Happy Birthday Ocdtalk

by stuart miles freedigitalphotos.net

Four years ago I gingerly posted my first blog entry. I knew I needed to tell my family’s story with the hope of helping others, but beyond that, I had no idea, or expectation, of what was to come.

Fast forward four years. I’ve have the good fortune of being published on many other sites, and still write monthly for Psych Central and Mentalhelp.net. I’ve also been an invited speaker at OCD conferences.

I have met amazing people, both in person and virtually, who have shared their stories; some of hope and triumph, and others of frustration, torment, and despair. I am inspired by each of them.

One of my posts led to the creation of the OCD Network to Recovery, which facilitates connections between those in the throes of OCD with those who have successfully completed exposure and response (ERP) prevention therapy.

My book, Overcoming OCD: A Journey to Recovery, will be available in less than a month, and there are already several events planned after its arrival (more on that in a future post). Dr. Seth Gillihan (my co-author) and I met through ocdtalk.

With the upcoming publication of my book, some people have asked if I will continue to blog. The answer is a resounding YES!  The reason for this answer is simple: There are still people with obsessive-compulsive disorder who are suffering, families who feel alone and don’t know where to turn, and health care providers who aren’t aware of the proper therapy for OCD. There is still a lack of understanding among the general public as to what OCD really is. Those of us who have first-hand knowledge as to how devastating an illness OCD can be have the potential to inform, educate, and help others.

Of course, the success of ocdtalk and the opportunities afforded me have only materialized because of you, all my readers, who read, comment on, and support my blog. Thank you for all of your encouragement along the way. I am grateful for each and every one of you and hope you will continue to follow ocdtalk wherever our journey may lead.