In episode 234 I chat with Thomas Smalley. Thomas won the IOCDF’s hero award in 2019 for his OCD advocacy. He has kindly agreed to share his OCD story.
In this episode I chat with Thomas about his OCD story, his advocacy, getting therapy, dealing with shame, tracking progress in therapy, his experience of teletherapy, how physical exercise and faith were helpful outlets for him, finding his identity after he got his time back from compulsions, dealing with stigma, words of hope and much much more. Hope it helps.
The podcast is sponsored by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories
Find out more about Thomas:
Documentary: https://youtu.be/s7wbem2r384
Instagram: @WTBSmalls
Resources:
Thanks for listening,
Stuart
Hello,
My name is Fatima. I have suffered with OCD for over 9 years. I am turning seventeen next month. I was wondering if I could be part of your podcast in an episode. I would love to share my story to the world because I believe it’s extremely important to share the struggle and to Ake sure people with ocd do not feel they are suffering in silence. I have felt this way myself as a child especially and that was the time I felt probably the loneliest. That should never be how a child should feel, which is why I think sharing the challenge will open the eyes of many to help those like myself. I have gone to therapy for about three years. I was on Fluvoxamine for a month but recently got off the medicine because I found techniques and with ERT. I also realized the impart Ave of self-love and the way we view ourselves was individuals because I have always viewed myself as a monster in consequence to my experience. I have learned to love myself which has helped fight my intrusive thoughts. I have had several themes of Obsessive compulsive disorder throughout my life, but they have all mainly dealt with mental and or physical contamination. I understand that there are so many stories that need to be shared and sharing mine might not be possible. However, I want to thank you for what you are doing and the change you are implementing in the world.
Thank you for your kind words Fatima. And for sharing some of your story. I am glad you are doing better. Right now we are taking a sabbatical from recording the podcast, but we will start recording again in October/November. In October we will add an application form to speak on the podcast, please check back then, or drop us an email in October and we can send you a link (email on contact page). Thanks for your interest!
Wishing you all the best.