Diagnosed at 21, Yasmin Arkinstall knows first-hand the impacts of OCD, describing it as debilitating with intrusive thoughts causing distress, shame and guilt. It led Yasmin to over practice and contributed to swelling on her vocal cords, forcing her to defer a degree at the Conservatorium of Music. Subscribe now https://7news.link/MyBigStory

Produced by Lucy Hatcher.

“I've experienced repetitive, intruding thoughts and every time, you feel this intense urge to do a compulsion or a ritual. Every sufferer is different, making the rituals different depending on what the person's fear is. They can be both physical and mental,” Yasmin said.

Around 3% of Australians will experience OCD in their lifetime, according to Beyond Blue Australia. However, there are many harmful misconceptions and stereotypes around the condition.

“A lot of people tend to disregard the debilitating nature of it,” Yasmin said. “They associate OCD with cleaning and quirkiness, which is just not true. I’m sure that there are many other disabilities getting the same treatment, doing a disservice to the disability community.”

Now 27, Ms Arkinstall, has since graduated with a Bachelor of Music and performed as an opera singer alongside British comedian Bill Bailey as the support act for his ‘En Route to Normal’ tour at the State Theatre. She's also created her own one-woman opera show ‘OC Diva’.

Now Yasmin is throwing her support behind the Nepean Disability Expo as ambassador and is hoping to raise more awareness of OCD.

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