In the thrall of OCD #ocd

[johnschannel]

OCD used to control my life. It took up hours of my day and when I was in the thrall of intrusive thoughts, it was terrifying. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy changed that. It allowed my world to expand again.

If you are struggling with OCD or overwhelming intrusive thoughts, I encourage you to try ERP therapy. You can get started by booking a free call at NOCD.com to get matched with one of their specialty-trained therapists to begin ERP virtually. #ad

[drakep]

I got diagnosed with OCD this summer and it's been really helpful in finally understanding myself and making steps towards feeling better. Your vulnerability and advocacy were a big part of me being open to the diagnosis and treatment. Thanks John ❤

[VictorianWaistcoat]

I've had at least mild OCD for most of my life, and most of my compulsions are related to my severe emetophobia (the fear of vomit). I haven't done therapy specifically for my OCD, but I've started exposure therapy for my emetophobia and it has changed my life so much. I used to be terrified that if I didn't do certain motions and say certain things that I would get sick. I couldn't even say words related to my phobia to tell people what I was afraid of. I couldn't eat foods that I loved because I associated them with throwing up, and I had to have reassurance that all my food was safe to eat and wouldn't make me sick. I avoided people if I knew they had been sick recently, and wore a mask for a full year after everyone else so I would get a stomach bug. Christmas was the most horrible day of the year for me because I had such strong associations between it and vomiting. At my worst, I nearly developed an ED because I often couldn't eat without having a panic attack.
I've been doing exposure therapy for a little over six months now and while I definitely still have a long ways to go, I'm doing so much better. I'm still afraid of throwing up, but that fear doesn't prevent from doing nearly as many things as it used to. I had Thanksgiving dinner at my house this year, which was one of my biggest triggers, and it went amazing and was one of the best family dinners I've had.
A lot of people who have struggled with anxiety disorders like OCD or phobias for most of their life don't realize how much their fear takes from them, so exposure therapy seems like too much work when you think you're doing fine. Exposure therapy is extremely hard, but it's a small price to pay to be able to live your life freely and without fear ❤

[audieh]

I was diagnosed with OCD when I was about 3 and having a therapist that used ERP is one of the main reasons I’m where I am today (that and 150 mg of venlafaxine). As a kid I would obsess and spiral with fears about contamination and I’m so glad that my mom and my dr helped me receive the care I needed

[Avendesora]

ERP for OCD and EMDR for PTSD are two therapies that _NEED_ more attention. The fact that we have tools that are extremely effective for treating these conditions in a lot of people is amazing, and the fact that so few of the people who could benefit are aware they exist is a travesty.

[JoannaLovesHistoryBooks]

John, I can't thank you enough for being so honest about this.

[JustJessee]

I'm currently fighting a series of devastating intrusive thoughts. This past week has been so difficult, and I feel like I've got whiplash from when the thoughts hit and the moments when I'm clear. Thank you for making this video, I really needed it.

[green-ista]

ERP saved my life too and made me a functional human being again! I will forever be grateful to my therapist who helped me through it!

[alexandriagartman]

Intrusive thoughts are terrible. I have them all the time so happy that you’ve found treatment and can live your best life

[Justin]

I’ve found my OCD to be a mostly positive thing. It makes me incredibly neat, organized, and attentive to my work.

However, I’m well aware that I’m like 3 bad days away from washing my hands 17 times a day, so when I do something unproductive (like being late for work so I can iron shirts I never wear), I tell myself “Don’t get weird”, and it seems to help.

[PotatoChicken-ggju]

I was just thinking about my OCD treatment in the context of the election and how the price of living is going to go up, possibly to the point where I can't afford therapy anymore, and I can't explain it, but knowing that there are other options possibly out there for me gives me hope? Like a backup plan for OCD therapy? It's getting scary out here

[sophiehopps-weber]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I was diagnosed with OCD a month ago and am going to be starting ERP. Hearing people talk about how treatable OCD is has made this diagnosis much less scary and I am really excited to start feeling better ☺️

[Mismythification]

Just been diagnosed at 46 and I've literally always thought everyone's brain was like this!

[AUnicorn]

As a joke I was like “is this an ad for ocd treatment” and then it WAS and that was amazing

[lindhe]

This is why it bugs me when people say they have "OCD" when they are just orderly people.

[mariotkman]

My girlfriend has OCD and John Green content can sometimes have the cool externality of learning more about the disorder my partner has. But do NOT get it twisted.
I joined my partner for her therapy session this week and THE THINGS I LEARNED FROM A PROFESSIONAL!!! OCD therapists know how to help and how to communicate how others can help.
I spent 30 minutes w/ my gf and the therapist in therapy and I learned actionable things to better support my partner :))))!!!
OCD therapy is a huge, massive W.
Thanks for advocating for OCD Therapy John. DFTBA <3

[becksdex]

ive heard good things about nocd, but i really appreciate your endorsement. hope this reaches the people who need it ❤

[geekscakes]

I have OCD and you are a big inspiration to me. OCD is terrible and seeing you being such a successful and brilliant person while also talking about your struggles and encouraging others to get help has helped me belive in myself more, because if you can do it maybe I can to😊
my Turtles All The Way Down copy is my lucky charm btw, I absolutely love this book😍

[shayelea]

John, you will be remembered by history as someone who:
1) Performed crucial advocacy in fighting the inequities in tuberculosis treatment around the word
2) Normalized open and honest discourse about mental health struggles and their treatment
3) Oh and wrote some pretty great YA novels before pivoting to humanitarian work

[astrick]

I just got diagnosed a few months ago, I had no idea my self-loathing was Moral OCD. I just started medicine that’s helped so much. Thank you for giving me a place to look for other treatment!