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Parenthood: From Overwhelm to Intuition - A Personal Journey

In this deeply personal episode, I (Jenna – founder of OT_Intuition) step out into the spotlight to share my own lived experience of Perinatal OCD. As a queer, neurodivergent parent and professional, I know what it’s like to feel like you’re losing yourself during the perinatal period. To be both a professional and someone navigating the crushing intensity of intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and shame.

This episode is a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt:

• Afraid to name their thoughts
• Buried under guilt and ‘shoulds’
• Desperate for peace, purpose, and permission to be human

I share how I moved from hiding my pain to honouring my intuition. Using ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), regulation strategies, and radical self acceptance to come home to myself.

Listen in NOW to hear about:

Living with Perinatal OCD as a parent and a professional

How intuition became my compass

Embracing authenticity from a place of lived healing and purpose

If you’ve ever whispered “Is this normal?” in the dark, this episode is for you.

You are not broken. You are not alone. You are welcome here.

Perinatal OCD is more than just an obsession with cleanliness or order. It manifests through intrusive thoughts and compulsions that can be debilitating. For me, it began with intrusive thoughts linked to trauma, spiraling into a cycle of anxiety and self-doubt. The shame and fear associated with these thoughts often made it difficult to seek help or even acknowledge the problem.

The Impact on parenthood is a profound experience, but when coupled with mental health challenges, it can become a source of anxiety. My journey involved grappling with thoughts that targeted my deepest values—my love and care for my children. The fear of causing harm, despite knowing it was irrational, was paralyzing. It affected my ability to be present with my children, leading to feelings of guilt and inadequacy.

Therapy played a crucial role in my recovery. Through exposure response prevention and acceptance and commitment therapy, I learned to unhook from intrusive thoughts and reconnect with my true self. These therapies helped me embrace uncertainty and focus on what truly matters—my values and the love I have for my family.

Balancing parenthood and mental health as a queer neurodivergent professional is an ongoing journey. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to seek help. By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the realities of perinatal OCD and encourage others to seek support. Remember, you are not alone, and healing is possible.

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Visit OCD ACTION for advice, support and online groups and webinars

Visit NoOCD for advice, treatment and signposting

Phone your local crisis line if you need support now! Emergency? Phone 999. Otherwise call NHS 111 Option 2