OCD struck at a very young age for me, undiagnosed. I constantly wanted reassurance over even the smallest things, which later grew into much bigger issues in my life. Having OCD made me question myself as a person and broke me down bit by bit. Avoidance became a huge problem, without me realising at the time that it was actually feeding the cycle. It became so severe that I quit my job as a teacher, something I had worked so hard towards and had always wanted to be.

I spent most days lying in bed and cried every day. There were also other subtle things happening that neither I nor anyone else understood. I went to countless counsellors, and it got to a point where I did not want to be alive anymore. Eventually, I was lucky enough to find someone who diagnosed me with OCD. This brought huge relief, but it soon became apparent that a diagnosis alone was not enough. OCD came back stronger and for longer periods, and I found myself performing compulsions without realising it at the time, mostly mental compulsions and confessing, to keep it at bay.

It was not until I found Rob at OCD Recovery that things began to change. He immediately helped me cut out certain behaviours and unpack what OCD actually was, giving me tools and helping me recognise what I was doing. After some time, I would say I coasted for a few years, thinking I had recovered. Then, the day I gave birth to my son, everything came crashing down around me, and Rob introduced me to Sam.

Sam has now been my coach for over a year, with weekly check-ins, guidance, and a wealth of knowledge and experience in supporting my recovery. I am also part of the WhatsApp support group, which has been a valuable resource and has helped me feel less alone on this journey. The webinars, led by people who have been through this themselves, provide even more tools and shared experiences, and have given me real hope.

My approach to life now is different. This journey has helped me personally and professionally, by building tolerance, breaking down beliefs, and learning to sit with discomfort. I look forward to continuing to navigate the recovery process with the support of Sam and OCD Recovery. Thank you to you all ❤️

If you want it even tighter, for example just 3 paragraphs total, I can do that too.