Jennifer Parker
Jennifer's Half Marathon Fundraising Page for OCD Action
Fundraising for OCD Action
Story
For the last 4 years I've struggled to come to terms with the fact that I suffer from OCD and that it will always be a part of me. Its been a hard journey, made even harder by the lack of awareness or understanding of the condition and how debilitating it can be, even amongst healthcare professionals. I stumbled across the OCD Action group when I was at my lowest, and found the support of the workers and the community of OCD suffers to be invaluable. Being able to discuss my struggles with people who truly understand, and to have them share their thoughts and experiences, has given me the confidence to manage my condition and to be more open about it.
I'm fortunate that my situation means I can access private therapy, and that my condition is not so severe that I cannot interact with others or leave the house, however for many OCD Action are the only support they can access and the only interaction they can handle. OCD Action are also keen to create a society where OCD is better understood and diagnosed quickly, which would help many avoid the shame and confusion I myself went through before being diagnosed and treated.
Being more open about my OCD has helped me come to terms with it, but has also made it obvious that so many still think of this as being a quirky problem where you're just really clean or check if your hair straighteners are off. I want to help raise awareness and dispel some of the stigmas that exist around something which is such a presence in my daily life.
For more information about my chosen charity please visit www.ocdaction.org.uk/