OCD Foundation International Honors Reality Star Scheana Shay for Raising Awareness of OCD

ORLANDO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 28, 2024 / Reality star Scheana Shay received international honors on Saturday, July 27, for her work to raise awareness of postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), winning the Illumination Award from the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).

The IOCDF Illumination Award honors media personalities who have represented OCD in a respectful, accurate and appropriate manner or who have challenged stereotypes and helped combat stereotypes associated with mental health issues.

Shay is known for her role in the Emmy-nominated series on Bravo TV. Vanderpump Rules. She welcomed her rainbow baby Summer Moon with partner Brock Davies in April 2021 and is passionate about raising awareness for fertility and motherhood issues. Shay developed postpartum OCD after giving birth to her daughter. She spoke openly about her experience seeking therapy and medication in the final season Vanderpump Rules. Shay continues to use her platform to help mothers get the treatment and resources they need.

“Scheana’s courage to share her struggles with the world will help erase the stigma surrounding OCD and reach millions of people who can find hope and healing through support,” said Rebecca Deusser, executive director of the IOCDF. “Thanks to Schean’s advocacy, many people now know they are no longer alone.”

“I am so honored to receive this recognition from the IOCDF and grateful for the work they do to raise awareness and provide resources for others in my situation,” Shay said. “Too often we suffer in silence, with only our worst fears as companions, but receiving a diagnosis and proper treatment gave me hope again. I am committed to continuing to share my story and bring this mental health issue into the light where it belongs. Awareness is the first step to healing.”

Shay received the Illumination Award at the 29th Annual IOCDF OCD Conference in Orlando, which was attended by her husband and 2,300 members of the OCD community.

Perinatal OCD is a type of OCD that occurs during pregnancy or after delivery. It is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts about the unborn or newborn and compulsive behaviors to reduce anxiety. Typical obsessions include intense fears of harming the baby or worries about the baby’s health, while compulsions may include excessive checking on the baby, cleaning the baby’s environment, or seeking reassurance from others about the baby’s well-being. It is important to recognize and treat perinatal OCD through the use of mental health therapy, medications, support groups, or other resources to ensure the well-being of both the parent and the child.

More information on the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal OCD can be found in the IOCDF’s dedicated Perinatal Resource Centre: iocdf.org/partum-period

About IOCDF:

IOCDF is the largest 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the broad community of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, their family members and loved ones, and mental health professionals and researchers worldwide. Visit https://iocdf.org

Contact info

Amanda Ota
Communication manager
[email protected]
(205) 545-4244

Rachel Croft
Director of Communications and Digital Strategy
[email protected]
6075926907

SOURCE: International OCD Foundation

The original press release can be read at newswire.com.