Alexa and I are taking part in the Tough Mudder Challenge on September 18th in aid of OCD Action. The Tough Mudder is an intense series of mud runs and obstacles, testing our physical and mental limits. It is going to be a challenge, but we are definitely ready for it!

We are supporting OCD Action to increase awareness and erase stigma; mental health should not be overlooked. OCD is a mental disorder that is often misunderstood due to media portrayals that frame individuals with OCD as quirky neat freaks who wash their hands all the time. In reality, many individuals with OCD are really messy! It is a complex and serious debilitating mental disorder that can significantly reduce an individual's quality of life. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ranked OCD as one of the "top 10 most debilitating illnesses by lost income and decreased quality of life".

What OCD is: It is a disorder where the sufferer has persistent, recurring unwanted thoughts, ideas, and sensations (obsessions) that go against the individuals' values, wants, and wishes; they are ego-dystonic. 

In response to these unwanted distressing thoughts, the sufferer carries out compulsions to reduce the anxiety brought on by the thought. Compulsions are repetitive behaviours (both physical and mental), such as ruminating and mentally reviewing thoughts, mental checking, carrying out rituals (e.g. repeating words, counting, and showering) and checking. Doing these compulsions can interfere with sufferers' ability to function; however, not doing the compulsions causes distress and increased anxiety. 

This is only a very brief overview of OCD, but I hope it helps raise awareness and understanding of this serious mental health disorder.

Please support a great cause; any donations are welcome!

Love Nia and Alexa

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