Does anyone whos been through trauma and ocd or just ocd alone feel like they’ve changed like not the same happy go lucky person you use to be. Maybe have a outlook on life that isn’t has positive as it once was? My parents told my wife that I’ve changed but I’ve been through a lot and it’s only been 2 years like I expect people to be as positive as they once were to some extent. Idk maybe just me.

Yes I feel that, and I say that in my head all the time, people have said I’m not the same….

It is so hard especially when other people notice and say these things. I think it is important to recognize that everyone changes. We are always changing and always growing. Changing doesn't have to equal a "bad" thing-- difficult paths often lead to beautiful destinations as they say. Hard things impact us- they should- that's what makes us human. Focus on you and what you need to do to get through this season in your life. You got this.

Absolutely! Going through cancer and OCD has ripped away at any shred of happy-go-lucky attitude I previously had. Comparing our current selves to our former only makes us feel worse about ourselves. I often wanted to be like I was before all those things happened to me but it is impossible. We adapt to our experiences and struggles in order to survive—of course we are going to change in more ways than one. It’s disheartening to hear people in your social circle tell you they wish you were the old you. Like damn I wish the same but I’m here and I’m alive despite it all which is plenty to be grateful for. Find those who accept you—the reinvented you—and ignore the ones who don’t. You are worthy of compassion and understanding!