**Trigger warning, discussions of Sexual Abuse and addiction**

In this episode, Paul Moughton of TP Decorating shares his life story.

Find Paul

https://www.instagram.com/tpdecoratings?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Starting from his childhood anxiety and fear. He opens up about a traumatic incident that occurred when he was a child and how it affected his mental health. Paul discusses his struggles with substance misuse and the various jobs he had, including working on the markets and as a guard on a train. He then shares his experience of becoming a black cab driver

. He opens up about his mental health challenges, including a psychotic break and a nervous breakdown. Paul shares his experiences with intrusive thoughts and obsessions and the difficulties he faced in seeking help. He also talks about maintaining a facade while struggling internally. In this part of the conversation, Paul discusses his experience of self-medicating with alcohol and drugs to cope with his mental health issues. He shares how drinking and drug use became a double-edged sword, providing temporary relief but exacerbating his anxiety and obsessions. Paul also talks about the negative effects of weed and how it triggered harmful thoughts. He then describes his journey of receiving a diagnosis of OCD and finding relief and acceptance through understanding his condition. Paul highlights the importance of support from loved ones and the role of self-discovery in his recovery. He also discusses the challenges of coming off medication and the impact of addiction on his life. Finally, Paul shares his experience of attending AA meetings and the importance of recognizing the difference between normal drinking and addiction. In this conversation, Paul Moughton discusses the stigma surrounding alcoholism and addiction, highlighting the difficulty of reducing alcohol consumption and the misunderstanding of alcoholism as an illness. He emphasizes the weight of the label 'alcoholic' and the stigma preventing individuals from seeking help and support. Paul also shares his experience with intrusive thoughts and the benefits of exposure response prevention therapy for harm OCD. He emphasizes the importance of being present and not identifying with thoughts, as well as harnessing compulsive behavior for positive change. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the resilience of the building trades and the supportive community on Instagram.

Takeaways

Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on mental health and behavior.

Substance misuse can be a coping mechanism for underlying anxiety and fear.

Job hopping and a lack of direction can be a result of unresolved issues and a search for fulfillment.

Mental health challenges, such as intrusive thoughts and obsessions, can be debilitating and difficult to manage.

Seeking help for mental health issues can be a complex and frustrating process.

Maintaining a facade while struggling internally can be exhausting and isolating. Self-medicating with alcohol and drugs can provide temporary relief but often exacerbates mental health issues.

Weed can have extreme effects on a small percentage of the population, triggering harmful thoughts and anxiety.

Receiving a diagnosis of OCD can bring relief and understanding, helping individuals realize they are not alone or 'crazy'.

Support from loved ones is crucial in the recovery process, providing a sense of stability and understanding.

Attending support groups like AA can be beneficial for individuals struggling with addiction, providing a sense of community and guidance.