My OCD first appeared after my third daughter was born, when she was just 8 weeks old. I was told it was perinatal OCD. After 6 months of every theme you can think of sticking, I was terrified and had no idea what was happening to me. I was finally admitted to a mother and baby unit with chronic, severe OCD. They gave me endless amounts of medication, but everything made me feel worse.

The psychology team would say things like “thoughts are thoughts” and “imagine it as a leaf floating down a stream,” but none of it helped. I tried everything from breathing techniques to meditation. You name it, I tried it.

After 3 months, I was discharged no better than when I went in. I was petrified of everything. I was scared of myself, scared of my thoughts, scared to be alone. It was hideous. I didn’t understand what was happening to me.

A few months went by, and the chronic OCD was still so loud and so stuck that I had no life. Then I found OCD Recovery. I have been working with Gemma for just a few months now, and honestly, she’s amazing.

I have done everything she asked me to do, no matter how triggering it was or how scared I felt. I can now say I’m doing zero compulsions, and my exposure work is almost complete. I still have thoughts constantly throughout the day (sometimes it goes quiet now), but thanks to Gemma, I understand it all. I am no longer scared of my thoughts. I still have a lot of belief work to do, but I can honestly say I’m happy and love my life again.

I’m writing this post to let you all know that hard work really does pay off. The coaches know their stuff. Do what they say, because they’re here to help us. I can’t recommend Gemma enough. She’s saved me. x