Dr Lena: intrusive OCD thoughts tried to convince me to kill myself and my partner

Trigger Warnings: this episode references sexual violence, suicidal ideation, paedophilia, sexual assault, intrusive thoughts including sexual, violent and homicidal.

In episode 16, Mitch Wallis speaks to Dr Lena who's brave disclosure of navigating her intrusive OCD encourages him to share the parts of his mental health story that he has never told before.

This episode covers:

• How OCD when experienced as sexual and/or violent intrusive thoughts can confront your morality and attack your sense of self.
• Her terrifying intrusive thoughts that we're trying to convince her to harm herself and others.
• The nature of Mitch's intrusive thoughts including the catalytic childhood event, and how it shaped his life, even to the point where he thought he could never have kids.
• Coping with the loneliness caused by the perpetual war between how we present externally and what we’re experiencing internally.
• How OCD and compulsive behaviours can provide some relief to neutralise the destructive and intrusive thoughts.
• How exposure therapy and acceptance commitment therapy helped bring some relief to the pain of OCD.
• When the doctor becomes the patient. Breaking the stigma that those who help others, don't suffer.

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