Giving back to an OCD advocate

Ever since Shaun Flores was diagnosed with OCD he used his struggles to help others. I first interviewed Shaun for my AT Parenting Survival Podcast a few months ago. I was surprised to hear he had only been diagnosed with OCD a couple of years before.

Shaun's story was everywhere. He quickly became a powerful voice in the OCD advocacy community. He helped normalize mental health for men and minority cultures who felt more uncomfortable discussing their mental health issues. He discussed OCD themes that most were too uncomfortable to disclose, helping normalize what are common, but unspoken themes.

He hit the pavement running and his compassion was palpable. I remember him saying to my audience that anyone could message him if they wanted support. I told him that might be overwhelming, but Shaun wanted to help.

I invited Shaun back on my podcast a few months later. Parents appreciated his candidness and they wanted to hear more from him.

Shaun disclosed he has his bad days. He talked about the devastating impact OCD had not only on his mental health, but on his financial stability and his long term goals.

When we were done recording I asked him more about what was going on. Shaun had injured his knee and he needed surgery. His career goals had been severely impacted by his mental health. He struggled to claw his way out of the debt that OCD left him in.

It is an all too common story for many young adults with OCD and other mental health conditions.

Shaun spends his energy helping others, even when he is struggling himself.

I asked him if we could support him, the way he has been supporting others.

Please help me lift Shaun up the way he has lifted up so many. The money we raise will help him get our debt, cover costs related to his surgery and allow him to pursue his career aspirations.