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Actress feared hurting loved ones in OCD battle
21 Apr
Summary
- Actress feared she could harm others during a secret two-year health struggle.
- Postnatal OCD after childbirth led to a loss of reality and self-identity.
- She was diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, finding relief in her diagnoses.

Actress Kimberley Nixon has bravely shared details of a severe two-year struggle with postnatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) following the birth of her son in 2020. The condition, which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, led to intrusive thoughts and a profound loss of self. Nixon confessed that her fears were so intense she worried about harming her loved ones, reaching a point where she considered voluntarily admitting herself to the police.
During this difficult period, Nixon felt she had "lost herself," struggling to recall her identity beyond being "mum." She described the experience as brutal and disorienting, highlighting a lack of trust in her own actions for approximately two years. Her husband's support was crucial as she grappled with these terrifying mental health challenges.
Nixon, who also lives with Autism and ADHD, publicly announced her diagnoses in June of the previous year, describing it as a moment of profound relief. She stated that receiving these diagnoses made her feel lighter, understanding that her brain simply operated differently.
The actress, known for her roles in "Death in Paradise" and "Fresh Meat," welcomed her son via IVF during the pandemic. She has been open about her mental health journey, thanking her supporters for their presence through her battle with postnatal OCD and subsequent diagnoses.