A Mother's Story Of OCD, Substance Abuse, Loss, And Legacy
Get to know OCD29 Mai 2025

A Mother's Story Of OCD, Substance Abuse, Loss, And Legacy

Margaret Sisson knew something was wrong when her son Riley came home from camp in a panic she'd never seen before. He started throwing up every morning before school. He checked doorknobs until they broke. She went from expert to expert, trusting professionals who missed the signs. Years passed. The OCD got worse. And when Riley discovered that drinking made the thoughts stop, a second struggle began — one Margaret could see, but never quite reach in time.


This is Margaret’s story — not just of raising a son with OCD and substance use, but of living through every parent’s worst fear. After Riley’s death from an accidental overdose, she had a choice: disappear into grief or turn it into something greater. She chose the latter, and founded Riley’s Wish to help other families avoid the pain she went through.


If you're struggling with OCD, our NOCD therapists might be able to help. They are specially trained in ERP therapy — the most effective treatment against OCD. To learn about treatment options, book a free 15-minute call at https://learn.nocd.com/podcast


Follow us on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/

https://twitter.com/treatmyocd

https://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(227)

When Binge-Watching And Doomscrolling Becomes An OCD Compulsion

When Binge-Watching And Doomscrolling Becomes An OCD Compulsion

By itself, "watching one more" episode or scrolling through social media isn't an issue. But if you're using screens to escape your own intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or uncomfortable feelings, that mig...

23 Jul 0s

I Wanted To Make A Bigger Impact As A Therapist

I Wanted To Make A Bigger Impact As A Therapist

Dylan Mckelroy didn't become a therapist just to listen — he wanted to help people make meaningful, lasting change. After working in community mental health, he found himself searching for a more effe...

19 Jul 19min

Emilia Fart Reveals The OCD Behind Her Online Persona

Emilia Fart Reveals The OCD Behind Her Online Persona

To millions online, Emilia Fart appears fearless, creative, and completely unapologetic. But behind that persona, OCD was quietly dictating her daily life. It influenced her relationships, her creativ...

16 Jul 39min

Stop Trying To Make Bad Thoughts Go Away

Stop Trying To Make Bad Thoughts Go Away

The first instinct after an intrusive thought is usually to get rid of it. You tell yourself it isn't true. You try to prove it wrong. You replay it in your head, search for certainty, or avoid anythi...

12 Jul 5min

Why You Can't Think Your Way Out Of OCD

Why You Can't Think Your Way Out Of OCD

When you have OCD, thinking can feel like the solution. You replay conversations, analyze your memories, research every possibility, and search for the one answer that will finally bring certainty. Bu...

9 Jul 4min

The Hidden Behaviors Keeping Your OCD Alive

The Hidden Behaviors Keeping Your OCD Alive

Most people know that compulsions keep OCD going. What many don't realize is that some of the behaviors feeding OCD are much harder to recognize. Rumination, avoidance, reassurance-seeking, distractio...

5 Jul 6min

Why OCD Therapy Did NOT Work The First Time

Why OCD Therapy Did NOT Work The First Time

Trying therapy for OCD once doesn't always mean you received the right treatment. Many people leave therapy believing it "didn't work," when in reality they were never treated with exposure and respon...

2 Jul 6min

Why OCD Says You Can't Live Until You Feel Better

Why OCD Says You Can't Live Until You Feel Better

OCD has a way of convincing you that life can wait. If you can just find the right answer, get rid of the anxiety, or finally feel "okay," then you'll be able to relax and enjoy yourself. But that mom...

28 Jun 5min

Populært innen Helse

fastlegen
rss-gukild-johaug
hvordan-har-du-det-mann
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
psykodrama
leger-om-livet
relasjonspodden-med-dora-thorhallsdottir-kjersti-idem
bak-fasaden-en-reise-i-livet-med-sykepleier-ine
rss-garne-damer
morten-ramm-lar-kakla-ga-til-du-sovner
foreldreradet
hjernesterk
klimaks
g-punktet
rss-kunsten-a-leve
hverdagspsyken
rss-skravla-gar
sinnsyn
biohacking-girls-din-podcast-for-optimal-helse
kjed-deg-i-sovn-verdens-kjedeligste-podcast