For SANE Peer Ambassador Bron, the pandemic caused her contamination fears to increase significantly. Marking OCD Awareness Week, Bron shares some of her hard work to connect, get support and give herself a break during this challenging time.
The SANE Blog
You might have seen Tim on ABC’s You Can’t Ask That sharing his experiences of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Here, he gives even more insight into living with OCD, the symptoms people don’t see and how acceptance gives him strength.
What were you doing in Year 12?
Brisbane student Rohan is putting all of our teenage selves to shame by organising an ambitious fundraiser for SANE, with a goal of raising $5000.
"I decided to run a 24 hour climb-a-thon at Kangaroo Point cliffs with a team of 12 climbers" he says.
"The reason I chose this is because my older brother has struggled with anxiety and OCD for many years, which also led to a period of addiction to a medically prescribed drug. I have seen first hand the impact of this on the individual, their family and friends and know how important it is for so much more research to be done to support mental health awareness and issues. I found SANE and like the work they are doing, so I decided to make a difference through supporting them."
Rohan (second from left) and a group of climbing friends
Obsessive compulsive disorder tells lies which disguise themselves as truths.
These lies add to the distress that obsessions cause, but once we are able to realise they aren't true, it makes dealing with OCD much easier.
Here are some of the lies OCD tells:
My name is Julie. I'm a mum of a beautiful daughter and have been working in the mental health field for 21 years. Oh, and by the way, I've had obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) since I was five years old.
Awareness of Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is certainly growing.
The term is now commonplace in the Australian vernacular and characters with the disorder are regularly depicted on television and in the movies.
But do these adjectives, analogies and representations come close to depicting the experiences of people living with the disorder?
‘How can I stop my friend, partner, or parent hoarding?’
This is a common question asked by many people who feel unable to help their loved one.
What is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? SANE spoke to Tim Hillier about his experience of OCD, the symptoms he encounters and his advice for others diagnosed with the disorder.
I've had obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) since I was about seven or eight years old.
I've had a lot of different symptoms throughout the years and I've read a lot about it.
People don't really see the seriousness and the impact that it has, I suppose it's seen as more of a quirk or a temporary behaviour.
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SANE acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land on which it operates. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and value the rich history, unbroken culture and ongoing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to country.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
How can we support you right now?