Someone Like Me?

I had the privilege of speaking on a podcast with a talented author and advocate this past week. Wendi Nunnery wrote a fantastic book about her experiences with OCD called Good Enough, Learning to Let Go of Perfect for the Sake of Holy and now has a podcast where she discusses aspects and characteristics of the disorder with guests. I felt honored to be included in her ongoing project and enjoyed our conversation.

            I may have sweated through my shirt, but the experience was truly thrilling. Wendi and I had never spoken other than through email. I didn’t know much about her but could see by her social media account that we lived fairly similar lives as mothers and wives striving to serve God with our writing. As we chatted, I felt a kinship to this woman I’d never met in person, and it honestly surprised me. We ended up talking for an hour after we’d wrapped the recording, delving deeper into our discussion about life with OCD. We spoke the same language about our fears, and I was captivated.

            I knew in my mind that there were people in this world who’ve experienced similar life circumstances with OCD, I’ve listened to plenty of podcasts with just such guests, but it was a first for me to speak OCD lingo with someone who wasn’t a counselor. She got me. She understood my fears because she’d tasted many of them herself. It felt like I was talking to my OCD doppelgänger and it was refreshing to my soul. Why do we often shy away from finding others who struggle in the same ways we do? Does it somehow make something we wish wasn’t true somehow more true, so we resist?

            Finding people who struggle similarly isn’t a sign of weakness, but instead is an acknowledgment of needing other people made in God’s image, which is a beautiful thing. God created us to love each other through challenges as we walk together in hard things. What better way to walk through life than to do so with people who have struggled in similar ways?

            Talking to Wendi really was a unique and cherished interaction. It reminded me how important it is for us to tell our stories and own our weaknesses so we can encourage one another. I’ve felt plenty understood by friends who don’t struggle with OCD but being able to discuss my thoughts with someone who has walked a similar path mentally was overwhelming in the best way. I felt seen and heard on a whole new level. As different as God has made each one of us He’s also woven us together as His body, ready and equipped to love one another in Him.

            I truly believe we should utilize tools of all kinds, so finding support either in a group or with someone who struggles in the same ways should be at the top of the list. Starting with a podcast that centers around what you struggle with might be a good way to begin hearing from people who struggle similarly. There are social media groups and support groups through churches and counseling centers that are easily accessible. Seeking help in this way doesn’t just apply to OCD but can provide aid for struggles like divorce, chronic pain, depression, and Lyme disease.

            Meeting and talking to Wendi reminded me how important it is for all of us to seek community and fellowship with those around us. Being transparent with others about life’s challenges can be a blessing to them and ourselves. I’m thankful God provides such a variety of tools to help with my OCD and I’m especially thankful for my new kinship with a dear person who blessed my life.

Make sure you check out other episodes of the SooOCD podcast and follow Wendi @sooocd on Instagram.