Finding Solace: Overcoming OCD & Intrusive Thoughts
Episode Overview
Aaron Harvey founded Made of Millions Foundation. He advocates for mental health through art and storytelling. Intrusive thoughts are a form of OCD. Mental health should be relatable and accessible. Community support is vital for mental health recovery.
Mental health should be as comfortable to discuss as brain health or heart health.
In this compelling episode of Mental Health News Radio, host Kristen Sunanta-Walker is joined by Aaron Harvey, a mental health advocate and founder of the Made of Millions Foundation. Aaron shares his journey of living with intrusive thoughts, a form of OCD that plagued him for over 20 years. These thoughts, often taboo and contrary to his self-image, were debilitating and isolating until he discovered the term 'pure O' through an article by Rose Cartwright.
This revelation was transformative, leading him to seek healing and ultimately inspire his advocacy work. Aaron's background in advertising and creative services equipped him with the skills to rebrand mental health discourse. He emphasizes the importance of a modern, relatable approach to discussing mental wellness, aiming to make it as accessible and comfortable as conversations about physical health.
The Made of Millions Foundation serves as a community platform, empowering individuals with mental health issues through education, relatable stories, and shared experiences. IntrusiveThoughts.org was Aaron's initial project, combining art exhibitions and editorial pieces to visually and narratively express the challenges of mental health. He strives to bridge the gap between awareness and actionable insights, ensuring those affected by mental health conditions find support and understanding.
Aaron highlights the need for diversity in mental health organizations, advocating for the inclusion of individuals with lived experiences alongside professionals. His work seeks to address misconceptions about OCD and mental health, fostering a supportive community where individuals can share their stories without judgment. As the episode concludes, Kristen and Aaron discuss the importance of partnerships and the role of positive messaging in mental health recovery, encouraging listeners to engage with organizations like ZenCharts, MyGenetics, and CopeNotes.
Overall, this episode is a testament to the power of community and creativity in transforming mental health narratives, ensuring that no one feels alone in their journey toward wellness.