Hussain's Story
Hussain shares his journey with OCD and his recovery through ERP therapy, mindfulness, community, and empowering others.
"You are not your OCD. It’s a part of your life, but it doesn’t define you."
About Hussain:
I am a mental health advocate and the creator of The Struggling Warrior, a platform where I share my personal experiences with Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to raise awareness and support others navigating similar challenges. Having lived with OCD for most of my life, I’ve dedicated myself to providing resources, such as digital journals, ebooks, and thought logs, to help individuals better understand and manage their condition.
Currently, I’m working on an ebook titled Listen Up: OCD is Talking, written from the unique perspective of OCD itself, and other premium tools to empower those fighting OCD to reclaim their lives.
WHAT WAS THE MAJOR TURNING POINT IN YOUR RECOVERY FROM OCD?
The major turning point in my recovery came when I realized I could no longer let OCD control my life. Seeking professional help and starting therapy—specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—was life-changing.
For the first time, I had a roadmap for facing my fears and resisting the compulsions that had kept me trapped for years. Additionally, learning mindfulness techniques and connecting with a community of others who understood OCD gave me the strength to move forward and take back control of my thoughts and actions.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT REALLY HELPED?
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy: This evidence-based approach taught me to confront my fears gradually and resist compulsive behaviors, breaking the cycle that kept my OCD alive.
- Mindfulness Practices: By focusing on the present moment, I learned to observe intrusive thoughts without judgment, allowing me to reduce their emotional impact and regain clarity.
- Building Structure and Routine: Incorporating a consistent daily routine, including exercise, healthy eating, and dedicated “mental health breaks,” provided me with stability and helped counteract the chaos OCD often brought to my life.
- The Power of Exercise: Going to the gym not only improved my physical health but also significantly reduced my anxiety, boosted my confidence, and gave me mental clarity. It served as an outlet for stress and helped me rebuild my social connections.
- Community and Connection: Engaging with others who shared their OCD experiences, both online and in person, reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Hearing their stories inspired me and gave me the courage to share my own journey.
- Creative Outlets: Writing about my experiences with OCD, whether through journaling or creating content for my website, became a therapeutic process that helped me reflect, process, and heal.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO OTHER GUYS FIGHTING OCD?
OCD thrives in silence and isolation, so the most important thing you can do is to speak up and seek help. Whether it’s finding a therapist, talking to a friend, or joining a support group, sharing your struggle is the first step toward reclaiming your life.
Remember, recovery isn’t about eliminating every intrusive thought—it’s about changing how you respond to them. Celebrate the small victories, even if they seem insignificant, because those small steps add up to big changes over time.
Most importantly, remind yourself that you are not your OCD. It’s a part of your life, but it doesn’t define you. You have the strength to push through, and with the right support, you can live a full and meaningful life despite OCD.
For more resources, personal insights, and tools to help you manage OCD, visit my website, The Struggling Warrior. You don’t have to face this alone.
– Hussain, Kuwait City, Kuwait