Tom Smalley, a 2-time weightlifting gold medalist and mental health advocate, shares his journey with OCD. Tom was diagnosed with OCD at 16 and also struggled with anxiety and depression. As a result of his OCD, Tom experienced intrusive thoughts and engaged in compulsions to manage them. Tom underwent exposure response prevention therapy (ERP) and medication to help manage his OCD, and has since become an advocate for mental health. Through it all, Tom has truly turned his struggle into strength.
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00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:56 - Diagnosis and Struggles with OCD
06:20 - Understanding OCD and Compulsions
10:11 - Seeking Treatment
13:06 - Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
19:31 - Becoming an Advocate for OCD
23:23 - Bullying and Overcoming Challenges
25:09 - From Mistreatment to Advocacy
32:29 - Empowerment Through Weightlifting
37:31 - The Importance of Mental Performance Training
39:49 - Building Successful Relationships Through Empathy and Communication
46:19 - Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery
Topics: Tom Smalley, mental health advocate, OCD, obsessive thoughts, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, exposure response prevention therapy, ERP, ERP therapy, benefits of ERP, medication, advocate, fulfilling life, OCD, mistreatment, bullying, weightlifting, mental performance training, empowerment, reclaiming athletic career, asking for help
