Industry standout Marisa Abela has shared that she received a life-altering mental health diagnosis after years of grappling with misunderstood symptoms. The 29-year-old actress, known for her portrayal of the late singer Amy Winehouse in the 2024 biopic “Back to Black,” disclosed her recent diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), expressing her surprise at the revelation.
In a recent interview, Marisa disclosed, “I have just been diagnosed with OCD. I never thought I had it because I am not obsessed with cleanliness. I always thought it was about being neat. I am not messy, but I tend to leave my room cluttered when I return from work.”
The award-winning actress, who tied the knot with fellow actor Jamie Bogyo last September, shared her journey of seeking help upon realizing that her mental health challenges were becoming overwhelming.
“I find it hard to quiet my mind, constantly dwelling on the same thoughts, making lists, and stressing over tasks,” she revealed. “I have been under a lot of stress, thinking I could handle it all. I created a whirlwind of pressure for myself.”
OCD is a mental health condition marked by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals. Although commonly associated with cleanliness and order, the disorder can manifest in various forms, such as compulsive list-making, persistent fixation on specific thoughts, and intense anxiety about potential mishaps.
Marisa emphasized the power of words and her belief in manifesting both positive and negative outcomes in her life. She likened her thought process to a scenario where one is tempted to push a big red button despite being warned not to, illustrating the internal struggle she faces.
The Brighton-born star candidly revealed how her OCD led her to mistakenly believe she had caused her own cancer diagnosis at the age of 23 in 2020. Despite undergoing an extensive eight-hour surgery to remove a thyroid tumor and requiring lifelong medication, Marisa has achieved remission.
Reflecting on her journey, Marisa, renowned for her role as Yasmin Kara-Hanani in the BBC and HBO series “Industry,” acknowledged that her diagnosis has provided her with deeper self-awareness.
“It’s crucial that people are discussing mental health openly now. It’s important for the upcoming generation to understand that OCD is not limited to trivial concerns like forgetting to lock the front door,” she expressed on the Therapuss podcast. “Every negative event seems to confirm my fears, and it’s a daunting experience.”
Marisa has been exploring alternative therapies like acupuncture to manage her symptoms, expressing her openness to non-therapy solutions. “I am receptive to beneficial practices beyond traditional therapy. It gives me a sense of liberation,” she shared.