In a society that is gradually breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health, it's disheartening to witness the lingering shadows of stigma that continue to hinder progress. Marginalized communities often struggle to access support and treatment for OCD despite the fact that it affects people from all walks of life. In today’s episode of The OCD Whisperer Podcast, we are excited to speak with Alexandra Reynolds, a mental health graduate student and IOCDF Advocate.  During our conversation, Alexandra discusses the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ community and people of color, in accessing OCD treatment and overcoming cultural stigma. She shares her personal journey of self-acceptance and the importance of finding supportive communities outside of family systems. The conversation also touches on the role of technology in building connections and the significance of prioritizing mental health. Alexandra offers hope to listeners, affirming that everyone is worthy of recovery and a fulfilling life beyond OCD.   In This Episode [00:42] Introduction to Alexandra  [02:07] Stigma and access to treatment [04:27] Cultural differences in mental health [06:40] Family dynamics and acceptance [09:54] Navigating identity and acceptance [11:48] Seeking support and advocacy [16:43] Building supportive communities [18:12] Acceptance and building relationships [18:39] Challenges of being open about OCD [19:18] Encouragement to seek support [20:35] Alexandra’s word of hope: Worthiness of recovery   Notable Quotes [05:37] "I had people tell me that the reason I have mental illness is because I am possessed by a demon and that I just need an exorcism.” -Alexandra [17:14] “Life is still kind of unfair and I can't be out everywhere and not everyone accepts me or understands me, but also, I have some really amazing humans in my life who do.'" -Alexandra  [18:39] "You may live in a place where you can't tell everyone you have OCD, or you may work at a place where you can't tell everyone you have OCD.” -Alexandra  [20:35] “You are totally worthy of it. OCD, stigma, shame, societal expectations—they make us feel that we're not worthy for all these different reasons. But that's not true.” -Alexandra   Our Guest Alexandra Reynolds is a dedicated IOCDF Advocate and mental health graduate student, committed to raising awareness of OCD and providing evidence-based support. Her personal journey with OCD fuels her mission, especially in advocating for marginalized communities. As a first-generation Latinx, she actively works to destigmatize mental health care.   Resources & Links Kristina Orlova, LMFT https://www.instagram.com/ocdwhisperer/ https://www.youtube.com/c/OCDWhispererChannel https://www.korresults.com/ https://www.onlineocdacademy.com Alexandra Reynolds https://www.instagram.com/alexandraisobsessed/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@alexandraisobsessed   **Disclaimer** Please note, while our host is a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders in the state of California, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for therapy. Stay tuned for bi-weekly episodes filled with valuable insights and tips for managing OCD and anxiety. And remember, keep going in the meantime. See you in the next episode!