Understanding OCD Through the Journey of Sam Tabor

In this blog post, we explore the inspiring story of Sam Tabor, a well-known skateboarder, gamer, and musician, who bravely navigates the challenges of OCD and anxiety. Join us as we delve into Sam’s personal experiences and insights, shedding light on the impact of mental health on creativity and career.

Meet Sam Tabor: A Multi-Talented Content Creator

Sam Tabor has gained millions of followers through his engaging skateboarding skills, quirky challenges, and clean gaming content. But behind the fun and excitement lies a more profound struggle. In our recent interview, Sam opened up about his experiences with OCD and anxiety, highlighting the importance of sharing these challenges with others who may be facing similar battles.

The Early Signs of OCD

Sam first noticed symptoms of OCD during middle school and early high school. At that time, he didn’t fully understand what he was experiencing. “I would freak out over things like school tests and obsess over questions like, ‘Will I do good? Will I disappoint my parents?’” he recalled. This overwhelming anxiety often led him to cry at random times throughout the day.

By the time test day arrived, he realized that failing was less devastating than the scenarios he had conjured in his mind. Unfortunately, many teachers and parents might dismiss such behavior as mere test anxiety, unaware that it could signify something deeper.

The Impact of Family Understanding

Fortunately, Sam had the support of his father, who also experiences OCD. Before Sam was born, his father had already recognized his condition and was able to identify similar patterns in Sam’s behavior. “Hey, you might be like me,” he told Sam, providing him with a sense of understanding that many people struggle to find.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam sought therapy, where a professional confirmed his suspicions: “Yeah, you definitely have OCD.” This clarity allowed Sam to begin addressing his mental health openly, a step that many individuals take decades to achieve.

Balancing Career and Mental Health

As a content creator, Sam's OCD has affected his career in complex ways. “It’s hard to pinpoint how it affects me because it seems to impact every aspect of my life,” he explained. He has developed a tendency to overthink situations and has become somewhat of a perfectionist.

“I’m not saying OCD is a good thing,” he added, “but it has made me somewhat successful on YouTube because I hyper-fixate on my projects.” This intense focus drives him to deliver high-quality content, but it also comes with a price. Sam often feels imprisoned by his own thoughts, especially when it comes to downtime and relaxation.

Recognizing the Differences in Rumination

In our conversation, Sam discussed the challenge of differentiating between normal life stresses and harmful rumination. “I’ve gotten way better at dealing with OCD,” he stated. Now, he can recognize when he’s ruminating, whereas before, he would resort to sleeping as a way to escape the relentless thoughts.

One of the tools that Sam has found particularly helpful is the phrase “maybe, maybe not,” which challenges the certainty that OCD thrives on. “It’s such a simple phrase, but OCD hates it,” he noted.

Embracing Acceptance and Moving Forward

Sam shared a technique he and his father use to manage their OCD: giving themselves permission to sit with their thoughts for a set period. “My dad gives his OCD ten minutes,” Sam explained. “He lets it happen and then moves on. It’s almost like having a conversation with an enemy.”

This approach encourages acceptance rather than resistance, allowing them to confront their feelings without letting them dictate their actions.

The Role of Perception and Relevance

A significant aspect of Sam’s rumination revolves around his perception by others. As a content creator, he grapples with the fear of becoming irrelevant and worries about how people perceive him, particularly as he ventures into the music world. “I ruminate about what people think of me,” he admitted. “I can get 90 great comments and focus on the one negative.”

Sam Tabor’s journey highlights the importance of understanding and addressing OCD and anxiety. By sharing his story, he hopes to inspire others who might be struggling with similar issues, proving that it’s possible to live a fulfilling life despite the challenges of mental health.

If you’re navigating OCD or anxiety, remember that you’re not alone. Finding support and sharing your experiences can lead to greater understanding and acceptance.

Stay tuned for more insights and stories from individuals who bravely face their mental health challenges.