Ep. 95: You are not your thoughts, motherhood, & choosing hope, with Valeriya Hjertenæs

I sit down with Valeriya Hjertenæs, PhD researcher, international speaker, and Mrs. World Congeniality. Valeriya's story starts in an unexpected place: a mental institution in Ukraine, in her pajamas, just weeks after adopting her daughter. She opens up about the moment her first intrusive thought hit, a terrifying image that felt completely opposite of who she was, and how not understanding what was happening led her down a dark path toward a suicide plan. Her mother's quiet intuition, noticing Valeriya packing winter clothes in the middle of summer, became the turning point that saved her life.Topics we cover:What intrusive thoughts actually are, and why they're not a reflection of your characterValeriya's path from crisis to diagnosis, and the doctor who told her "you are not crazy"Living with OCD as a mother, a PhD researcher, and a public figureThe global scale of neurodivergence, and why so many people never get diagnosedWhy men in some cultures are more likely to die by suicide than admit they're strugglingHow Valeriya turned her lowest moment into a mission of advocacy and hopeIf you've ever had a thought that scared you, one that felt nothing like the person you know yourself to be, this episode is for you. My hope is that you walk away feeling less alone, and reminded that your hardest chapter can still become someone else's hope.OCD resources for listeners - you're not alone!If this episode brought up something for you, here are trusted places to learn more or find support:International OCD Foundation (iocdf.org) — educational resources, treatment guides, and a directory to find OCD-specialized therapistsYour Anxiety Toolkit — a podcast dedicated to providing mindfulness-based tools for anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), depression, and the mental struggles that go along with these disorders. NOCD (treatmyocd.com) — accessible articles and virtual therapy options focused specifically on OCDBeyondOCD.org — plain-language explanations of intrusive thoughts and OCD subtypes, including the "harm OCD" experience Valeriya describesIntrusiveThoughts.org — resources specifically focused on understanding and coping with intrusive thoughtsMaternal OCD — support specifically for parents experiencing postpartum or new-parent OCD, which mirrors much of Valeriya's storyFor anyone in crisis, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988 in the US) or your local emergency services. You are not alone, and help is available.This episode of Adventures in Adversity is sponsored by DIVINI, a honey-based sparkling kombucha tea. Visit LiveDivini & use discount code Breanne10 at checkout! Follow Adventures in Adversity on Instagram & Facebook#MentalHealth #OCD #IntrusiveThoughts #Neurodiversity #Motherhood