F•R•I•E•N•D•S

Now don't get too excited. This isn't a post about the T.V show. Embarrassingly enough, I haven't seen all of it...

F is for friends who do stuff together (if you know, you know).

Today’s blog is all about how much I adore my friends.

The first two years of college were extremely difficult for me. Because of my OCD, I avoided going out and was incredibly weary of the new people I’d meet. While at school, I would count down the days until I got to go home. And when I was home and had to go back, I cried the whole car ride.

But all of this changed over the summer of 2018.

After a hard, yet fulfilling, four months of exposure and response therapy twice a week, my perspective on life had changed drastically. I had grown so much as a person in just those four months, and for the first time in my life I felt at ease. Of course, I’ll have spontaneous OCD episodes, but I’m so proud of the progress I’ve made.

Opening up about my OCD is a relatively new thing for me. I always worry that people will dismiss my stories and experiences and consider them silly or crazy. And then with more personal relationships (whether it’s a friendship or romantic relationship), I’m afraid that my OCD will scare people off.

I do believe the world has become more aware and understanding of different mental health conditions, however, those damn baby boomers still love to stigmatize.

Having a mental health condition does not mean you're crazy. A lot of these conditions are hereditary or genetically predisposed (so thanks, baby boomers).

My humor and sarcasm may have turned some people away, so if you’re still here, cheers.

Obviously, there are many different causes of mental health conditions, and blame should be spared.

Anyways, I’ve been lucky to have the most wonderful and understanding friends. They truly have my heart. Every single person I’ve opened up to has been so supportive and kind. I no longer feel isolated and trapped. Now, I go out all the time (don’t worry mom, only a couple of parties a week). I’ve expanded my social circle, started to reach out to others more regularly, and finally let my guard down.