Conqueror Badge

Today, I received my “Conqueror Badge” from NOCD and I am in tears of joy 🥹 Never, did I ever think that this day would come two years ago when I was in both the depths and grips of hell battling OCD (Harm, etc.) At the time, my diagnosis was unknown because my family, friends & I didn’t know what had taken over my life. Unfortunately, but fortunately; the collective decision was made to self-admit myself into the hospital in a psychiatric unit. I spent two of the scariest weeks of my life in the hospital. However, it wasn’t my experience that was scary (don’t get my wrong; it was an adjustment for obvious reasons), but rather the unknown that was petrifying for me. Both meeting/speaking with different doctors on a daily basis, being prescribed medication I hadn’t ever heard of; let alone taken in my life before, only being able to speak with my loved ones during certain times of the day, etc. But worst of all; was not knowing if/when I would ever be discharged. Thankfully, two-weeks later; I was discharged and my journey to being on the road to recovery had began. From being admitted into an out-patient program for one-month, starting multiple types of therapy and then thankfully discovering NOCD. Which, is where both regaining and rebuilding my life truly, began (alongside undergoing ECT treatments in order to break down the excessive gray matter in my brain; of which causes severe anxiety, depression, etc). It was with the likes of both Joe Cook (initially) and Tiffany Merritt (most recently); of whom both helped me slowly, but surely; rebuild my life from the ground up through therapy. Yes, therapy was scary at first, difficult at times and unnerving all together, but through the grace of NOCD, my supportive partner, family and friends; I was thankfully, able to both regain my life and control of it! However, this did not/does not come with trials and tribulations along the way… Unfortunately, there currently is no cure for OCD and it can only be managed through therapy, medication and in extreme cases - brain surgery. But the moral of my post and message behind it is that if I can get to this point in my life; ANYONE/EVERYONE reading this can too! As I mentioned earlier in this post; I’ve been to hell and back and unfortunately, it almost took my life. But thankfully, just when the light at the end of the tunnel had become it’s dimmest and darkest; I turned the other way decided to walk in the other direction. Of which, ultimately saved my life, thank God! With all of the above being said and taken into consideration; I conclude my post with this - PLEASE, continue to spread awareness about what OCD TRULY, is! Please go about getting a proper diagnosis for yourself and/or anyone else who you may be concerned about potentially having OCD and last, but not least; please, invest in your self/someone when it comes to therapy, medications and any/all other alternative options that help fight back at OCD and regaining your life or the life of someone you know! Because it TRULY, saved lives! Sending love, compassion and support to all those suffering from the monster and battling the beast that is OCD 💌