Inside the Mind: Exploring OCD through the lens of “Pure” and “Turtles All the Way Down”

A pervasive yet deeply misunderstood mental health condition, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can take many forms—shaping thoughts, behaviors, and relationships in complex and often invisible ways. Though widely recognized, OCD is frequently reduced in media to neatness, orderliness, or quirky habits, oversimplifying the reality of living with the disorder. These portrayals can reinforce harmful stereotypes and obscure the emotional toll of OCD, particularly the distressing presence of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

When OCD is portrayed with nuance and authenticity, it creates space for empathy and greater understanding, validating the experiences of those who live with it. Such stories can illuminate the internal battles that are often hidden from view, offering a more complete and compassionate picture of the disorder. Through an analysis of Pure and Turtles All the Way Down, this piece explores two powerful portrayals of OCD in media and examines how each work challenges misconceptions and brings visibility to the lived experience of mental illness.

“Pure”

Pure, a British drama series, follows Marnie, a young woman struggling with the relentless burden of OCD. The show offers an unfiltered look at the disorder’s most debilitating aspects: intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Unlike many media portrayals that focus only on visible rituals, Pure takes a deep dive into Marnie’s mental world, illustrating how her OCD manifests in ways that affect her relationships, her work, and her sense of self.

Marnie’s experience with OCD is primarily defined by intrusive and distressing thoughts, which are depicted in a way that captures their overwhelming nature. For example, in one scene, Marnie is overcome by the constant stream of sexual and violent thoughts that invade her mind without warning. These thoughts are often nonsensical and deeply unsettling, and they lead Marnie to feel trapped in her own brain. The show effectively conveys how individuals with OCD are tormented by thoughts they can neither control nor understand, portraying them as a source of constant distress.

In Pure, the show makes it clear that these intrusive thoughts aren’t something that Marnie actively seeks; they just happen. The chaos of living with these kinds of obsessive thoughts creates a sense of isolation and alienation, as Marnie feels she cannot share her inner turmoil with those around her. This depiction challenges the stereotype that OCD is just about having a clean house or being overly organized. Instead, it shows the anxiety and emotional strain that come with uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts.

Marnie copes with her intrusive thoughts through compulsive rituals, such as counting or touching objects in specific ways to alleviate her anxiety, but these behaviors only provide temporary relief and fail to address the underlying cause of her distress. This cycle of obsession and compulsion leaves her exhausted and frustrated. Her OCD also strains her relationships, as her compulsions are often misunderstood by others, leading to confusion, frustration, and social isolation. Marnie’s inability to explain her condition to those around her deepens her sense of alienation, highlighting the emotional toll of living with a disorder that is difficult for others to comprehend.

“Turtles All the Way Down”

In the film Turtles All the Way Down, John Green provides an intimate portrayal of OCD through the character of Aza Holmes, a 16-year-old girl who struggles with the complexities of the disorder. Unlike Pure, which highlights visible compulsions, Turtles All the Way Down focuses on Aza’s internal struggles, particularly her obsessive thoughts and mental compulsions. These internal conflicts are just as debilitating as physical rituals, but they are often invisible to those around her, making it harder for others to understand her experience.

Aza’s OCD is primarily characterized by intrusive thoughts, much like Marnie’s in Pure. However, Aza’s obsessions revolve around contamination, self-doubt, and the fear of harming others. For example, in one powerful scene, Aza becomes fixated on a small cut on her finger, convinced that it contains harmful bacteria that could poison her or someone else. This moment emphasizes that OCD is not just about outward actions, but also the mental cycles of anxiety and fear that can take over an individual’s mind, even when no physical compulsions are involved.

Instead of engaging in visible compulsions, Aza’s OCD manifests through invisible mental rituals. She constantly “checks” things in her mind, repeating mantras or calculating outcomes to ease her anxiety. These mental rituals are just as consuming as physical compulsions, but they are difficult for others to recognize. This portrayal highlights a key aspect of OCD: its ability to affect the mind in ways that may not be apparent to those around the person, leaving the sufferer isolated and misunderstood.

Aza’s OCD also deeply impacts her relationships, particularly with her love interest, Davis. Despite his kindness and willingness to understand, Aza struggles to connect with him due to her intrusive thoughts. Her fear of being a burden and the inability to fully engage in the relationship lead to emotional distance and isolation. This dynamic mirrors the challenges many individuals with OCD face in their personal relationships, where the disorder can hinder emotional intimacy and create a sense of separateness from others. Both Turtles All the Way Down and Pure provide important, nuanced portrayals of OCD, breaking the stereotypes and opening up vital conversations about mental health, empathy, and understanding.

By focusing on the internal battles of Marnie and Aza, Pure and Turtles All the Way Down illuminate the hidden realities of living with OCD. These stories remind us that OCD is not just about visible compulsions, but also about the exhausting cycles of obsession, anxiety, and mental rituals that often go unseen. Through honest and empathetic portrayals, both works deepen our understanding of the disorder and emphasize the importance of compassion, awareness, and open dialogue around mental health.

If you or a loved one is struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), contact us to scheduling an appointment with one of our clinicians who specialize in treating OCD.