From Harm OCD & Childhood Trauma to Exposure Therapy Recovery | A Mental Health Recovery Story

Evelyn shares her mental health & addiction recovery story of living with harm OCD, anxiety, PTSD, and the intense feeling of unworthiness that followed childhood trauma. Through exposure therapy and unwavering support, she found sobriety from shame and a path to true healing.

Explore mental health treatment options: https://recovery.com

Key talking points: 
1. Evelyn struggled with harm OCD and anxiety from a young age, often fearing for the safety of loved ones.
2. She believed intrusive thoughts made her a bad person, reinforcing deep shame and guilt.
3. A traumatic incident in middle school triggered a sharp decline in her mental health.
4. Police disbelief and public shaming intensified her feelings of isolation and invalidation.
5. Her OCD worsened into debilitating levels, making daily functioning impossible by high school.
6. Partial hospitalization and exposure therapy (ERP) became the turning point in her recovery.
7. Treatment helped her separate intrusive thoughts from identity and regain emotional clarity.
8. Evelyn learned to sit with discomfort and embrace uncertainty without compulsions.
9. She now views recovery as a continuous, daily choice rooted in self-compassion and worthiness.
10. Her story highlights that asking for help is not weakness—it's the beginning of healing.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:31 Evelyn's Journey Begins
00:57 Understanding Recovery
01:32 The Stigma of Mental Health
03:30 Living with OCD and Anxiety
08:19 The Turning Point
10:40 Seeking Treatment
12:51 The Road to Recovery
14:38 Reflections and Insights
20:12 Conclusion and Resources

#mentalhealth #anxiety 
#mentalhealthawareness
#mentalhealthrecovery
#mentalhealthmatters