ORLANDO — Reality television sensation Scheana Shay received international accolades Saturday, July 27, for her advocacy in raising awareness about postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), winning the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Illumination Award.
The IOCDF Illumination Award honors media personalities who have represented OCD in a respectful, accurate, and appropriate way, or who have challenged stereotypes and helped to fight stigma around mental health issues.
Shay is known for her role on Bravo TV’s Emmy Award-nominated series Vanderpump Rules. She welcomed her rainbow baby Summer Moon with partner Brock Davies in April 2021, and is passionate about raising awareness about issues related to fertility and motherhood. Shay developed postpartum OCD following her daughter’s birth. She spoke openly about her experiences seeking therapy and medication in the most recent season of Vanderpump Rules. Shay continues to use her platform to help mothers get the treatment and resources they need.
“Scheana’s courage to speak to the world about her struggles will help erase the stigma surrounding OCD, and will reach millions of people who may find hope and healing through support,” said Rebecca Deusser, executive director of the IOCDF. “Because of Scheana’s advocacy, many people now know they are no longer alone.”
“I’m beyond honored to receive this recognition from the IOCDF and grateful for the work they are doing to spread awareness and provide resources for others in my situation,” Shay said. “Too often, we suffer in silence with only our worst fears for company, but getting a diagnosis and the proper treatment has made me feel hopeful again. I am committed to continue sharing my story and bringing this mental health issue out in the light where it belongs. Awareness is the first step towards healing.”
Shay accepted the Illumination Award during the IOCDF’s 29th Annual OCD Conference in Orlando, joined by her husband and 2,300 members of the OCD community.
Perinatal OCD is a type of OCD that occurs during pregnancy or the postpartum period. It is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts related to the unborn or newborn baby and compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety. Common obsessions include heightened fears of harming the baby or concerns about their health, while compulsions may involve excessive checking on the baby, cleaning of the baby’s environment, or seeking reassurance from others about the baby’s wellbeing. It is essential to recognize and treat perinatal OCD through the use of mental health therapy, medication, support groups, or other resources to ensure the well-being of both the parent and the child.
Find more information about the diagnosis and treatment of perinatal OCD at the IOCDF’s dedicated Perinatal Resource Center: iocdf.org/perinatal-ocd
About the IOCDF:
The IOCDF is the largest 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to serving a broad community of individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders, their family members and loved ones, and the mental health professionals and researchers around the world. Visit https://iocdf.org