Julia Sarr-Jamois on OCD, anxiety & intrusive thoughts, finding peace, strength and embracing life's uncertainty

In this episode, influential stylist, fashion director, and one of Jean's most dear friends, Julia Sarr-Jamois, shares her candid experience with pain, anxiety, and OCD, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Julia recounts how the sudden changes in her life, including isolation and uncertainty, triggered anxiety and OCD symptoms, leading to severe panic attacks. OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, affects approximately 1-2% of the global population, with millions more experiencing intrusive thoughts and anxiety. These conditions often involve persistent, unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing distress.

She discusses the impact on her personal and professional life and the therapeutic approaches that helped her cope, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and regular therapy sessions. Julia emphasizes the importance of accepting oneself, practical exercises to manage anxiety, and viewing challenges as opportunities for growth.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:12 Julia's Journey with Pain and OCD

02:01 Coping During COVID-19

03:10 Experiencing Anxiety and Panic Attacks

03:42 Understanding and Managing OCD

06:18 Therapy and Finding Solutions

15:53 Self-Help Strategies and Empowerment

19:59 Reflections and Final Thoughts

Julia Sarr-Jamois is one of the most influential names in fashion today. As both the youngest and first black Fashion Director in Vogue’s history, Julia is a powerful driving force for change within the industry. She was a founding member of the Mentoring Matters and Rubric mentoring initiatives and has consistently championed diversity throughout her prolific career. In 2018, Julia was invited to Nigeria to join the panel of the prestigious Fashion Weekend as part of their Promoting Enterprise Festival, championing emerging talent and education.

Born to a French mother and Senegalese father, Julia was raised in South London, enjoying success as a model before joining the editorial team at i-D when she was 19. Julia’s exceptional talent for fashion is reflected through her dynamic editorial storytelling and social media presence. Julia’s eclectic style and eccentric elegance makes her one of the most photographed fashion directors, ruling the best dressed lists around the world.

With over 17 years experience in the industry Julia has honed a refined but joyful aesthetic, distinguished by her signature use of bold colour as well as her effortless mixing of streetwear and high fashion aesthetics.

Julia’s work has been featured in leading style titles including T Magazine, Self Service, M Le Monde, Double and More Or Less. Her work spans print and design, collaborating with photographers including Tyrone Lebon, Alasdair McLellan, Tyler Mitchell, Harley Weir, Zoë Ghertner and Nadine Ijewere. Julia has consulted for brands including Homer, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès, Chanel, and Zara.

You can follow Julia on Instagram @sarrjamois 

You can learn more about Julia's creative agency, Best Represents, by heading to https://bestrepresents.com/

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Host: Jean Campbell

Guest: Julia Sarr-Jamois 

Executive Producer: Jean Campbell

Producer: Wicked Child Studio, Hailey Rovner Malach 

Editor: Edoardo Vella