One reason so many people still don’t understand the breadth of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is that it’s hard to show, limiting how we can spread awareness of it. Cartoonist Jason Adam Katzenstein’s new book, Everything Is an Emergency, illustrates some of the anguish people with OCD feel—but it will also make you laugh. Thank you,…
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A Penny for Your Intrusive Thoughts: Cassie and Darcy
Nothing inspires me more than when people who have suffered make it their mission to help others, and it’s even better when they do it with as much joy and creativity as today’s guests have. Cassie and Darcy are at the helm of A Penny for Your Intrusive Thoughts, an outlet for people with intrusive…
Read MoreLaughing Despite, and About, OCD: Neil Hemmer
Neil Hemmer is one of those old young people, already wise at 25. He’ll say something so poetic and profound it brings a tear to your eye and you suddenly feel less alone. And then he’ll tell a long story about pooping and the tears in your eyes are from laughing so hard. Like many…
Read MoreAdvocating for OCD on Twitter: Shira Folberg
Shira Folberg is a force to be reckoned with! When she tweets about mental health and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in particular, people pay attention. She’s also started a personal blog about her experiences with OCD as well as a series called Faces of OCD with the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). Shira has gone through a…
Read MoreHarnessing the Power of ACT: Patricia Zurita Ona
When you talk to Patricia Zurita Ona—Dr.Z. to her patients—her passion for acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) comes through loud and clear. She has embraced this form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as a way for individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to face their fears by focusing on what they value in life. Dr. Z. is…
Read MoreMade of Millions Founder: Aaron Harvey
When Aaron Harvey was finally diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in his thirties, he was relieved to have answers but frustrated it took so long to get them. Determined to shorten the time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis, he set out to educate others about OCD, specifically intrusive thoughts. Now he’s expanded his scope…
Read MoreIncreasing Diversity in the OCD Community: Valerie Andrews
When I started speaking out about my own experience with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) several years ago, I was scared of what people might think. And while there weren’t as many outspoken advocates as there are today, the ones who were sharing their stories pretty much all looked like me! One reason Valerie Andrews became an…
Read MoreMaking Relationships Work With OCD: Genevieve Kales
Happy Monday! Help me welcome Genevieve Kales, who started advocating for OCD awareness a few years ago and has already made a huge impact on our community. You might recognize her from the documentary “Uncovering OCD: The Truth About Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder,” directed by Ethan Smith, in which she shared her experience with OCD. You played…
Read MoreAdvocating for OCD During a Crisis: Ethan Smith
Ethan Smith is one of the busiest advocates out there! We’re lucky he was able to carve out some time to talk about his latest projects and what he’s doing to offer support in this unpredictable climate. Thank you for everything you do for the OCD community, Ethan! Ethan, it’s been a while since you…
Read MoreNot Alone Notes: Morgan Rondinelli and Molly Fishback
When I was in college few things were more exciting than checking my little PO box and seeing that I’d gotten mail—a care package from my mom or a card from one of my roommates. Sure, living together meant we could just hand each other a note, but that’s not nearly as fun. Morgan Rondinelli…
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