VH1’s The OCD Project is a new reality show featuring six sufferers of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder participating in what amounts to a 21-day, all-out assault / boot camp therapy session led by Dr. David Tolin. In a previous post I provided a little background on Dr. Tolin and now I want to introduce you to the six courageous cast members who will be confronting their disorders head on over the course of the season:
Arine Hayrapetian
Arine’s OCD started showing after both her father and grandfather died in terrible car accidents. She has an intense fear of HIV and her relationship with her family is strained due to their misunderstanding of her disorder. Her goal is to become a missionary to help the poor but her fear of disease keeps her from pursuing this dream. According to her Facebook page she is currently a single, UCLA Alum living in Los Angeles, California. Some of her interests include Susan Boyle, The Office and The Los Angeles Lakers.
Cody Lindemouth
Cody has suffered with OCD going back to 3rd grade. He has had to be home schooled and has been held back in many ways including socially by OCD. His disorder has put a heavy burden on his family. According to Cody’s Facebook page he is into movies, making films and graffiti. He lives in Venice, Florida.
Jerry Garrison
Jerry has known about his condition since the age of 11. His OCD was diagnosed incorrectly for 18 years. He is unwilling to pursue a relationship because he fears no one will understand his OCD which has in-turn made him a loner. He’s an obvious car buff according to his Facebook page connections including The Pacific Street Car Association, The American Hot Rod Association, and the ADRL. He believes he is a kind person and has a long term goal of helping others who suffer from OCD.
Kevin Suscavage
Kevin recalls having OCD symptoms since the age of 6. He has missed out on having lasting relationships and has turned down great job opportunities because of his OCD. It has affected his career as a teacher and impeded his progress while taking graduate course work. While Kevin is currently an actor in LA and a member of the Screen Actors Guild, the ritualistic behavior associated with this condition has hindered his progress by making him late for auditions and by engaging in ritualistic behavior while on set. Kevin’s eccentric behaviors may not yet be fully realized.
Kristen Love
Kristen can trace her OCD problems back to the 8th grade. She just might have the most severe case of OCD on The OCD Project. As with the others her disorder causes stress with her family, friends and coworkers. She currently lives in Dana Point, California.
Traci Portillo
Traci is a mother of a nine year old son and is tired of embarrassing herself in front of him. She is completely consumed by her OCD. Her family does not understand the depth of her disorder as they feel like she can ‘stop’ anytime she wants to. She is currently engaged and resides in Tulare, California.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: I want to point out that I was extremely cautious in finding out this information. VH1 only lists the first names of the cast members, but the rest of the information in this post was readily available via public Facebook pages. These men and women suffer from an extremely debilitating disorder and I certainly would not want their identities exposed if they had not already done so themselves. These cast members should be celebrated for bravely confronting OCD and in the process helping the public better understand exactly how traumatic it can be.
Photos: VH1
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