Lucy Williams is a collaborator of Dark Coffee, having graduated with a degree in Psychology last summer. Lucy has experienced OCD and feelings of anxiety intermittently throughout her life and shares her experiences in a time where fixations on feelings of guilt due to the media and the high priority of hygiene have made some of the general population more likely to manifest symptoms similar to those of OCD.
The interview also discusses the bodily manifestation of OCD, the overlaps with certain forms of anxiety, the importance of therapy and advice for anyone who might be noticing the signs of OCD in anyone around them.
Also discussed:
(1:10) Intro
(2:14) OCD and the diagnostic criteria, Lucy’s personal experiences, compulsions and the way OCD can manifest
(5:27) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and what it involves when treating OCD, the role of intrusive thoughts
(9:02) The link between anxiety and OCD, adrenaline and the bodily manifestation, the hereditary aspect of certain disorders/conditions
(12:13) The current situation with coronavirus and how this is affecting people due to feelings of guilt, which is a strong component of OCD
(14:10) The hangover of symptoms of OCD even after no longer being considered to have OCD anymore in terms of the diagnostic criteria
(16:53) Distinguishing between normal behaviour in terms of hygiene, etc versus what might be ‘too much’, especially due to media panic, keeping perspective
(25:10) Suggestions for supporting individuals showing signs of OCD like symptoms, promoting the awareness of the symptoms/manifestations
(29:07) Therapy and the importance of a good therapeutic relationship and appropriate therapy
(32:32) Compassion and the importance of looking at things from other people’s perspectives in the current situation
(34:55) The way OCD can change due to your circumstances and therapy later down the line, recovery and perspective
(41:00) How sometimes our behaviours due to mental health conditions can actually relieve us in certain ways, when controlled and under self-awareness
(47:14) Closing comments and advice
Helpful resources:
www.ocduk.org
Welcome to Dark Coffee, the podcast that starts engaging and approachable conversations around mental health.
Join wellbeing advocate Alice Lyons as she attempts to normalise the conversation around mental health, from suicide to satisfaction and everything in between.
Dark Coffee aims to create a safe space to explore dark topics with curiosity, compassion and courage to empower people to build their mental strength, resilience and sense of connection.
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Suicide and Emotional Support Organisations - UK
Samaritans: Confidential suicide discussion and emotional support. Free helpline available round the clock. Text - 116123. Call - 08457 909090 Email - jo@samaritans.org. Website - www.samaritans.org
Mind: Support and information for anyone suffering from a mental health issue. 0300 123 3393 Website - Mind.org.uk
Saneline: Practical information, crisis care and emotional support to people affected by mental health concerns. Helpline: 0845 767 8000, open daily from 6pm – 11pm.
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