, did i think a bad thought, testing myself over and over again with bad thoughts and trying to gauge my reaction.... it's torture. it's really not represented enough, but i guess it's easier to show locking the door seven times than how normal self awareness and desire to do well can turn into hell in your own mind.

[@therealtulip]

As someone who has dealt with absolutely debilitating manifestations of OCD in the past, I am so happy to hear you talk about it so openly and honestly. This is exactly what our society needs, imo.

[@brigitteryan2863]

Thank you for being so consistent with your context. So many others made their money and have slacked off because they’re too busy now. They forget WHY they’re here. 🥰

[@Sasha-mb3rv]

Love the longer hair on you and how you styled it !

[@AlexandraAnele]

Thank you! I'm still learning how to have hair longer than an inch 😂

[@laurarivera1992]

I am 61 years old and I was diagnosed with ADHD in my 40’s . I learned I have ocd as well! 🙏🙏🙏 thank you for talking about it. I’m also a perfectionist! I get into a car and I look in the mirror at least 4 times to see if my makeup looks good

[@aeroscorpian]

Thank you for being open with all of us. That look is beautiful! (Btw, those moments where you pause and give goofy expressions make me so happy, for some reason. I relate to it so much. 😆)

[@sydeezy17]

Thank you for your candid communication! Honestly it’s refreshing and a great reminder that we are not alone! ❤

[@psychedbypat]

loved hearing about your experience. some things resonated, some things didn't, but I'm glad I got to listen to you. The look turned out beautiful as well, looks a bit like a butterfly wing gleaming in the sunlight. All the best to you!

[@AlexandraAnele]

Thank you love! Thank you for listening 🙏🏼💚

[@sebumpostmortem]

Late mental disorders diagnosis is the biggest sh*t and, at the same time, the biggest release. The more years you' ve spended struggling with your mouth sewed by yourself, ashamed, masking, not understanding or connecting a lot of things, considering yourself the only miserable person who does/not does, feels doesn' t feel in a certain way, the more freedoming is when someone like _The Wonder_ connects all the dots, makes it make sense and helps you. It' s ok to feel that you are stupid now and wonder "Why tf didn' t I identify it if it was all right in front of me?" Because things being where you applied highlighter👃🏻doesn' t imply more visibility but all the opposite. So happy for you, badass brat🧛🏻‍♀️🖤.

[@highwayaisle]

This eye makeup look is amazing! And thank you for sharing your OCD story. I myself have been diagnosed with OCD since I was 15 (I'm 31 now), and it just feels comforting knowing that I'm not alone.

[@Jdoublel7]

Thank you for letting us all into your life so much. Although I don’t *think* I have OCD but making endless lists resonates so much (physically checking things off is one of my favourite things to do). Regardless, it’s so interesting to hear about your journey and hope that you continue to feel comfortable sharing more; not really a hot take but I think it’s so important to talk about different aspects of mental health and just skimming through comments, you are helping so many people to feel understood and less alone.

[@StuffedyStuffs]

Just stumbled upon your channel today & wow this video was such a breath of fresh air. I have yet to undergo exposure response therapy for my ocd but I am very aware of its difficulty in my life. I appreciate your openness and hope others can find peace knowing they’re not alone

[@marelle422]

I have OCPD and holy shit was this whole thing relatable. Especially when you were talking about how you would write off things as "oh its just a quirk" or "it doesnt really effect my day to day". I did that for so long about things that now talking about seem so intense. Like, "Oh yeah I always have to triple check windows and their locks, but its not like its a PROBLEM..." Glad you're making progress in your own journey and wishing you all the best going forward. Thank you a ton for sharing all this. 💜

[@maxipink]

i have ocd too ! 😌 but mine has a lot to do with morality and being good and bad mostly . i tried ERP therapy thru NOCD and it was really helpful :) ur totally right it really does affect everything in ur life and it could get soooo dark 😭 thanks for speaking on it

[@yerzhanova]

The eyeroll at 13:03 got me. And thank you for sharing and opening up about your mental health journey.

[@danoh.8072]

Love the makeup look, just stunning! 😍 i also just started therapy this week bc of my ocd. i saw a tiktok of someone saying that their ocd makes them afraid of having a psychosis, and i was like hahah i have the same fear. then trough research i found out about pure-o, the kind of ocd where you don't wash your hands or lock your door a million times, but the kind of ocd where you are afraid of hurting someone/yourself, the fear of being a bad person, the fear of not remembering things perfectly, the fear of being a preditor towards childer, the fear of being in the wrong relationship, the fear of running someone over with your car,... and also the fear of going insane, so good to say that this realization has changed my life😅

[@truesavings1988]

Now I see why you’re makeup is so perfect and symmetrical. Perfection. Thank you for sharing. My husband is this way too.

[@piro_the_cat]

I'm really glad to hear that you are doing better. You are one of my favorite content creators specifically for the way you talk. I'm autistic (provably also ADHD and some other things) and I can only fully contect with other neurodivergent people. The way you talk is exactly the same as the way i think and talk, whatching your videos does not require me to think, process or translate a single thing because you are already talking in "my language". Cognitive behavioral therapy had the same effect in me and it wasn't until I found someone specialized in autism that I started to actually improve. This may be a bit weird, but i would not be at ease if i didn't tell you: please, please, please look into stimming. It is pretty common to have more than one neurodivergence and some stimming (more present in autism and ADHD but actually everyone does them in one way or another) can be confused with some specific compulsive behavior. For me it was really important to learn to differentiate between my stimms and my compulsions. Restringing stimms builds up stress and it worsens compulsions so it makes everything even harder. That being said, the make up looks gorgeous, have a great week (⁠ﾉ⁠◕⁠ヮ⁠◕⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠*⁠.⁠✧

[@hannahmoynehan7485]

Also autistic, and who knows what else, and i hadnt realised that the commonalities of neurodivergence might be why i find Alex so much easier to listen to than most. I read your comment and had a complete “aha” moment. No translation required and i can just relax and enjoy. Thank you for giving me another lightbulb moment! ETA and totally agree re CBT - it generally just made me frustrated bordering on angry.

[@MakeupCleaningAndCats]

Such a cool look! I have social anxiety and have a hard time going to stores by myself. I started forcing myself to go to stores as exposure therapy, and even though I still get nervous it’s gotten easier

[@jessicuhwilde2921]

Thank you so much for sharing your personal life with us Alex, and being real. I struggle with OCD as well and people don't understand how debilitating it can be.. it consumes your whole life and you don't even realize it.. You are Amazing and we all love you!

[@joanneblakely2498]

Alex you are a beautiful and talented human being. Thank you for opening up about your OCD struggles, you are not alone many off us have the same struggles or just different ones, talking about it is half the battle, you are amazing to me😊

[@repellomuggletumify]

I have had contamination based OCD for about 9 years now, and it's been a struggle. ERP and meds have been life changing. So surprised to see you talk about this but a pleasant surprise.

[@kelseycranwell5015]

This one was really comforting and much needed, I feel much less alone. In regards to the Chappell Roan makeup- please recreate her Gov Ball eye makeup!!!! The Lady Liberty look!

[@kkooleyes]

You made me cry😢 I am so glad that you're sharing this with your subscribers. While I don't suffer from OCD I am one of your makeup loving subscribers who is currently out of work on disability for my mental health. I am 51 and neurodivergent with severe ADHD, anxiety and panic disorder and currently suffering from agoraphobia (I'm having a hard time leaving the house). My job became extremely short-staffed and the stress level pushed me beyond my mental limit I guess and I started having panic attacks at work which got progressively worse until finally I was unable to go to work. I'm working with a therapist and my doctor but so far I am not getting better. But you finding a therapy that works for you and your disorder gives me hope as I'm sitting here in front of the TV watching you, unable to leave my house. Maybe I need to push my doctors to explore other therapies for me or maybe I need to find a new doctors. I think this was very brave of you and I really hope you'll keep sharing to increase mental health awareness.

[@sebumpostmortem]

I know it doesn' t change anything but just so you know: EXACTLY the same🫂🧛🏻‍♀️🖤.

[@dime.overmatter]

You can heal and get better. It's a long journey, and over time you will see better days. Keep persisting until you find a therapy that's beneficial for you x

[@kkooleyes]

@@dime.overmatter thank you❤️

[@bluj95]

Thank you for sharing your story and experience with ocd. It’s so misunderstood and important for people to know about. You are so brave and you are not alone!

[@leLayrose]

I wish everyone was as real an open as you the fact that you brought attention to Mental Health issues is so rare and important to me I'm sorry that you've gone through OCD and that you go through it but I'm so glad that you seek help for it and your shared experiences with it

[@sarahallegra6239]

I learned this year that I have ocd too! I’m doing ERP too but I’ve also started medication for it. The combo has been life changing! I appreciate you talking about this and I wish you the very best as you conquer this 💚

[@angelaward8992]

Loved the look! Thank you for sharing ❤ I encourage all my family and friends to engage in any type of mental health therapy, we all need that support ❤️

[@madisonnicoleleary]

Yes! I needed this tutorial the minute I saw your last video 💚

[@amymcginty6634]

Awww… I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been suffering & struggling with OCD. I’ve had my own issues with it, as has one of my brothers & a couple of other relatives. It can be hereditary. I pray that your therapy diminishes & ultimately conquers your symptoms & issues. Your makeup look is gorgeous, as you are😘🙏

[@GracieMae493]

I love everything you said and I so appreciate you sharing your story because sharing stories is the driving force of progress. Also that look is unreal stunning, gorgeous, can't take my eyes off of you 🔥

[@anastasiafraank]

Alex, I feel you sooooo much. I've been having OCD for 9 years now... having obsessions with clean hands and body, street and house clothes, household chemicals, etc. I also have a thing about restaurants, but it's bathrooms :)) I'm not coming back if it's uncomfortable. These feelings - yes, it feels like the end of the world! the anxiety crippling up your spine, when you realise you have to do the ritual, doing the ritual, then realising it's not enough.... I understand! thank you for talking about it! it is really important

[@sweet-red]

this was very insightful, and helped me understand more about my own ocd tendencies. i appreciate you taking the time to share your experience 🫶🏼🖤 as always, your makeup look STUNS

[@jjjjk1241]

Thank you for this, Alex! Love the eye look, and just wanted you to know I was one of the fortunate ones to get one of your brushes!❤ I don’t think I have full on OCD, but I do have skin picking disorder and maybe even hair pulling disorder. Hair pulling has gotten better since I cut my hair short. I recently discovered a supplement, NAC, that has helped a lot with the skin picking. Your former video where you mentioned OCD was one of the things that sparked me to realize I had a bigger problem than I thought. Like you said, I just thought it was a weird quirk. I had gone to a support group for these issues before, and I didn’t think I had the problem since my behavior wasn’t quite as bad as other people in the group. I’m doing so much better due to better awareness, and with the help of this supplement! Yes, I would definitely appreciate hearing more as your journey continues, if you want to share.😊

[@RedRvmm]

Fellow skin picker here. I've done the hair pulling too, but not as much. Sometimes it gets worse and other times it's better. It's a tough one to manage :(

[@jjjjk1241]

@@RedRvmm like Alex said, awareness is key. Once I realized the reason I was doing it, it became easier to stop. I realized I was doing it because I was trying to make my skin perfect. Any little flake or scab I couldn’t leave alone because I wanted my skin to be smooth. It’s like, guess what I’m making it 1000 times worse!! when I realized the reason behind it and also that it was just a mindless self soothing when I got anxious, that has helped me too.

[@nadined9282]

Compulsive skin picker here. Yep, it’s the worst. It helps me to use skincare which targets the flaws or skin symptoms that make me want to pick. I pick my pores so the ideal would be a retinoid to purge the pore gunk from the skin and reshape the pores. The great thing about retinoids is that with consistent use, there’ll be less pore gunk and the stretched pores will start to reshape, so the ongoing issues will be minimised. Liquid exfoliators are the next best after retinoids/retinol. Lightweight, no/low residue, textures are key for me. Using anything that increases oiliness is a no-go. Otherwise I’ll pick. Likewise, with my cuticle picking a nourishing hand cream which deeply hydrates the nail area is important. By Terry Baume de Rose (I use the potted one) is incredibly unique in how it both nourishes and exfoliates the cuticles. The living cuticle kin is super hydrated while the dead cuticle skin dries, loosens and sheds with ease. Miracle product! I’m lucky to have more awareness of my picking triggers since having more awareness of my thoughts and habits from discovering I have adhd. I also sometimes (and I’m inconsistent with this because my skincare and makeup are inconsistent) like to think of my skin as a makeup base and not as skin: how can I optimise the makeup with this base? Not picking! Thinking of the redness that will be hard to cover, etc. Makeup can be a good way to shield ourselves from the things we puck and intend to use it as a tool more. Anyway, I feel ya. Best of luck and know how worthy you are even though you pick (it doesn’t diminish anything) :)

[@LexiGoLightly]

Fellow Alex(andra) here recently diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder and whewwww. Happy you're getting so much help and healing 🙏

[@randi_bee]

Thank you for sharing so much of this with us Alex. As someone who has struggled for years with counting corners, tapping my fingers to make sure things have an even number of edges, picking my lips until they feel flat and not bumpy, quitting at everything because I'm too afraid to fail and my perfectionism won't allow me continue, I appreciate this conversation and you. My 5 year old daughter is struggling with perfectionism in her art currently and I'm seeing my ocd manifest in her and it's crazy to see how at such a young age these things are just inherently in you. I'll be looking into this therapy if you are willing to share more about how one goes about finding such services in Michigan. Thank you again 💗 solidarity always

[@Athenrein]

I'm dealing with ADHD and autism (and secondary chronic depression) rather than OCD, but I can relate. Especially the feeling of finally identifying what's going on and learning that there are strategies to help. Once we have a name for something and an action plan we can finally start working on not blaming ourselves and feeling like we're just failing at life. I really appreciate your whole vibe and you've been an inspiration for me to start getting into makeup here in my late 30s. All the love 💜

[@KatyFrase]

I’ve been struggling with OCD for about 6 years now. Thank you for sharing your experience with it. I wish you the best on your journey!! 🩷

[@Sm0keyEyedSiren]

It sounds similar to what a bcba does to help my daughter with autism. We used to go out in situations that triggered whatever we were focusing on and then she would help by showing my daughter and myself the proper way to handle it. Its hard. It definitely takes time and its been so helpful though. Good luck to you and happy you are finding and seeking ways to take care of yourself. ❤

[@Hope-pz1lo]

The lotion/eye cream thing makes so much sense to me, I was literally coming up with excuses as you were asking "why" lol

[@oliviaaottolino]

Firstly.. wow this makeup look. Stunning. Secondly, feeling SO seen after hearing your experience. OCD is extremely misunderstood and I didn’t realize I had it until my mid 20s because of all of the misconceptions. It’s really complicated because it does show up differently for everyone. I experience it in a few different ways, but the one that negatively impacts me the most is skin picking. Dermatillomania is a form of OCD and I’ve been suffering with it for almost 5 years now. I honestly want to cry admitting how long I have been dealing with this, mostly because I don’t see the end. Sometimes I feel like I will obsessively ruin my face and hate myself forever. I’ve done acceptance and commitment therapy for it in the past, and it truly changed my life and made it so much easier to cope with. But I still suffer every single day. 😢

[@gaylemorgan5733]

Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing your struggles, its so important . Also I am stunned by your look-just so beautiful and I am loving the longer hair. xo

[@blendofdays]

First of all, this is my favorite makeup look you've EVER done. Secondly, I deal with bipolar, PTSD, & generalized anxiety disorder (which sometimes manifested as OCD esp in my younger years). Cbt & exposure therapy 100% helped me with my obsessive compulsions! I also am way way better at dealing with my anxiety & haven't had a panic attack in years. I've come close a few times, like this past weekend when we had two weddings in one day at the same time (I'm a chef) but I managed & came out the other side! 🎉

[@stp4779]

Fantastic talk about OCD, Alex. You nailed it exactly. SIT WITH IT!

[@GoodDeedWearyWorld]

YesYesYes. I have H3 and Howie to thank for opening my eyes to what OCD/Tourettes/and even ED’s look like IRL, rather than the stereotypical ways these things are portrayed in movies and TV and I heard about the same company through Howie and Sam too! I’m so so glad you’re talking about this because I have had similar experiences with CBT therapy (CBT still does help and work for me for the treatment of a different condition, but for OCD it’s a no from me). Exposure therapy can be very traumatic if it’s done on someone else’s terms. ERP as well as EMDR feel a bit better because they’re on your own terms and the intensity of the exercise is set entirely at your own pace. ❤️

[@vision_walker]

Would love to see you do a Chappell look! Also, a similar therapy is used for social anxiety. Mainly, it's going a place or with some people that make you uncomfortable for a bit of time, and being able to be comfortable in the uncomfortable

[@candibee8918]

Hi! Long time subscriber, first time commenter. Just here to say you’re not alone ❤ I knew something was really wrong for years lol! But it got to a critical point when I had my first kid. One thing I remember in particular is a close friend coming over to visit me and baby and drop off cupcakes, and I knew she was coming and I knew the house was not to my liking (normally, before treatment and medication, I used to keep it so tidy and clean that people told me it made them uncomfortable to be in my house because they were scared of spilling something 😢). My friend knocked on the door and I panicked, I could not let her in. What if she thought I was a bad mom? What if she thought my house was disgusting? What if she never wanted to come back? Those were my panic thoughts. The ironic thing is that I could not let her in and I sat on the other side of the door holding my baby and crying and of course our friendship died after that, and she never has been inside my house. But that was 10 years ago and I’m happy to report that my house is pretty messy now (2 kids, 2 cats, partner) and I am OK! It’s not easy every day but I am ok! You’ve got this girl ❤❤❤❤ not to be cliche, but it really does get better when you put the work in. You’ve got this!

[@candibee8918]

Oh also, the chapel roan look is *perfection* HOTTOGO!

[@AlexandraAnele]

I'm so sorry to hear how severe it was BUT SO relieved to hear the progress you've made! It's incredibly motivating for me, thank you so much for sharing 🙏🏼 💚

[@candibee8918]

@@AlexandraAnele 💕

[@veroniquefournier7416]

Waiting for this one since the last video 🎉

[@AlexandraAnele]

😈💚

[@veroniquefournier7416]

Just so you know, I was litteraly lock inside because of OCD for 4 years. It was 23 years ago and I could not imagine myself in a better place now. You cannot think that the things could go better but it will, just keep fighting and keep trying. There is a way for you to feel better and after that you will be stronger than the rest because you know! You know how to switch gear to not be the slave of the OCD and you will be able to see if it want to come back or any stressfull situation. You have the control of you and the situation. Let the anxiety build you are not gonna die and next time it will be less painfull, I promise. I was not able to go to the mailbox for years and now I can travel in other country alone. Trust yourself and believe in you. (Sorry for all the typo and sentence mistake I’m a french canadian)

[@defectiveshark7602]

One of the things I always tell people about having OCD is that it is Obsessive Compulsive DISORDER. It's a disorder. If the things you feel you *have* to do are interfering with your ability to function, if it's getting in the way of you living your life and making you unhappy? You might have OCD. It being a real problem for the sufferer is usually a requirement for diagnosis. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing your experience with treatment. I'm so glad you've found a helpful treatment that works for you, I'm probably going to check out NOCD tonight. Also - this look is straight FIRE.

[@dvara.p]

wow this video just hit the spot for me, I finished a several months course of ERP treatment in June and I cannot even begin to describe how different my life is now compared to what it had been. I relate heavily to not thinking that my OCD symptoms were a big thing, to realising through the treatment how OMNIPRESENT OCD actually was in my life, and yeah doing ERP was exhausting and arduous and many times I thought I could absolutely not handle it but actually in the end I could, and I could even do the "worst" exposures at the top of my list and make it through to the end thank you so much for talking about this Alex, I appreciate a lot that this is being discussed. and also maybe more people can get the opportunity to reflect on themselves if they have OCD, and consider getting treatment. cause for the longest time, even knowing I had OCD, I thought that there was no treatment and I was supposed to just exist with all those hopelessly complex ways of doing mostly simple everyday things just because it feels absolutely wrong to do it any other way, avoiding a great deal of stuff in the hope to not have a response triggered, ugh just thinking about how I went about life makes me feel tired now. anyway, huge thanks for the video, huge respect for getting help

[@alexandrawilson4794]

Hi therapist here! Love to hear what helped for you. In CBT for anxiety/panic and of course OCD, exposure is a super important strategy to use and then analyze the intrusive thoughts that come up. From my experience, its the "behavioral" part in CBT, while the cognitive is looking at the thoughts associated with a situation. We start to train ourselves that we can manage and exsist with these feelings, and its helpful to have someone guide us through our thinking. There is so much power is being comfortable with the uncomfortable! You got this! :) P.S. I tried your brush and honestly it made me realize how crappy my other face brushes are. I hope it is being restocked because I plan to buy like 2 more.... I emailed rephr to restock :)

[@kim-mr7oh]

beautiful look, and btw it resonated 🫶🏽🥹

[@laurieann2714]

I know someone using exposure therapy and, while some days it is very hard, overall it is working. Thanks for sharing!!

[@sumerurose8586]

thanks for sharing your story, I know it can be hard to 💚

[@kallisonkallison9175]

You are so very much NOT alone. You are an artistic human being and we are all simply more human than anything. Stay strong & keep up the good work & the fabulous looks ✨

[@JamieRenee101]

As a girly who loves makeup and has OCD this was perfect! And I also took a break in June too for mental health. And I do NOCD!!!!!

[@kathleen5800]

i am autistic, adhd and have ocd and i relate a lot on everything you said about your ocd experience

[@michellel4774]

Since I can remember I unconsciously look for patterns in things like wallpaper, carpet, patterns in dresses and grouping those patterns. I group things like knickknacks and pictures in threes. Also, I have to have specific things like towels folded a certain way and if they aren’t done that way, I retold them. Thanks for starting this conversation.

[@kk123013]

Hi! 👋🏼 I have OCD! It’s definitely genetic as my dad has it very severely. He experiences pretty bad paranoia. Thankfully that it’s not one of my symptoms. I’d put myself in the mild-moderate category. One of my biggest issues with OCD is actually feeling that I’m always hurting someone or something. It’s a very heavy burden to carry. I’m essentially always feeling as though I’m doing something wrong even though I logically know I’m not. I have compulsive thoughts to always “fix” what I’m doing and I have so many rules I make myself follow. It also comes with extreme guilt. I feel guilt even just looking at someone because my mind will create a story that they’re sad and all alone and somehow I feel responsible that I can’t help. And then I never forget that person. It’ll keep me up at night. Also I have body dysmorphia which is related to OCD

[@momentpresent.2761]

Hi Alex thank you for sharing this. I am a french psychologist, in France OCD are called TOC and it's very difficult to live with this disorder. You testimony is very interesting, very honest, and will for sure help people to understand what they are going through.I wish you the best and it seems like you have already accomplished a tremendous therapy work. You can be proud of yourself, it demands to be brave😘

[@colleenmahon4060]

Your followers are here for you❤

[@dawnt7950]

Your makeup is always utterly flawless!!! You NEVER disappoint!! Thank you for opening up about your struggles. Mental health is so very important and incredibly expensive.

[@yenovefa]

I love this more podcast-y version of a vid. Very calming to listen to while drawing - ironic since you're talking abt something you're struggling with, but I mean like, it was comforting to listen to😭 hoping it all gets better for you🫶

[@Verbsdescribeus]

makeup therapy is with me since 2000, but just 4 years ago I started using colors thanks for creating this look :)

[@kelliewellsart]

Thankyou for this OCD chat Alex ❤ combining your share with a super glittery-fun and bratty-bold makeup watch, for me as a viewer simultaneously created a pathway that allowed for a natural ease to receive on whatever level. ‘Quirks’ and ‘weird chick’ narratives we just tough out with in most cases alone .. often resigned to not ever going on a diagnosis journey. Super impressive that you are investing in yourself in such a way and translating to those of us who keep showing up to enjoy your generous creativity with makeup (which I adore) and grounded sharing (which I unexpectedly adore also! As so many others do too!) . It’s a beautiful space to enter into - beautiful outside and in! Much love 🌸🥳🌞

[@Kori-Barrenger]

Hey AL, I too have taken a break from therapy at times or go less frequently, because to me it seemed useful to step back and just completely stop processing things and just BE. Ya know? Or like reflect on what I’ve processed and just go on about it life and then revisit things as needed as I went through the motions. I do think that therapy can be counterproductive at times because it kind of keeps us living in whatever we are trying to get passed or work through. Sometimes I think just living for something else other than ourselves and our thoughts helps SO MUCH more than a lot of us realize. Does that make sense? I haven’t got through your whole video yet but I had to pause it to think this thought lol

[@AlexandraAnele]

I think that's such an astute observation; taking time off to put the things you've learned into practice in REAL LIFE. 💚

[@psychedbypat]

that's a valid thought, I feel like therapy is so so important but it bears the risk of over-intellectualizing every part of us and we need to learn where a healthy boundary lies :)

[@cynthb]

This resonates SO MUCH with me. Like the regular cracks on the sidewalk - I *have* to step over them with alternating feet otherwise my feet are uncomfortable. Same with stepping down and up on a curb. It just goes on and on. And your look today is amazing ❤

[@lorenacalzada2325]

Hi beautiful lady , love watching your content . I do understand what you going thru, 2021 was a horrible year for me my son of 30 years died of COVID, I’m taking a pill for anxiety and depression, now when my daughter or my other sons and my husband are out to work, I’m always worried about them, I pray and then start to cry. It feels good to let out my emotions. I’m tired leaving like this. We should all pray for each other, ever since pandemic a lot of people are going through a lot. Love you lady don’t ever change the way you are love your sense of humor . Once again God bless you. Beautiful makeup look ❤🥰😇🙏✨🌺🌺🌺🌺

[@triciag7040]

It is comforting when you find out there is a reason for one's behavior. I do therapy monthly for a variety of reasons & it's been hugely helpful. 😊 Random...once I had moved out of my parents' house, when I would go back, I'd HAVE to secretly wash all their silverware & any dishes I thought we'd use. Now, I only wash the utensils that I will use...progress. 😅

[@margueritahayworth6820]

Alexandra, thank you so much for sharing this. You are right on the money. Being inundated by one's compulsion in therapy used to be called "systematic desensitization", and yes, you're right, it does seem cruel, although it is still often used, and does help to a certain extent. But I was truly taken aback, actually awestruck, when you said what you said after that. When you used the exact term "I have to!". My 19 year old says that daily when I challenge him on why he does what he does. He was diagnosed with OCD combined with phobia. So whenever he sees a certain animal he's terrified of, he has to make a specific gesture at it-- it's by no means an obscene gesture, but it's an unusual, unwieldy gesture, as seeing this animal, any picture of it, or just the word written out, he says he "has" to make this gesture toward it. So I just played him the part of this video where you explained what that is like for you, and your reasons behind feeling "I have to"... A look came over my son's sweet face, like, he couldn't believe you just said what he feels. "I have to". So please do continue to share your journey with us. You have no idea how many people you are helping. I think you just helped my 19 year old take his first step away from "I have to" by finally realizing it's not just Mom telling him that he doesn't have to, but by you telling him he doesn't have to and that he's not alone. And of course, your make up is just beautiful. Keep up everything you do here, as long as it's good for you too.❤

[@poorcrimes631]

Please keep talking about this. It really helps. ❤ Thank you!

[@Olivina330]

Thank you so much for talking about this so openly, it really does mean the world and helps a ton of people. My childhood best friend told me that she had OCD, and she was working with a specialist who represents NoCD. We reconnected after a decade or so of losing touch, and when we started talking about her OCD, I realized that a lot of my quirks that I had since childhood aligned with some of the things she was working through. I started rethinking a lot of instances that didn't feel 100% "good" per se--for example, before people would come over for a get together, my fiance would vacuum and do small household tasks, and I would re-vacuum right after him. If there was one pill left on the couch cushion after depiling everything, I wouldn't be able to do anything else until I removed it. I thought everyone had intrusive thoughts, fixations about weird stuff, and rituals. I remember tearing up three or four lists of stuff I had to do in high school because there was one spelling mistake, and I'd start over again and rewrite everything over instead of doing what was on the freaking list. As you said it, in hindsight it sounds more severe than I've ever realized, but it feels bittersweetly relieving to know that we're not alone.

[@sarahdaestrela6098]

I love this!!!! I'm almost a psychologist (a few weeks from licensure after 7 years of training lol) and OCD was my focus for most of that time. Exposure and response prevention works. It's scary but it's incredibly effective. You did a fantastic job of explaining it, because at first it sounds counterintuitive, but then it makes a ton of sense. Thank you for sharing such accurate, helpful, normalizing information!

[@anonymous76144]

Omg!!! I love the fan to dry the setting spray! 🤩 So classy and extra.🎉

[@Ceci_Martinez]

Samesies!I have always had little tendencies but not all of them had affected me negatively. It wasn’t until I had a significant life event happen that things got worse. Been in therapy for a while but mine targets both areas and it’s been helpful. It’s also soooo important to have chemistry with your therapist. People don’t talk enough about that. It’s not as simple as find a therapist and boom, you get healed. It’s so much more.

[@monicapatton1405]

I can totally relate. And in some ways I’ve learned that aspects of OCD are a gift- a super power even. I have multiple examples of this in my life and in yours it lends so much to your art. Obviously I have over areas that are uncomfortable af but I love seeing parts of it as FOR ME rather than against me. Thanks for talking about this ❤ luv ya girl

[@emilycryer]

I have OCD and a few years ago, it was nearly unbearable. It became so significantly worse at that time because I was going through some very difficult, scary, traumatizing life events and it came out somewhat similarly to symptoms you mentioned. Ever since I was a kid, I'd have a feeling like someone would die if I didn't do something a certain way, and it became increasingly worse to the point that I was fixated with only using certain items, making sure I said certain things a certain way, even praying a certain way (as someone who is nonreligious), and eventually an EXTREME fear of germs and specifically the stomach flu. It was so crippling that I couldn't bear to eat anything I didn't KNOW was safely handled and cooked, I couldn't eat anything with my hands unless I washed at LEAST once for the full 20 seconds (fine to keep that one... generally a good practice lol), and I found eating at a restaurant to be a terrifying experience. At some point, I'm not entirely even sure how, I just started doing more "scary" things because I was so incredibly miserable from the anxiety and fear I had with my compulsions. I didn't have therapy at the time but was lucky to have a decent baseline of psychology knowledge so I began implementing practices like you mentioned, recognizing when those compulsions came up, and challenging them anytime I felt any extra amount of strength. Starting with low stakes compulsions, seeing that indeed, nothing bad happened, and working up to the big ones. I still have OCD thoughts ALL the time, but I follow through on very, very, very few of them now. Thank you so much for sharing this, it's such an interesting and validating thing to hear others talk about, and I love hearing how people recover. I've recovered a significant amount, and anyone reading this who is suffering, you will also find recovery. Life is so much more peaceful over here.

[@lenschendary]

Hey Alex❤ thank you so so so much for sharing your experience with OCD. I got diagnosed with autism about 6 weeks ago and I’m 24. It’s been both a relief as well as world shattering but treatment has really helped. Sending you so so so much love and thanks for sharing again.

[@sharkzrule]

ALEX!!!! Thank you so much. It’s so refreshing to hear someone talk about OCD. I resonated with literally everything. I’ve been diagnosed with OCD since I was 14, and was able to ~manage~ it was SSRIs. It wasn’t until I met my therapist 6 years ago that I really understood how it impacted other aspects of my life like work, relationships, self-esteem, family, depression, disordered eating. I feel like I can be honest with her about everything AND she understands my sense of humor. She’s helped me embrace my quirks and be up front about them with my friends and family. For example, my coworkers know that I have to brush my teeth before every meeting. And my friends know not to offer me any leftovers from their fridge 🤣 (it’s nothing personal I just simply cannot do it)

[@mariagabrielacabezacardoso1097]

Hey Alex! Big thanks on the video, I had never seen a beauty influencer talk about OCD. As someone who lives with this condition as a coping mechanism ever since I was a child it’s really heartwarming to see you encouraging treatment. As you said, it’s different for every person; I started creating patterns very early in my childhood, for example, I had to touch my right hand the exact amount of times as i did my left hand, I counted steps and they always had to be even numbers and if I could not do those things it would be the end of the world. My OCD started to get worse throughout the years, when I was in middle school I had to have the same routine everyday, so I would eat, shower, get dressed, go to school (in this exact order every day). In school I would always sit in the same spot when waiting for class to begin, and when I was in the classroom I would have to arrange my pens, books and water bottle in a very specific ways which had to be the same every day (the though of having stuff in the “wrong place” would make me extremely uncomfortable and anxious). As the years went by I started cleaning and organizing and, like in school, it bothered me deeply that everything was not where it’s supposed to be (even if it’s one bobby pin out of place). Organizing was a big part of the condition, but the main point was always the pattern. As an adult it’s distressing if I can’t park in the exact same spot everyday and such things. I started treatment 3 years ago and the thing that helps me the most is medication, that works for both OCD and depression. I’ve been stable and learned to cope with the fact that I can’t control every single aspect of my daily life, but sometimes it’s still hard. Hang in there, I hope your treatment helps you very much and that you’ll be able to learn how to live with OCD. Again, thank you so much for this video. Best regards from Brasil

[@helenoharawhite7704]

This look is stunning and I'm so gonna watch it again. Loved hearing about ur journey and would welcome more chat on the matter. I agree, we are all doing the counting, the double checking, keeping things even etc - we even convince ourselves that most of it is normal. Let's keep the conversation going hunni - appreciate you always ♡♡♡

[@somethingbritish]

I really needed to hear this today. Especially the need for checking cleanliness and symmetry?! Holy shit. These things have controlled my life for so long. This was the push I needed to sign up for NOCD. Thank you Alex 🫶🥹

[@nicolemorch4385]

Thank you so much for sharing your journey and being so transparent. So proud of you ❤

[@theonetruecat]

I was recently diagnosed with OCD and have so much to learn. I am so glad you decided to share about it. Thank you! ❤

[@deannstanglenny9431]

Looove this look😍🩵🧡. Thank you for sharing 🙏🏻your treatment and how you are coping with it. I absolutely understand the glasses ,cups, cutlery cleanliness, watching some use the same dishwater all day and no rinsing…just can’t and to add my bloodhound sense of smell to the mix 😩. I’ve always been a loner, my choice;but goodness,these You Tube platforms make my day and I feel involved, not alone in my thinking and get to listen to like minded decent humans . You are a wonderful human Alexandra and a light for the one’s that may feel left out. Big MWAAA ❤️🩷🧡🙋🏻‍♀️🇦🇺

[@bbx7739]

Girl, the LOOK 😍😍😍 The hair, the makeup, omfgggg stunning!!! Thank you for sharing your story, sending you lots of love ❤️🤗

[@chrischris7207]

I guess this is why I love you so much, because I relate to you a lot. Love hearing about your progress Alex, keep it going, it's not easy but I know you're a fighter and you don't give up 💪🏻💪🏻 Something some helps me with my OCD is being a mom and a wife to a narcissist 😅 thinking how to get better at motherhood helps and fokusin on keeping him safe from his own father while I fight to make it all work (how to survive narcissism and live with/through through it) helps. It makes me stay grounded and fight to be a better person, which means even fixing obsession that are just little things without any effect on live. One example is that now I don't throughly wash the dishes before the dishwasher, I just rinse them and than put in the dishwasher 😅 it's a progress 💪🏻 Ah, and I totally get it with the symmetry and the discomfort around people. I guess it's all about the mindset, but geting the right mindset it's not that easy expecially more we get conscious about the shades/shapes of our OCD 🤷🏻‍♀️ 🤗🤗

[@amcortez]

You're definitely not alone. I've been diagnosed with OCD for 25 years now. I've tried all sorts of therapies and am still working it out. I'm sure I'll always be working on it. It's comforting to 'talk' to other people in the same position (even if I'm just listening to you here on my end). Please keep us updated, if you feel comfortable doing so ❤

[@kimlandess8512]

You're a beautiful human, Alex. Glad to watch you glam up today!

[@jenessastrickland1555]

Thanks for the update! I’ve been wondering how this treatment has been going and what it’s like! That is truly awesome that you are already feeling relief 💜