My journey with OCD began in March of 2020 right after the pandemic hit. I was visiting my parents at the time and decided to take this time off to self reflect since I was stuck at home and had been going through a rough time with my mental health generally for some years.
That’s when I really ended up getting stuck and resulted in me having panic attacks, adrenaline pumping away, jacked up responsibility, etc. I had faced similar things in the past with rumination and anxiety but never like this and got away with them by doing certain avoidance behaviours or reassurance compulsions. But this felt different. Mentally I’d never been stuck like this before.
For several months, I read books on intrusive thoughts, depression, watched videos from neuroscientists, did different meditations, etc and got a lot of books relating to mental health and self help in hope to find answers in them. I was desperate. I wanted to rid myself of these thoughts, feelings, sensations, etc asap.
After struggling for several months like that after being hit with OCD in a chronic format I found Rob’s content on YouTube and Instagram and attended my first webinar in December 2020. When I saw Rob’s videos it was as if he was talking directly to me. They really hit home with me and gave me immense hope. The depth of his knowledge about OCD is unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. The nuances of OCD, how it operates and why it’s so misunderstood.
Three years after being first hit with chronic OCD I can say that I’ve come a long way. I’m still working but definitely feel a massive difference. I can remember towards the beginning of my OCD journey where it felt like a mammoth task and even being where I am right now in my journey seemed impossible. Rob has helped me regain control of my life back.
OCD recovery is not just limited to recovering from the disorder itself but it gives you key life skills. It’s liberating. I urge everyone to push themselves to put in the work, it’ll be worth it. Really apply things you hear from Rob, Nick, Momin, Jade and all the other lovely people part of OCD recovery, to your life. Not only will you recover from anxiety and OCD but also life situations where most of society might be irrational or draw themselves into a corner, you’d be able to handle much better and generally handle life better and with a sense of calm. Deeper acceptance. Go for it! Only one life. We got this!