What it's really like to live with obsessive-compulsive disorder

Matthew Wright, a senior firefighter from Sydney, had been living a seemingly normal life as a husband, father, and friend. However, he was silently battling obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that took over his life, consuming over five hours daily with compulsions. His journey with OCD began in 2020 after a near-miss accident on the road, where his mind convinced him he had caused an accident due to unseen potholes.

Initially, he avoided driving for months, using a dash cam to regain confidence. But compulsions followed, making him rewatch every drive, ashamed and afraid to share his struggles with the world, fearing judgment. The loss of his daughter Mia in 2023 and the birth of their daughter Willow in 2024 further exacerbated his condition.

The death of his dog Archie, which he considered a lifesaver, triggered an obsession with protecting Willow from germs and illness, causing him to spend hours washing his hands and changing clothes. His life became an endless cycle of fear, obligation, and anxiety. Seeking help, he started seeing a psychologist and eventually joined the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney.

Through exposure therapy and medication, he gradually regained control over his life, tackling his compulsions step by step. Now, Matthew uses his personal experience to help others understand OCD, challenging misconceptions and encouraging empathy.