Director of Me: Ria’s Episode on OCD with BBC Radio 4
Ria Fay, actor, director, playwright and OCD advocate, shares what it was like to make a programme for BBC Radio 4 about her day-to-day life with OCD as part of the Director of Me series. Listen to Ria’s episode here.
I was very excited to be asked to participate in the BBC Radio 4 series, “Director of Me”, for several reasons. The first and obvious reason is that I wanted to help raise awareness and challenge misconceptions surrounding OCD and what it is like to live with the disorder. The second reason is that, being an actor, I loved the idea of working on a project that would be broadcast on the BBC
Earlier this year, I met with Catherine Carr from Loftus Media, and we spoke about OCD, what the project would involve, and what I would need to do. I was blown away by the kindness, patience, and support that she showed me in that first meeting and throughout the entire project. I was sent a microphone and asked to record myself in voice notes. It was amazing to simply record my unedited thoughts and reflections on something that had happened and then send it away.
Something that made the project feel special was the music sessions with Maia Miller-Lewis. We created a soundscape to musically reflect what it’s like to live with OCD. It was incredible how everyone in the project focused on portraying the authentic experience of mental illness and not just the worst or most extreme days. I think Maia did a fantastic job of translating my random, jumbled ideas into a succinct reflection of OCD, highlighting the discomfort and intensity those with OCD often experience.
Overall, it was an incredible experience that I feel lucky to have been a part of. I want to say a big thank you to all involved. I hope it brings those who listen some insight, some laughs, and the knowledge that no one is “a bit OCD” about anything. And if anyone decides to make that detective series, please feel free to get in touch.
You can listen to Ria’s episode here.
