A Personal Journey to Freedom from OCD

Welcome back to the Anxiety Society podcast! In this episode, your hosts Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Cali Werner, open up about their personal journeys with anxiety. They explore how these experiences have shaped their lives and careers as therapists. From rescuing stray dogs to navigating social anxieties, they share the most vulnerable moments and lessons learned. Tune in to hear about how the transformative power of effective treatment, can lead to freedom from anxiety. This is a raw, and unfiltered conversation that reveals how we can overcome anxiety in everyday situations.

Key Points:
[00:06] - Introduction
Discover the mission of the Anxiety Society podcast and what we aim to achieve together.
[01:35] - New Segment: Anxious Moment of the Week
We introduce a fresh segment where we share our personal anxious moments. It's real, raw, and relatable.
[02:19] - Carly’s Anxious Moment
Carly rescues a stray dog, leading to a heartfelt discussion about anxiety, compassion, and coping mechanisms.
[06:14] - Elizabeth’s Anxious Moment
Elizabeth reveals her social anxiety over a coffee meetup, offering a candid look at how anxiety can sneak into everyday situations.
[10:07] - Relational Anxieties
We delve into the complexities of relational anxieties and how they affect our interactions and self-perception.
[11:17] - Elizabeth’s Journey with Anxiety
Elizabeth begins sharing her powerful personal journey with anxiety, starting from her childhood and leading to her struggles with OCD.
[19:36] - The Impact of OCD
A deep dive into how OCD disrupted Elizabeth's daily life and the challenges she faced before seeking help.
[25:11] - Turning Point
The pivotal moment when Elizabeth sought effective treatment, marking the beginning of her path to recovery.
[32:24] - Finding Freedom
The role of effective treatment in achieving freedom from anxiety, emphasizing the importance of proper care and support.

Quotable Moments:

[34:37] - "Our stories shouldn't be exceptions; they should be the norm. With effective treatment, you can find freedom from anxiety.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[35:27] - "You don't have to just survive with anxiety; you can thrive and live a life free from its grasp.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale

[36:42] - "It's not about fighting to function; it's about fighting for freedom.” - Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale