Intrusive Thoughts Unmasked

The OCD Haze: In My Own Words

Episode 19: The OCD Haze:  This terrifying state of mind and being when you are trapped inside of symptoms and it feels like there's no way to connect, no way to ever go back to who you were, and life will never be the same. It's almost impossible to describe and hard to remember when you're out of it, and hard to remember what it's like to be normal when you're in it.  In today's episode, we have four different accounts of what it's like to be inside the OCD haze. I know the descriptions and experiences are going to make you feel like you are not alone when you are in this space. There is such vulnerability and real reflection of the experience in this episode. I know you will relate! If you are in need of a community of people who can help you feel more accepted, less alone, and more connected to people who understand, please check out my online community for weekly support, monthly classes and events at https://the-ocd-support-community.co.mn [https://the-ocd-support-community.mn.co/] If this podcast inspires, supports, and gives you hope and you'd like to support us monthly or sponsor us, please visit our patreon page and become a member. Your contribution will help us continue the podcast and help us provide even more resources for our community! https://www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked [https://www.buzzsprout.com/www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked]

When The Unthinkable Happens - They Don't Believe It's OCD and You're Dangerous

Episode 18 This week I'm sharing about an incident that has happened recently. People in my life found out about my OCD themes and all of a sudden questioned whether I'm 'safe' to be around. This was devastating for many reasons...but after the initial shock...I knew what I had to do.  This is one of the biggest fears many of us have. To be misunderstood. To be not believed that this is unwanted. And unfortunately, many of us encounter it and then feel like we have to wear a mask to make OTHERS feel better about something that isn't our fault. I hope this episode helps you to see that if it ever does happen...you will get through it and you can act with resilience and empowerment to protect yourself in the face of people who are unwilling and incapable of understanding the facts.  If you are in need of a community of people who can help you feel more accepted, less alone, and more connected to people who understand, please check out my online community for weekly support, monthly classes and events at https://the-ocd-support-community.co.mn [https://the-ocd-support-community.mn.co/] If this podcast inspires, supports, and gives you hope and you'd like to support us monthly or sponsor us, please visit our patreon page and become a member. Your contribution will help us continue the podcast and help us provide even more resources for our community! https://www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked [https://www.buzzsprout.com/www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked]

A Day in the Life of OCD Relapse

Episode 17: A Day in the Life of OCD Relapse I know you DON'T want to listen to this one especially if you're feeling good, haha! However, it's so important to know the truth about OCD. We will experience symptoms again. You will be in a position at some point where you will need to remember the tools that work for you and that there is absolutely hope for you to move through symptoms and be better again. Preparing for it seems scary - we'd rather believe OCD is gone for good! So, this episode is here for you when you need reminding  - You can get through relapse - you can and will be okay! In this episode, you will hear 3 stories of experienced relapse of OCD symptoms and how each person worked through it and what they learned through the process. You will also get some encouragement and simple tips on what to do to prepare and how to manage when it happens.  It's also amazing that this episode is dropping right after I published my workbook on relapse preparation! "The OCD Relapse Roadmap: Your Recovery Compass". This is a comprehensive workbook that will walk you through everything you experience OCD and help you prepare when symptoms reoccur. This is the roadmap you will need and want when you are in the dark - it will be the compass to guide you back to the shore. And I'm here with you as you navigate!  Get your copy at www.amazon.com! If you are in need of a community of people who can help you feel more accepted, less alone, and more connected to people who understand, please check out my online community for weekly support, monthly classes and events at https://the-ocd-support-community.co.mn [https://the-ocd-support-community.co.mn/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExTFlCT2tkcnB0a040STYxUHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR485Phbdh1xWlQLgKRb3G8LqBhhocBcdPhyOnRvVqyNZPD_awq4aQmE4A0NPA_aem_2_wpSHvyrAfKuE7Wf3VXkg] If this podcast inspires, supports, and gives you hope and you'd like to support us monthly or sponsor us, please visit our patreon page and become a member. Your contribution will help us continue the podcast and help us provide even more resources for our community! https://www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked [https://www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExTFlCT2tkcnB0a040STYxUHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4qz0WRRa0iivUk43vlYc9seC9Zdy2l1ykiii9N0qfDt424RK_aby9ctBVgVg_aem_nDF9g0HZhhaGpHRwXmWZOA]

Taking Back What OCD Spoiled: A Storytelling Episode

Episode 16: Taking Back What OCD Spoiled In today's episode, I wanted to share a story with you, especially since right now I'm in Seville, Spain and the first time I was here, OCD almost ruined what has turned out to be a lot of love for this country and my experiences here.  I wanted to share this with you because every time I'm here I remember just how far I've come since that trip...and I just want to keep getting stronger.  In this episode, I also wanted to let you know that I published my Relapse Workbook! It's called The OCD Relapse Roadmap: Your Recovery Compass. It's so fitting that it published this week in the midst of being here. This workbook was a labor of love for me, and I'm so excited to give it to you! You can find it on Amazon! If you are in need of a community for people who can help you feel more accepted, less alone, and more connected to people who understand, please check out my online community for weekly support, monthly classes and events at https://the-ocd-support-community.co.mn [https://the-ocd-support-community.co.mn/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWHZHcnc2SjF4ZHpUT1hQQXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7knnHJaNyCfkY0uI-GoxMRMEkjiMue6tl78wo1c5TaQOZz56L18oaUHQjFmg_aem_rOeB9Z5W76hHEeKkXKkhyA]  If this podcast inspires, supports, and gives you hope and you’d like to support us monthly or sponsor us, please visit our patreon page and become a member. Your contribution will help us continue the podcast and help us provide even more resources for our community! www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked [http://www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExWHZHcnc2SjF4ZHpUT1hQQXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7-8gGeU8Yjd7ZpxMhZfGSf9HOMa4tjA1QNw4MjB0zdTAbqEOaAEYhPP2kVng_aem_f0jYF3oDxmC-V0nZ-XXbEg]

Episode 15: What 'Real Recovery' Means to Me

Episode 15: What 'Real Recovery' Means to Me In today's episode, we have 4 guests who live with OCD sharing what 'real recovery' means to them. What does real recovery even mean? The actuality of being in recovery with OCD can often be vastly different than what we imagine, and this can sometimes cause confusion, distress, and even grief. We sometimes look at OCD as a problem to be 'fixed', or something we can just find 'the key' to and it will all go away. And when we realize that OCD is part of how our brain operates, and we need to work within that reality and within ourselves to create a life with OCD, this may feel overwhelming. This is SO common! And this is why this episode is so important.  You will hear four different accounts of recovery evolution, and what has helped each individual get where they are today. One of the things I love about this episode is how each person stresses the importance of individuality. How are you framing your recovery, and what do you need to work through to continue to push farther into it? These are individual questions and the answers can take us in so many incredible directions. Because recovery from OCD is about discovery - the discovery of who we are with OCD, and knowing that we are still worthy and deserving regardless. Recovery for OCD isn't about 'fixing' our brain, it's about adapting and finding out who we are with it. And I hope this episode inspires you to believe that about yourself! If you are in need of a community of people who can help you feel more accepted, less alone, and more connected to people who understand, please check out my online community for weekly support, monthly classes and events at https://the-ocd-support-community.co.mn [https://the-ocd-support-community.mn.co] If this podcast inspires, supports, and gives you hope and you'd like to support us monthly or sponsor us, please visit our patreon page and become a member. Your contribution will help us continue the podcast and help us provide even more resources for our community! https://www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked [https:/www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked]