Group chat: How OCD affects friendships

Gryff Connah: Taboo OCD and saying the quiet parts out loud

In this episode Penny and Ange are joined by young emerging performer and theatre-maker, Gryff Connah. He talks to them about how intrusive thoughts and compulsions have woven their way throughout his life and how his dad helped him to identify what was really going on. Together they discuss: * the early signs of OCD as a young kid * the obsessive thoughts intensifying during lockdown when Gryff was a teenager * the validation and relief that came with a diagnosis * some of the more taboo themes of OCD that are so common but rarely talked about * the play ‘Flicker’ that Gryff is involved with producing for the Melbourne fringe festival, which delves into the complex themes of OCD

Group Chat: Parenting with OCD

Do you find it tough to parent whilst drowning in OCD overwhelm? Well, Penny and Ange do, so they sat down for a candid chat about it.  They talk about their own experiences as parents to young kids and read out anonymous comments that listeners sent in describing what parts they find the toughest. They also talk about some of the silver linings and include some practical tips for parents who might be struggling with their mental health.    Shownotes:  This Way Up: https://thiswayup.org.au/ [https://thiswayup.org.au/] The Brain Forest https://www.dymocks.com.au/the-brain-forest-by-sandhya-menon-and-kushla-ross-9780646856094 [https://www.dymocks.com.au/the-brain-forest-by-sandhya-menon-and-kushla-ross-9780646856094]

Emily Ferretti: Magical Thinking OCD

Penny talks to acclaimed contemporary painter, Emily Ferretti about her experience with magical thinking OCD. Em talks so generously about:  - Some of her early OCD symptoms that arose when she was at primary school - Seeing a counsellor early on but not receiving the right treatment until she was an adult - Having certain obsessions triggered by specific life moments  - How OCD can wax and wane throughout someone's lifetime  - Going on medication and finally seeing a psychologist who had experience with treating OCD - The catharsis of group therapy  - Becoming a mum who has OCD    Shownotes: Up - documentary [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3HrUSHXJ5M]

Dr Andrea Wallace: All about EMDR

Alison steps in for Angie today and joins Penny in welcoming back Dr Andrea Wallace to discuss EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). EMDR is an evidence-backed therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (for example side to side eye movements) alongside the recollection of memories to help the brain reprocess memories of events or feelings. Penny and Alison discuss: * How the body/mind is wired to heal itself * What EMDR is and how it started * How and why it can be useful to help treat people with OCD * What EMDR sessions might look like * How it’s been helpful for Penny * How it can help people who might be resistant to trying ERP

Chris Walker: When childhood trauma meets OCD

Leading Australian TV producer, Chris Walker talks to Penny and Angie about the devastating intersection of OCD and childhood trauma.  When Chris was a young kid he witnessed a devastating event which left him and his family reeling. A few years later, Chris experienced OCD symptoms which started to take over his life.  In this very raw and honest episode, Chris talks so generously about: * The role religion and moral scrupulosity played in his OCD * The exhaustion of dealing with OCD at school when it’s so often invisible/hidden * The continuing misunderstanding around OCD and mental illness in general * Getting treatment for PTSD and ocd and how ERP therapy helped his compulsions * Seeing OCD symptoms in one of his children and his optimism for early intervention.