BROADCASTS.com

b'

It\\u2019s episode 16 of Blended: I\\u2019m joined by another amazing panel of guests and we\\u2019re talking about OCD \\u2013 obsessive compulsive disorder. This is a really interesting topic because it\\u2019s a name I think a lot of people recognize, but I\\u2019m not sure it\\u2019s something that as many people really understand. And that is why we do this show.

Today we\\u2019ll be diving into our guests personal experiences with OCD; the impact of the media; issues around stereotypes and assumptions; and the panel will be sharing their advice for creating more supportive and inclusive workplaces.

\\xa0

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

\\xa0

[0.37] Introductions to our Blended panellists.

• Miguel \\u2013 Student of finance and accounting
• India \\u2013 OCD expert, speaker and trainer

[02.04] An explanation of what OCD is, and how it impact a person\\u2019s life.

\\u201cThe OCD brain is highly analytical.\\u201d India

[07.14] The panel share their own stories and personal experiences of OCD.

• Emergence in childhood
• Biological, psychological and social combination of factors
• Genetic component
• Links to factors such as strep virus or trauma
• Impact on others

\\u201cIt impacted my marriage \\u2013 it was taking me four or five hours to get into bed because of my rituals. It can be very confusing and disempowering for a partner.\\u201d India

[15.49] The group discuss inaccurate assumptions around OCD, both in the media and in wider society.

• Personal experiences of other\\u2019s understanding, or lack of
• Stereotypes
• Different OCD manifestations
• Lack of belief and accusations that people are exaggerating their condition
• More education
• Stop using OCD as an adjective
• Trivializing OCD and presenting it as comical

\\u201cOCD is incredibly serious, it\\u2019s often very dark and it\\u2019s often so abhorrent, so disgusting and revolting for the person experiencing the thoughts, that it results in these extreme and bizarre behaviours.\\u201d India

[24.28] The panel reflect on the prevalence of OCD within society, compared with the lack of understanding.

• International OCD Foundation statistics
• Destigmatizing mental ill health
• Raising awareness
• Media impact and social media \\u2013 double edged swords
• Empathy and not leaping to judgement
• Seeking help

\\u201cMany people think that mental health is exaggerated, that people want attention \\u2013 but mental health is just as important as physical health.\\u201d Miguel

[41.43] The group discuss OCD in the workplace, and the impact on both person and business.

• Why people don\\u2019t inform workplaces
• Why Miguel shares his diagnosis upfront
• Discrimination
• Workplace support \\u2013 eg training, extended deadlines and time off
• Education for management and HR
• Creating safe spaces

\\u201cThe key is in respect and understanding, without judging in a hasty way.\\u201d Miguel

[57.12] The panellists sum-up their thoughts from today\\u2019s discussion.

\\xa0

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

\\xa0

You can connect with India and Miguel over on LinkedIn.

Head over to OCD Excellence\\u2019s website to find out more and discover how they could help. You can also connect with OCD Excellence and keep up to date with the latest over on Instagram or YouTube.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

\\xa0