I met today’s guest, Jed Siev, PhD, several years ago at an OCD conference—I think Lee Baer introduced us, and as I mention later in the Q&A, I loved Dr. Baer! One of the reasons I loved him was that he was truly and deeply empathetic toward sufferers of “taboo obsessions” (i.e., me) and worked…
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Speaking Out to Destigmatize OCD: Shaun Flores
After Shaun Flores was diagnosed with OCD, he knew he had to share his story to help others—and he has not stopped since! He didn’t see other Black men speaking about their struggles with mental illness, but instead of giving in to stigma and the fear of being judged he has gone full steam ahead,…
Read MoreRelying on Community: Hannah Zidansek
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) itself is serious, but that doesn’t mean spreading awareness and clearing up misconceptions about it has to be. Enter Hannah Zidansek, who manages to explain what OCD is really like with humor and a skill I don’t have myself—making videos people actually want to watch. Hannah is an advocate for the International…
Read MoreA 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 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 MoreDrawing on Strength to Face OCD: Thomas Smalley
Thomas Smalley was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in high school, and it wasn’t long before he was spreading awareness of the disorder: He spoke about it at Yale when he was only 16! Thomas found purpose in his pain and has helped combat stigma and educate others about OCD. Learn more about his journey,…
Read MoreBeing Inclusive to All With OCD: Vinay Krishnan
Vinay Krishnan has been vocal about spreading awareness of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and in a variety of ways: In 2018 he hosted an open-mic night at the OCD Conference, he’s written articles such as “What I Learned Watching LeBron James During My OCD Treatment,” and he’s on the IOCDF Diversity Advisory Council. Today he’s talking…
Read MoreBlasphemous Thoughts in OCD: Michele Carroll
Meet the lovely Michele Carroll! Some of you may be thinking, “Wait, I think I have met her” because you’ve talked with her or seen her at some of the annual International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) conferences. As you’ll soon hear from Michele herself, she’s had OCD for years—but she’s only recently begun opening up about it more and…
Read MoreOnline Support for OCD: Epifania Gallina
Happy New Year! I’ve been on a bit of a break from posting Tuesday Q&As, and I’m happy to host Epifania Gallina in this first post of 2017! Learn more about her experience with OCD, stigma, and her secret Facebook support group. When were you diagnosed with OCD, and how did you realize you might…
Read MoreTackling Stigma: Mark Joyella
If you know me, you know I believe we all have the power to spread awareness, even if it’s to one other person in our lives, and that every little bit matters. A journalist with nearly 12,000 followers on Twitter, Mark Joyella is in a position to spread awareness far and wide, and we’re lucky enough…
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Alison Dotson 