Let's Bring AFFORDABLE Help For People With OCD

Hi everyone!

My name is Sofia, and I am fundraising to try and bring affordable help to the thousands of people suffering with OCD worldwide.

I was diagnosed with OCD, at a very early stage in my life – one when the words Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder were too hard to understand. My life changed dramatically from that day onwards. I struggled with coping with my intrusive thoughts and the amount of time I spent each day engaging in compulsions. The years went by, and ever since that day I have experienced pretty much every subtype of OCD. There was a point when it got so bad that it prevented me from going out; from engaging in any sort of activity; even from working and maintaining a job. I had reached rock bottom, and I was desperate. I badly needed professional support, but at this time I simply could not afford it. I thought that I would never be happy again.

It's been almost 30 years since the diagnosis. Over this period of time I have found strategies that allowed me to live with my condition, and even be happy again. I was very lucky to be treated by caring therapists. I implemented all the strategies I learned over the years, and gradually the symptoms subsided. I have learned to accept that OCD is and will always be a part of me – but it doesn’t have to define me. I have now reached a stage in my life where I have managed to find happiness and stability.

Because my journey towards getting better was so long and with so many bumps along the road, I am very grateful to be where I am today. And that has made me want to help others in the same situation.

From my experience, talking goes a long way - sometimes all we need is someone to talk to that will listen and that understands.

Seeking professional help, such as licensed psychologists and therapists, is the best option. These people are well versed on OCD and on teaching people strategies to help them cope with the condition. But professional mental health support is expensive, and thus it is not an option for many people. I certainly remember needing help but not being able to afford it.

I am firm believer that anyone who suffers from OCD has the right to have access to affordable help and guidance, without breaking the bank.

With that in mind, I have decided to launch my own start-up business focused on helping people who suffer from this condition - it will be a coaching service provided by myself where people suffering from OCD can expect:

• An ongoing personal and caring support system

• Coaching tailored to each individual's specific OCD type and needs

• A clearer understanding of the disorder and how it works

• A set of seful strategies on how to best cope with their intrusive thoughts and compulsions

My service will start at €50 PER MONTH - a 60 minute consultation with a licensed therapist usually costs around €100 (for just one session).

This service is NOT intended to replace specialised professional help; but it can act as a way of support in between their treatment; and as a coaching service for people that can not afford to see a licensed therapist.

With this service I hope to make support reach thousands of people who cannot afford professional therapy.

The funds from this fundraising would be directed to 4 components:

• Registering my business in my country of residence

• Building my website

• Advertising my business online on various platforms 

• Undertaking a few courses on the exposure and response prevention method which is the gold standard treatment for OCD – even though I know the disorder very well, I also know that knowledge is key – if I am able to learn more about the most successful method to treat OCD, that will allow me to provide people very useful strategies on how to best cope with their symptoms. These specialised 

courses are quite expensive.

I gave fundraising a lot of thought before deciding to actually go ahead with it. In a way, it felt as if my cause (starting a business) was not as worthy as many that I have seen here.

But I am committed to making a difference in the lives of people suffering from OCD, and I can only do so with your help.

ANY donation, regardless of the amount, would be EXTREMELY appreciated. If you cannot donate, that’s ok too- if you could please take one moment to share my fundraising with your family, friends and on your social media platforms, I would be SO very grateful!

Thank You very much from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read about my cause today – I am looking forward to making a difference.