An OCD Recovery Story: From Patient to Psychologist | Ayush Chandra & Sradha Chandra

An OCD Recovery Story: From Patient to Psychologist | Ayush Chandra & Sradha Chandra What does recovering from OCD really look like? And how does it affect the person experiencing it and their loved ones? In this episode of MindShift, psychologist Ayush Chandra shares his personal journey with OCD, his recovery, and how his experiences shaped his path to becoming a psychologist. His wife, psychologist Sradha Chandra, joins him to share her perspective on living with and supporting a partner who has experienced OCD. Together, they discuss OCD symptoms, treatment, medication, the challenges patients face, and the role of family and partner support in the recovery journey. In this episode: Ayush Chandra’s personal OCD journey and recovery How OCD symptoms affect everyday life OCD treatment: Is medication always necessary? The different ways OCD presents in patients How family members and partners can understand OCD The role of relationships and support in recovery How Ayush’s experience influenced his journey to becoming a psychologist Guests: Ayush Chandra — Psychologist   / ayush_guides   Sradha Chandra — Psychologist   / therapist_sradharay   Chapters: 0:00 Intro: What OCD Really Is (and Isn't) 2:10 Welcome Ayush & Shraddha Chandra 2:47 Biggest Mistakes Ayush Made During OCD 4:24 Shraddha's Journey as a Caregiver & Partner 6:27 What Is the HIT OCD Protocol? 9:56 Family Reactions, Stigma & Lonely Struggles 11:54 Why No Single Technique Works for OCD 13:34 Can Self-Help Videos Cure OCD? 17:02 AI-Based OCD & Reassurance Seeking 17:33 Common OCD Myths 20:21 Pure O Explained 22:36 OCD as a Disability & Lack of Family Support 24:57 Ayush's Own OCD Story 26:42 Heartbreaking Cases Seen in Therapy 29:21 Why Medication Alone Doesn't Fix OCD 30:44 When Is Medication Needed? 32:12 What OCD Therapy Actually Looks Like 36:51 The 5-Week Therapy Model 39:02 Relapse & Relapse Prevention 40:15 Core Fears: Hypermorality, Hyper-Responsibility & Uncertainty 41:57 Teenage Rebellion Theory & Updating Beliefs 43:51 Tapering Off Therapy & Building a New Lifestyle 45:45 Is OCD Curable? 47:18 Why Having a Purpose Matters 51:28 The Miracle Question 55:13 How Caregivers Can Support (Without Over-Involving) 58:21 Why Compulsions Give Relief but Make OCD Worse 59:49 Advice for Long-Term OCD & Medication Users 1:02:10 Closing Thoughts If you found this episode helpful, watch next:    • 5 Hours of Bathing?! Why Does OCD Make You...      • The Sad Truth About Male Friendships | Psy...      • Family Ke Beech Bhi Akela Kyun Feel Hota H...   Shot on: Cameras: https://www.amazon.in/Sony-ILCE-7M3M-... Lenses: https://www.amazon.in/Sony-SEL50F18F-... Microphones: https://www.amazon.in/Hollyland-M2-Mi... Lighting: https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B09H2Y8... About Jyoti Jaiswal: Jyoti Jaiswal is a journalist, content strategist, and podcast host with 13+ years of experience in Television and Digital media. She has spent over a decade telling stories and interviewing some of the biggest names in entertainment. Now, she brings that same curiosity to psychology, mindset, and mental health, sitting down with experts to unpack what’s really going on inside us. Her mission is to build mental health awareness across India and help people think clearer, grow stronger, and live better. Follow Jyoti Jaiswal: Instagram   / thejyotijaiswal     / mindshiftwithjyoti   X https://x.com/TheJyotiJaiswal Threads https://www.threads.com/@mindshiftwit... Facebook   / missjjaiswal     / mindshiftwithjyoti   Linkedin   / jyoti-jaiswal-5b1b49111   Shot on: Cameras: https://www.amazon.in/Sony-ILCE-7M3M-... Lenses: https://www.amazon.in/Sony-SEL50F18F-... Microphones: https://www.amazon.in/Hollyland-M2-Mi... Lighting: https://www.amazon.in/gp/aw/d/B09H2Y8... Subscribe to MindShift by Jyoti Jaiswal for expert conversations on psychology, relationships, and mental health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change medication without consulting a qualified healthcare professional. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD or another mental health concern, please seek help from a qualified mental health professional. #OCD #OCDRecovery #OCDTreatment #MentalHealth #Psychologist #mindshift #JyotiJaiswal