Episode 250: OCD in the Family

This is the 250th episode of the ADHD Essentials Podcast. For those of you who have been wondering why the show has been inconsistent for the last little while, this is your answer.  I hope you find meaning and comfort in our story.  

In today’s episode, my family and I share the mental health struggles that have affected our lives over the past four years, as well as the things we did to address, and eventually, overcome them.  This episode is mainly about my son Nathan’s struggle with severe Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but the lessons hiding inside it related to compassion, family, and perseverance apply to all mental health challenges, ADHD included.

A few notes: 

I did not propose the idea.  My kids did.  They wanted to do this for the 250th episode.  

Also, we talk pretty frankly about Nate’s OCD, and even joke about some of the events it caused.  None of that was done with resentment or ill will.  The entire conversation was based in love and acceptance.  If anyone, especially Nate, had appeared uncomfortable or distressed by the conversation at any point, I would have ended it and not posted this.  

Finally, this was recorded in January.  The boys finished 8th grade two days prior to posting, and did so with great success.  I’m proud to say that in the time since we recorded, our entire family has moved from a place of healing to a place of growth growth.

OCD Resource Links:

• International OCD Foundation:
  https://iocdf.org/
• McLean Hospital's OCD Programs:
  https://www.mcleanhospital.org/treatment/ocd-institute
  
• NOCD:
  https://www.treatmyocd.com/
  

ADHD Essentials Links:  

• Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups 
• Join Our Facebook Community
• Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage
• Contact Brendan at [email protected]