Limerence Explained The Crush Turned Mental Illness
Today I’m breaking down limerence—when a crush turns into an obsession. Dr. Dorothy Tennov coined the term, and I see it all the time in recovery: people get sober from substances and then get high on another person. In this Short, I explain the neurochemistry (why rejection fuels obsession), the fantasy bond (why you fall for potential, not reality), and the Biblical danger of idolatry—turning a person into your god.
Here’s the hard science: limerence looks a lot like OCD and addiction. Serotonin drops, anxiety spikes, and you start chasing a “fix”—the limerent object (LO)—projecting perfection onto a human being. If you’re stuck in this loop, it’s time to understand the mechanics and detox the attachment.
If this resonates, like, comment, and subscribe for straight talk on psychology, recovery, and faith—no fluff. —Michael, Sober Psychology
This video is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
About Michael
I'm Michael, a mental health creator, recovered alcoholic, future therapist, and the host of Sober Psychology. After realizing how much of the traditional mental health conversation misses the mark, I decided to build a space dedicated to raw, unfiltered self-examination and personal healing. My approach combines psychological principles with brutal honesty and hard truths, cutting through the noise to help people navigate their own growth. No toxic positivity, no hidden shame—just real conversations about what it actually takes to heal.