Mike Talks About His OCD, OCD, OCD (three is Mike’s magic OCD number)

On this month’s episode, I talk about my experience with OCD, and the potential connection between OCD and humor. The link between depression and humor has been discussed over the years, but I’ve never heard much about OCD and humor, and I’ve always wondered why that is. In my own experience, I’ve found that at least 70% of the comedy writers I’ve interviewed, or have just known, also have OCD, and, in some cases, quite severely.

What I’ve found that helps, at least for myself, is to funnel the energy of OCD into something positive (writing) rather than circling the drain with anything repetitive (tics, washing hands, etc). I’ve also found that having OCD might allow me, and other writers, to possibly think differently, which may help with the creative process.