Carly Pearce Reveals Lifelong Battle with Anxiety and OCD: Country Star's Journey to Mental Wellness

Country music sensation Carly Pearce has bravely shared her lifelong battle with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), opening up about how these conditions have shaped her journey since childhood. In a heartfelt conversation on the Dumb Blonde podcast with host Bunnie Xo, the Grammy Award-winning singer revealed that her struggles did not begin during her widely publicized divorce, as she once believed, but much earlier in life. Pearce described how therapy helped her uncover the roots of her anxiety and OCD, tracing them back to core childhood memories. By speaking openly, the “Every Little Thing” star is not only redefining her own healing journey but also shedding light on the importance of mental health awareness in the entertainment industry.Pearce recalled a “core memory” that dates back to when she was just six or seven years old. She described how her OCD tendencies would manifest in small but consuming habits such as repeatedly checking her backpack or alarm clock.Even as a child, her anxiety was evident. During storms, her mother would take extra measures to comfort her, including arranging for her to meet a meteorologist at the local library to ease her fears. These experiences, Pearce explained, highlight how anxiety and OCD have been consistent companions throughout her life, rather than challenges that emerged only in adulthood.For years, Pearce believed that her anxiety began during her high-profile divorce from fellow country singer Michael Ray in 2020. The combination of heartbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the sudden pause in her music career created overwhelming stress.However, therapy and self-reflection led her to realize that her mental health struggles had been present long before then. “That’s been there since I was six or seven,” she admitted. Recognising this pattern helped her understand that her disorders were not situational but deeply ingrained, requiring long-term coping mechanisms.Pearce also reflected on how her upbringing may have contributed to her mental health challenges. She described her mother as a loving but perfectionist figure, someone who never left the house without makeup and always maintained a polished appearance.Pearce recalled a childhood memory where each of her Barbie doll’s shoes had to be placed in a precise spot—an early lesson in perfectionism that she absorbed by example rather than instruction. While her mother never pressured her to be perfect, Pearce believes that observing these habits contributed to her own obsessive tendencies. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point for Pearce. At the same time she was navigating a public divorce, her ability to perform live shows was abruptly taken away. For an artist whose identity was tied to music and connection with fans, this pause felt devastating.As reported by PEOPLE, “I can’t tell you how many interviews I sat through trying so hard to just, like, keep myself together,” she admitted. The period became a catalyst for confronting her mental health issues more openly, marking the start of a healing journey.During the podcast, host Bunnie Xo also shared her own experiences with mental health, including severe depression and suicidal ideation after undergoing surgery. Both women acknowledged how internal struggles often manifest in unexpected ways, reinforcing the importance of addressing root causes rather than masking symptoms.This candid dialogue highlights the growing movement within the entertainment industry for artists to openly discuss mental health challenges, helping to break down stigma and encourage others to seek support.Despite these challenges, Pearce continues to thrive in her career. Her most recent album, Hummingbird, released in June 2024, has been celebrated by fans and critics alike. On her Hummingbird World Tour, she has used her platform not only to share her music but also to connect with audiences on a personal level.Pearce admits that managing anxiety and OCD is still an ongoing process, but therapy and self-awareness have given her better tools to cope. By speaking openly about her struggles, she hopes to inspire others facing similar conditions to recognise that they are not alone and that healing is possible.As reported by the study published in the National Library of Medicine, the study looked at 1,579 teenagers to see how anxiety sensitivity (fear of anxiety symptoms) and obsessive–compulsive behaviours affect each other. It found that being more sensitive to anxiety can lead to OCD symptoms, and having OCD symptoms can make anxiety worse. These links are mostly shaped by life experiences rather than genes. The study shows that helping teens manage anxiety could prevent or reduce OCD symptoms.Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions, characterized by persistent feelings of fear, worry, or panic that can interfere with daily life. Common causes include:Symptoms of anxiety can vary but often include:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)OCD is defined by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that create anxiety and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) aimed at reducing that anxiety. Causes of OCD may include:Common symptoms include:For Carly Pearce, OCD manifested as the need to check her backpack and alarm repeatedly, a pattern that started in childhood and often became difficult to manage. Anxiety and OCD together can amplify stress, affect personal and professional life, and make routine activities overwhelming.Also Read | Two Pillars of diabetes: HbA1c vs SMBG – the key difference every diabetic must know