Luke Combs Opens Up About OCD and Encouragement for Others

Luke Combs is candidly discussing his experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder, sharing his story to offer encouragement to others facing similar challenges. “Most of the time, I handle it pretty well. It’s something that crosses my mind every single day,” Combs revealed in a recent interview with “60 Minutes Australia.” The “Fast Car” artist explained that his OCD is more unconventional, saying, “It involves persistent thoughts you don’t want, which lead to stress. This stress then triggers more unwanted thoughts, sparking a never-ending cycle that’s difficult to break.” According to the National Institute of Mental Health, OCD is characterized by uncontrollable, recurrent thoughts or the urge to perform repetitive actions. For Combs, “my OCD strain is particularly insidious because there’s nothing outwardly visible about it.” He elaborated that the stereotypical physical compulsions, like repeatedly flicking light switches, occur internally.

At 35, Combs continues to tackle his symptoms as they arise. “The path to overcoming it is understanding that the thoughts themselves are irrelevant. Acknowledging them only exacerbates their presence,” Combs mentioned. He further expressed, “You have to learn to say, ‘These thoughts are irrelevant.’ Acceptance means saying, ‘It’s happening, so what?’ It feels bizarre, it’s frustrating, but over time, the less attention you give them, the more they fade away.”

Combs aims to engage in mental health outreach, showing that despite flare-ups, “it’s entirely possible to lead a fulfilling life, to be successful, embrace a loving family, and achieve your dreams, even while coping with unwelcome obstacles.”