gina marie

In honor of OCD Awareness Week, I got wanted to share my story hoping that it could help someone else along their journey. I was diagnosed with OCD in January of this year, but I have struggled with it since my senior year of high school. It wasn’t until I heard someone else share their story that I was fully comfortable enough to talk to my therapist about the thoughts I was having.

OCD is NOT being tidy, organized, or clean. This is a common misconception. Saying you’re “so OCD” when you are any of these things is incorrect. It is truthfully so much more than that under the surface. If you have said any of these things before, try saying you’re “such a perfectionist” instead.

OCD, when untreated, makes you constantly question your morals and whether or not you are a good person. Lots of people who suffer with OCD have constant intrusive (not impulsive! there’s a difference) thoughts. These thoughts manifest from your biggest fears and can range from topics including harm towards yourself or others, sexuality, health, and relationships. In the peak of my OCD I isolated myself because I was so scared that my thoughts would manifest in my real life. It is often times debilitating and many people who struggle with OCD turn to ending their lives so the thoughts stop.

I am so thankful that I am surrounded by family and friends who have taken the time to educate and censor themselves to avoid triggering my anxiety. And oh my, I am so thankful for my therapist.

If anyone is experiencing these thoughts, please reach out for help. Recovery is possible and I am proof of that! Remember, YOU ARE IN CONTROL.