Overcoming OCD and Turning Struggle into Strength - Mental Health Advocate Tom Smalley

Tom Smalley, a 2-time weightlifting gold medalist and mental health advocate, shares his journey with OCD. Tom was diagnosed with OCD at 16 and also struggled with anxiety and depression. As a result of his OCD, Tom experienced intrusive thoughts and engaged in compulsions to manage them. Tom underwent exposure response prevention therapy (ERP) and medication to help manage his OCD, and has since become an advocate for mental health. Through it all, Tom has truly turned his struggle into strength.
Please subscribe if you enjoyed! It is the highest-impact (and free!) way to support Forever Forward.
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:56 - Diagnosis and Struggles with OCD
06:20 - Understanding OCD and Compulsions
10:11 - Seeking Treatment
13:06 - Exposure Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
19:31 - Becoming an Advocate for OCD
23:23 - Bullying and Overcoming Challenges
25:09 - From Mistreatment to Advocacy
32:29 - Empowerment Through Weightlifting
37:31 - The Importance of Mental Performance Training
39:49 - Building Successful Relationships Through Empathy and Communication
46:19 - Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery
Topics: Tom Smalley, mental health advocate, OCD, obsessive thoughts, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, exposure response prevention therapy, ERP, ERP therapy, benefits of ERP, medication, advocate, fulfilling life, OCD, mistreatment, bullying, weightlifting, mental performance training, empowerment, reclaiming athletic career, asking for help

[@user-xl2uz5vq8q]

Best episode yet. Mike you are excelling at asking the right questions and your ability to actually listen to what your guests are saying and ask questions that probe deeper is amazing and why I am confident you will continue to crush within this space. Very impressive trait and one I can learn from. TSmalls this episode is fucking awesome. You are a warrior more than most people I have ever met. I have been fortunate to be your friend since a young age, and while I new probably more then some others we went to highschool, with I never fully new the extent of your battles until you started talking about them online. Either way I thought you were the man since we were little kids and think even more of you now. Love that your able to take your struggles and genuinely put good out into the world and help others go through this stuff. Keep up the good work you jacked mofo.

[@WardeMustangs]

This was a tremendous episode. To hear Tom’s story of being hated on by coaches and then turning that into something positive is truly tremendous!

[@ForeverForwardPod]

He’s a good man ❤️💪🏻

[@user-xl2uz5vq8q]

Agreed super impressive story. Love this dude

[@SausageMahoney-om5sy]

This episode is both depressing but also so uplifting. I do not know him but I am proud of his progress on his journey. You have consistently found fantastic guests to have on your podcast and he is no different. Hats off to you both!

[@ForeverForwardPod]

Thank you brother!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@user-xl2uz5vq8q]

Totally Agree! Awesome episode all around

[@eclohan]

This one hit hard… the overall impact weightlifting or just exercise in general has on mental health is absolutely incredible. i always said to myself in the process of getting in shape, “strong body strong mind” and although that isn’t always true, it certainly helps with growth.

[@ForeverForwardPod]

I say the same thing bro 💪🏻 it’s so good to see you in the comments man, I hope all is well ❤️

[@user-xl2uz5vq8q]

Gotta keep everything in check. While not having nearly the mental battle Tsmalls had to go through. Keeping your body in check certainly helps the brain feel better.