Jason Adams, a dad of twins/husband, author of the book, OCDad: Learning to Be a Parent With a Mental Health Disorder, a musician, and a guy with OCD, in that order, candidly shares his journey with OCD in this #OurAnxietyStories, the OCD Series.

What started as typical new-parent anxieties after the birth of his twin sons in 2019, quickly evolved into severe OCD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts about his children's safety. This strain affected his relationships and daily life, prompting him to seek therapy and a formal diagnosis.

Through treatment, Jason learned to manage his OCD, though balancing his needs with family responsibilities was tough. He points out the importance of understanding how OCD impacts loved ones and not just the individual. Jason highlights the transformative journey of understanding and acceptance, acknowledging the temporary discomfort of change and the long-term benefits of these therapeutic approaches. His openness about integrating clinical strategies with compassionate family dialogue emphasizes the collaborative effort necessary to manage OCD’s effects within family life.

In a candid conversation, Justin Mackenzie shares his journey with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), detailing the challenges and triumphs he faced from his early teens through high school and beyond. Diagnosed around seventh or eighth grade, Justin reflects on how debilitating OCD impacted his daily life, academics, and relationships, often manifesting as intrusive thoughts that consumed his mind. He emphasizes the common misconception surrounding OCD, distinguishing his experiences from the more benign behaviors often associated with the disorder.

Justin highlights the importance of understanding that OCD is not who he is but rather a condition he navigates. Ultimately, his story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding listeners that recovery is possible and that support is essential in overcoming the hurdles of mental illness.

In Part 2 of this OCD Podcast, Justine De Jaegher details a personal journey with OCD, highlighting her experience with various OCD subtypes such as harm, religious scrupulosity, gender or sexual orientation OCD, and perinatal OCD. Justine discusses the transformative impact of exposure and response prevention (ERP) and highlights the importance of tailoring treatment to be inclusive and respectful. The conversation emphasizes the diversity of OCD presentations, challenges with accessing appropriate treatment, the stigma surrounding taboo subtypes and the need for systemic reform to improve accessibility and equity in mental health services. Justine encourages advocacy to advance mental health awareness and policy changes.

In Part 1 of this OCD podcast, we dive into the personal journey of Justine De Jaegher who has faced the challenges of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) from a young age. Justine shares her experiences from when OCD first manifested with overwhelming intrusive thoughts about harm coming to the people around her, how these thoughts escalated into compulsive checking behaviours, and how the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding OCD complicated her path to diagnosis and treatment. Throughout this candid conversation, Justine talks about the evolution of her OCD into themes like religious scrupulosity and perinatal OCD, the impact it had on her life, finding the right treatments, and the importance of advocacy and awareness in improving access to effective OCD treatment. This discussion not only sheds light on the realities of living with OCD but also offers hope and insight for those navigating similar struggles.

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, the OCD Series, Dr. Robert Selles, a registered psychologist joins Mark Antczak, Anxiety Canada’s clinical counsellor to explore how families and caregivers can support children dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). They talk about recognizing common OCD symptoms in children, understanding when these behaviours become problematic, and the influence of growing up and transition periods on OCD. Dr. Selles offers thoughtful insights on validating and supporting a struggling child while finding self-compassion as a caregiver. Join us for insightful advice on managing these challenges and ensuring that children and caregivers receive the support they need, distinguishing it from anxiety, managing distressing behaviours, and providing reassurance and self-care strategies.

Discover how cognitive therapy is used to treat OCD, its key components, and how it differs from ERP. Learn about thought-action fusion, cognitive distortions, and real-life examples in this insightful podcast episode with Dr. Maureen Whittal, an acknowledged expert in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and internationally known for her work in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, the OCD Series, Mark Antczak, from Anxiety Canada interviews Dr. Peggy Richter, a leading expert in obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Dr. Richter, known for her groundbreaking research on the genetic and biological underpinnings of OCD, discusses how to effectively advocate for yourself, access support, and explore various treatment options including medications and therapies. Discover insights from the head of Canada’s premier residential OCD treatment program and a professor at the University of Toronto about effective strategies and resources for managing OCD and supporting loved ones.

In this episode of the #OurAnxietyStories podcast, the OCD series, Mark Antczak, Anxiety Canada’s clinical counsellor, is joined by Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff. Dr. Taube-Schiff is a registered psychologist with expertise in OCD and anxiety disorders. She founded and is the director of Forward Thinking Psychological Services and co-founded the Sunnybrook Intensive Services Program for OCD. Together, they explore the symptoms and criteria for OCD, the interplay between anxiety and OCD, making meaning of our thoughts, and various strategies for managing intrusive thoughts and behaviours.

Navigating imposter syndrome and public speaking can increase feelings of anxiety for many. When listening to Dr. Matthew Chow, a confident and articulate public speaker, some may be surprised to learn that he deeply understands the overlap of anxiety, fear of public speaking, and imposter syndrome.

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, Mark Antczak, Anxiety Canada’s in-house clinical counsellor, engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Matthew Chow, Chief Mental Health Officer at TELUS Health. Dr. Chow brings a wealth of experience and insight, drawing from his extensive healthcare background, which includes specialization in child and adolescent psychiatry. With a personal mission to empower individuals to show up as their best, authentic selves, Dr. Chow shares candidly about his own experiences with anxiety, offering valuable perspectives on the anxiety recovery journey.

Mark and Dr. Chow delve into the intersectionality of anxiety and imposter syndrome, particularly in high-pressure environments and work spaces. Dr. Chow covers how imposter syndrome can manifest, especially in roles requiring public speaking, drawing from his experiences. He emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and reaching out for support; he also highlights the value of accessing mental health resources and being open about challenges at work.

Managing anxiety and imposter syndrome at work can include self-assessment techniques and prioritizing constructive feedback, while leaders can foster psychological safety in the workplace. Dr. Chow shed light on TELUS Health’s proactive approach to mental health, offering a range of resources and initiatives that aim to break down stigma and prevent excessive anxiety. He stresses that preventing challenges is key: "It's not just about supporting people when they've fallen down, or when they're suffering, or when they're having difficulty coping. It’s also about breaking down stigma, preventing challenges and issues in the first place, having psychologically safe workplaces in the first place, so that people can be themselves and mitigate against anxiety."

Dr. Chow also discusses how feedback at work, in life, and on social media can cause a great deal of distress. He highlights the importance of identifying and cherishing helpful feedback. He shares that feedback from somebody that cares about you and "your personal growth and development," is important, as that person "will deliver that feedback in such a way that helps you, rather than hurts you."

Whether grappling with anxiety, imposter syndrome, fear of public speaking, or simply seeking to foster a healthier workplace environment, this episode is valuable for those navigating complex issues with resilience and authenticity. Dr. Chow's words can help empower you to overcome challenges, cultivate self-compassion, and thrive in your personal and professional life.

If you're seeking confidential, one-on-one support for issues in your personal or professional life, TELUS Health MyCare™, a free-to-download app, can help! See a doctor, counsellor, psychologist, or dietitian from your phone (available in select provinces). For a limited time: Thanks to our exciting joint sponsorship, you can book up to two no-cost virtual counselling appointments through the TELUS Health MyCare app. Learn more here.

About the Guest:

Dr Matthew Chow is the Chief Mental Health Officer at TELUS Health, a global health and wellbeing company serving nearly 70 million people across 160 countries. Dr. Chow's personal mission is to enable people and teams to make their highest and best possible contributions as authentic human beings. Dr. Chow is a past president of Doctors of British Columbia (2020-21) and was the founding medical director of e-Mental Health Services and Strategy at British Columbia Children's Hospital. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in the specialty of Psychiatry with further sub-specialization in the field of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Excessive anxiety is not a normal part of aging, but many older adults may experience anxiety as they experience transitions and enter a new chapter in life. 

Canadian Coalition for Seniors' Mental Health (CCSMH) and Anxiety Canada have partnered up to disseminate resources on anxiety in older adults, and CCSMH is developing new national guidelines for anxiety in older adults to help support health care providers with assessment and treatment. 

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, Mark Antczak, Anxiety Canada’s in-house Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Educator, interviews Dr. Andrea Iaboni, a geriatric psychiatrist and scientist at Toronto Rehab and University Health Network in Toronto.  

Dr. Iaboni shares her experiences and expertise in the field of geriatric psychiatry. She also recalls helping advocate for her father’s mental health as he navigated the health care system in older age. This episode highlights the complexity of anxiety in older adults, as Dr. Iaboni emphasizes that anxiety often arises from a combination of medical conditions, lifestyle changes, and emotional stressors. Dr. Iaboni also stresses the importance of psychoeducation and information dissemination in treating anxiety, as the right information can help people understand and cope with their symptoms. 

Mark and Andrea discuss the challenges older adults face in seeking mental health support, including the need for specialized treatment tailored to their unique circumstances. Dr. Iaboni underscores the significance of CCSMH’s upcoming clinical guidelines, which aim to bridge gaps in understanding and treatment for both healthcare providers and older adults and their caregivers. Dr. Iaboni's insights shed light on a critical area of mental healthcare that is often overlooked, and she hopes her work can offer hope and guidance to older adults and their families.  

If you are supporting an older adult in your life who may be experiencing anxiety, help them seek emotional support from their network and connect with their primary care providers. COMING SOON: In partnership with CCSMH, Anxiety Canada’s Anxiety in Older Adults comprehensive resource page.  

Find more anxiety resources on Anxiety Canada’s Get Help page. 

About the Guest:  

Dr. Andrea Iaboni is a geriatric psychiatrist and scientist at Toronto Rehab, University Health Network in Toronto, and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto.  She is the co-lead a project by the Canadian Coalition for Seniors Mental Health to develop clinical guidelines for the assessment and treatment of anxiety in older adults.  

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

To see the live recording of this episode, check out our YouTube channel.

Stress is a common anxiety trigger, but because a little stress is normal, it can be hard to identify when stress has become a problem.

In this episode of #OurAnxietyStories, Mary-Ann Booth shares the pressure and physical impact of stress and anxiety after being elected Mayor of West Vancouver in BC, Canada.

Mary-Ann’s demanding, fast-paced election campaign increased her adrenaline so much that she felt increasingly “hyped up,” even having tingling in her legs. Because she was used to high-pressure situations after working in courtrooms as a lawyer for years, she did not feel concerned by the physical sensations. She won the election and was elated—and didn’t think she was experiencing an abnormal amount of stress.

However, shortly after being elected, she recalls experiencing a “physical crash” from anxiety. She felt fear and a loss of confidence, telling her loved ones she didn’t think she could go through with being mayor. As a natural problem solver, she worked to improve her mental health like she would any other challenge. Exercise, yoga, and mindfulness helped Mary-Ann overcome anxiety—something she is happy to have experienced because it increased empathy for people with mental health challenges. Mary-Ann's episode highlights how powerful it is for leaders to share about mental health. She notes trying to embrace life's ups and downs and that discomfort is not a bad thing, so though she still fears not being busy, she knows she's on her way to living a less stressful life.

Stress is the response of your body and mind to demands placed on you. When you feel threatened, your brain releases chemicals called hormones that send alarm signals throughout your body. These hormones prepare your body to act against any perceived threats.

Work can be an ever-present source of stress—especially in situations with high expectations, like in Mary-Ann’s case. Major life changes can also cause stress, even when the new life events are positive. To learn more about stress and what you can do about it, check out this HeretoHelp BC resource from CMHA. Find more anxiety resources on Anxiety Canada’s Get Help page.

About the Guest

Mary-Ann Booth was elected the mayor of West Vancouver in 2018 after two terms on City Council from 2011 to 2018. People who know Mary-Ann describe her as an inclusive, collaborative, thoughtful leader who works to improve her community. She served as a school trustee with the West Vancouver Board of Education from 2005 to 2011. Before public service, she practiced law for 12 years, including positions as a provincial crown prosecutor and in-house corporate counsel.

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#OurAnxietyStories is brought to you by Anxiety Canada™, a leader in developing free evidence-based resources, including the free anxiety-management app, MindShift CBT. To learn more about Anxiety Canada, visit www.AnxietyCanada.com. 

Anxiety Canada is proud to be affiliated with HeretoHelp, a project of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information. The BC Partners are funded by the Provincial Health Services Authority.