Beyond OCD

Giving Voice

November 2012


IN THIS ISSUE
-  Gratitude Is Good Medicine
-  Researchers
-  Effective Treatment
-  Stigma Busters
-  Therapists
-  Family Members
-  Donors
 
 

Gratitude Is Good Medicine

With Thanksgiving just days away, we dedicate this issue of Giving Voice to the concept of gratitude and the people, treatments and ideas for which we are very thankful. Science demonstrates that gratitude is more than just "feel-good" stuff; studies show that cultivating it actually can improve your mental health. Read more > 



We're grateful for researchers who help us gain a better understanding of OCD.

Researchers in Barcelona have proven that people with OCD are more morally sensitive than those who do not have the disorder. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the experts measured and compared the brain activity of people with OCD and those without OCD when faced with different moral problems in which they had to choose between two alternatives both leading to very negative consequences. Read more >


We're grateful for effective treatment.

Teen guide p. 15 boy
OCD not only produces constant mental noise and endless worry, but it also often includes a cognitive process known as "thought-action-fusion." The distorted thinking in this fusion leads many people with OCD to believe that thinking something makes it so. They then take on the weight of the world and compulsively try to prepare for impending doom.

Fortunately, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) helps people gain the insight and courage to challenge their irrational thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Mindfulness-based CBT helps individuals learn the skill of non-judgmental awareness and acceptance of one's thoughts and feelings.  Read more >

 

If you have OCD and have not sought CBT, we urge to find a qualified treatment professional and get started!  

 


We're grateful for everyone who speaks up to end the stigma of mental illness.
When it comes to transforming lives, there is no substitute for the power of the personal story, and we appreciate all the people who share theirs. We think this statement sums up what happens when people speak up about their own experiences:

"There's a tremendous need to implode the myths of mental illness, to put a face on it, to show people that a diagnosis does not have to lead to a painful and oblique life," said Elyn R. Saks, a professor at the University of Southern California School of Law who chronicles her own struggles with schizophrenia in "The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness." "We who struggle with these disorders can lead full, happy, productive lives, if we have the right resources." (Note: Quote taken from The New York Times article below.)
 
JK Rowling Reveals Her Struggle with OCD
During the publicity tour for her first novel aimed at adults, the world-famous author discussed her experiences with anxiety and depression for the first time. She used her own struggles to help shape the protagonist in the book. Read more >

NBA Rookie Goes Public About His OCD
Houston Rockets rookie forward Royce White has been very open about his displeasure over how his employer has handled his mental health issues. Read more >

Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, Actress Glenn Close and Activist Jessie Close Speak Out About Mental Illness
As guests at the 28th annual Rosalynn Carter Symposium on Mental Health Policy at The Carter Center, both Jessie and Glenn Close, along with former U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter, sat down for an exclusive interview about how they're creating change and advancing social inclusion for the mentally ill.
Read more >

Expert on Mental Illness Reveals Her Own Fight
"So many people have begged me to come forward, and I just thought - well, I have to do this. I owe it to them. I cannot die a coward," said Marsha M. Linehan, a psychologist at the University of Washington. Read more >

Everyone Has the Power to Speak Up
You don't have to be famous to make a difference in the the fight against stigma. Time to Change and  Bring Change 2 Mind are two organizations whose missions are to eliminate discrimination and end the stigma of mental illness. Visit their sites to learn what you can do.


We're grateful for young advocates.

Our partner organization, Active Minds, is a finalist in Chase's American Giving Awards and is competing for a chance to win up to $1 million. This nonprofit empowers students to speak openly about mental health in order to educate others and encourage people to seek help.

Voting will take place on the award program's Facebook page between Tuesday, November 27th and Tuesday, December 4th. Cast your vote next week in the name of mental health advocacy!


We're grateful for therapists who help debunk myths about mental illness.

While most often we find that people are compassionate and understanding when they learn that someone struggles with a mental illness, the fact is society still has a lot of misconceptions. The author of "What Many People Don't Get About Mental Illness" invites a number of therapists to shed light on some common myths about mental illness.  Read more >

We're grateful for family members who "get it" and never give up on us.
College p. 22

Blogger Janet Singer writes from her experience as the mother of a now-college-age son who has OCD. She shares her insights on our web site and on PsychCentral's site. Here are her two latest posts:

 OCD and Uncertainty--for Everyone

 Secretly Debilitated By OCD: Should You Hide It?


We're grateful for your contributions, especially in this time of giving.

Beyond OCD provides a vital lifeline to children and adults who are struggling with OCD and to the family members who love them. We are the leading provider of consumer-friendly resources designed to help individuals cope with and conquer OCD.

Our updated Relief from OCD guide is chock-full of detailed information on symptoms, facts and myths, gold-standard treatment, and related disorders. The comprehensive booklet is available in English and Spanish, as are all of our guides. This invaluable resource, as well as the many others we offer free of charge, are made possible by contributions from people like you.

Please make your donation to Beyond OCD today!

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