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One of the most profound experiences I've had as a mental health pro was in grad school at an @IOCDF conference.
I've had a similar feeling, being deeply moved, by a similar situation the last few weeks.
I'll explain.
I've had a similar feeling, being deeply moved, by a similar situation the last few weeks.
I'll explain.
My mentor was leading a support group for individuals with violent + sexual obsessions at the conf.
REMINDER
By definition, #OCD is made up of intrusive, UNWANTED thoughts. These are the flywheel for obsessions.
People with these obsessions are not violent, nor perverse!
REMINDER
By definition, #OCD is made up of intrusive, UNWANTED thoughts. These are the flywheel for obsessions.People with these obsessions are not violent, nor perverse!
The support group included people of all gender identities and ages, from about 6 to 60's.
What made it moving and profound?
This was a room full of people who thought — many for their ENTIRE lives — that they were irreparably damaged humans.
And ALONE in that nightmare.
What made it moving and profound?
This was a room full of people who thought — many for their ENTIRE lives — that they were irreparably damaged humans.
And ALONE in that nightmare.
They thought they were bad people.
Because of thoughts that they would do ANYTHING to get rid of.
That is the compulsions flywheel. Compulsions function as a silencer for obsessions.
"If I do X, it will make Y thoughts go away."
Because of thoughts that they would do ANYTHING to get rid of.
That is the compulsions flywheel. Compulsions function as a silencer for obsessions.
"If I do X, it will make Y thoughts go away."
The group shared heartbreaking stories of pain, shame, loneliness, self-harm, suicidality.
Older folks shared how comforted they were by the kids in the group finding answers and support at a young age — that they wouldn't spend decades thinking they were hell-bound freaks.
Older folks shared how comforted they were by the kids in the group finding answers and support at a young age — that they wouldn't spend decades thinking they were hell-bound freaks.
It's really difficult to do justice to the feeling I felt that day. But I will never forget it.
A similar feeling has washed over me lately as fellow female founders with ADHD have begun reaching out to me.
A similar feeling has washed over me lately as fellow female founders with ADHD have begun reaching out to me.
Last night, I was practically dancing around my living room while texting with @grlalx because of how understood I felt discussing a struggle I have myself — finishing books.
There are days I feel so ashamed about what I struggle with that pride in my progress is overshadowed.
There are days I feel so ashamed about what I struggle with that pride in my progress is overshadowed.
That familiar feeling stirs in me as I practically feel the relief by proxy of other women as they confirm they are also not alone.
They are also not freaks.
They are also not failures.
This is the magic of group therapy. I am suddenly grateful to have training in it.
They are also not freaks.
They are also not failures.
This is the magic of group therapy. I am suddenly grateful to have training in it.
