Living with OCD: Shannon Shy's Path to a Balanced Life
I think a lot of this is how you approach life, and some people have told me that they thought you know the book. For me, I thank god that I was healed and I prayed a lot.
Imagine being caught in a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and irrational fears. That was Shannon Shy's reality when he was diagnosed with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. In this episode of 'One Hour AT A Time', host Mary Woods sits down with Shannon, now a senior civilian attorney with the Department of the Navy, to discuss his remarkable journey from chaos to control.
Shannon opens up about the pivotal moment that led him to seek help, thanks to a push from his wife and a colleague. Through a combination of medical treatment and his own 'Ground Rules and Checkpoints' strategy, Shannon found a way to manage his OCD and reclaim his life. He shares the ups and downs of his journey, highlighting the importance of support from loved ones and the role of environment in managing OCD.
The episode also delves into the power of suggestion in treatment and the harmful effects of labeling people with mental illness. Additionally, it touches on Westbridge Community Services' approach to dual disorders and the benefits of adopting a child from foster care. Shannon's story is a testament to resilience and the possibility of living a fulfilling life despite mental health challenges.