It’s a Jungle Out There

In honor of Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Awareness Week (October 11-17, 2026), I would like to pay homage to the obsessive-compulsive detective, Adrian Monk. The TV series ran for eight sessions from 2022-2009 and features a former homicide detective who is discharged from the force following the murder of his wife. He develops a fear of germs, contamination and heights that render him incapable of performing the tasks required of his previous occupation. 

An endearing throughline of this series is Monk’s relationship with his psychiatrist, Dr. Charles Kroger. Dr. Kroger treats Monk for six seasons (of the show) and demonstrates incredible tolerance, empathy and support for his patient who just can’t help but to cross boundaries. This includes emergency house visits, phone calls into the wee hours of the morning and impromptu appointments. This is Hollywood and not recommended, of course. 

Dr. Kroger and Monk decide not to treat Monk’s severe presentation of OCD with medication because they believe it could interfere with his unique approach to detective work. Spoiler: they try it once and it doesn’t go well. In many ways, Monk’s OCD allows him to investigate and evaluate a crime scene in a way that no one else can. His disorder is his superpower and the accomplishment of solving a case is his motivation and source of joy. 

This presents something for mental health advocates to consider. Assess, discuss, try, fail and ultimately find what’s best for our clients, alongside our clients. For Adrian Monk, OCD is a gift…and a curse.  

Randy Newman’s It’s a Jungle Out There debuted as the theme song for the TV series Monk on June 20, 2003. Lyrics are below, but I recommend the audio version that features Newman’s distinctive and iconic voice. 

It's a jungle out there

Disorder and confusion everywhere

No one seems to care

Well, I do

Hey, who's in charge here?

It's a jungle out there

Poison in the very air we breathe

You know what's in the water that you drink?

Well I do, and it's amazing

People think I'm crazy, 'cause I worry all the time

If you paid attention, you'd be worried too

You better pay attention

Or this world you love so much might just kill you

I could be wrong now, but I don't think so

'Cause it's a jungle out there

It's a jungle out there

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Kristyn Puvogel, Therapy Intern is currently completing her Master’s in Mental Health Counseling at William James College. She brings genuine curiosity and care to the therapeutic relationship, believing that meaningful change begins when clients feel truly seen, heard and understood. Her clinical interests include obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders and anxiety disorders more broadly. Before pursuing counseling, Kristyn spent six years working in corporate and consumer public relations, an experience that deepened her understanding of the ways work can shape our sense of identity, relationships and overall well-being.

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