This is part of the series of:
A Day In The Life of...

And today we are talking about what it's like to be hospitalized for OCD. This is an experience that is not uncommon but is hugely stigmatized. Hospitalization is a source of shame, stigma, and fear about how people will view us, what it means about us, and then the traumatization of what it is like to be in many of these centers/hospitals/institutions.

Being hospitalized can be an enormous source of shame, not to mention that many practitioners have NO idea what OCD is or how it can manifest, so the combination of being in a space that is terrifying PLUS not understanding what you are going through can be absolutely traumatizing.

Today, we are sharing our experiences of being hospitalized because of our experiences with OCD. Our hope is that if you have been hospitalized or if you are in the future, you know you aren't alone in this, that you can get through it, and that there are opportunities to find peace and joy, even in a place where that seems impossible!

Hospitalization can serve a vital function, and that is if you are in a space with your mental health that you need intervention for safety and security, please understand that it is imperative for you to seek that support. Personally, I am so grateful I had the opportunity to stabilize in a secure environment, despite it's flaws, in order to gain some insight, understanding, and knowledge about what can help while my nervous system was stabilizing. I have always known that if I needed to be hospitalized again, I could do it and I'd be okay. So, this episode is meant to help you see that if you have been or even in the future if you are hospitalized, it is NOT the end of the world! You will survive it, you will and can find hope and motivation, and you do have hope.

If you want to support or sponsor our podcast, please visit our patreon page at
https://www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked.com

If you are looking for an online community who understands, gets what you are going through, and you can connect to to feel less alone, check out my OCD online community at
http://the-ocd-support-community.mn.co

In this episode, we talk to Alie Garza. Alie lives with OCD and is an OCD Therapist and her story is filled with inspiration and resilience.

Alie disclosed her intrusions to a trusted community, and unfortunately received a response many of us dread and fear.

Rejection. Ostracization. Misunderstanding.

This is something that so many of us fear and keep us silent and behind the mask! The reason I feel Alie's experience is SO important is because she is a testament to going through what we are terrified of, and surviving AND now being in a position of disclosing without shame, fear, or rejection. Alie embodies exactly what advocacy is...and also owning her authentic story to help support others in how to change how they approach these situations.

We discuss her story, what we can do when we feel scared or threatened by sharing, and how to approach professionals who may misunderstand.

This is an important episode and topic. It may feel scary to listen to because trust me...I KNOW this is something so many of us worry about. But, by NOT talking about it, we just perpetuate the fears that we have no agency, right, or opportunity to shed light, education, or boundaries around who we tell and why.

I hope this episode helps support you if you are experiencing this or gives you some insight or tips if you are in this position.

If you are in need of a community that can help support you where you are at in your OCD experience, check out my online community for support at https://the-ocd-support-community.mn.co

If this podcast supports or inspires you, please consider supporting us as a patreon or sponsor at www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked

Why the mask made sense, and how I learned to live without it

In today's episode, Chrissie talks about the many scenarios we may not even realize we are wearing a mask, but yet we still feel the toll of it, whether that be with shame, feeling dismissed, or feeling unseen.

This episode is about storytelling the different times in life where OCD wasn't necessarily the driver, but definitely was controlling the GPS of how I felt like I was showing up in life, and still needing to hide. Learning how to connect and live by our values outside of our experience with OCD can feel conflicting at times, especially when stigma, shame and fear are present. Chrissie talks today about when the particular values of authenticity began to rear it's head, but was silenced many times by the mask. What had to happen in her life for her to finally embrace it? Listen to this episode to find out!

If you are moved, inspired, or feel connected to this podcast, please consider pledging monthly or sponsoring us at our Patreon page at www.patreon.com/intrusivethoughtsunmasked . Your contribution will help us keep these stories and other areas of connection available to those who are feeling alone, isolated and wanting more opportunities to connect! Anything helps us, so please consider donating today!

If you are looking for community connection with weekly support, monthly classes and events, and individuals who just get it - check out my online community at https://the-ocd-support-community.mn.co

And remember, when you're here, you don't have to wear the mask! We want you to feel seen, understood, and accepted...just as you are.