129. Ryan Ridgway - Eight Months Sober and Still Suicidal: When Recovery Misses the Point

In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Ridgway, a mental health trainer with deep expertise in OCD, addiction, and recovery. We dive into the hidden connections between mental health struggles and addictive behaviors, exploring:

✅ The link between OCD, compulsions, and addiction
✅ How to build resilience and mental toughness in recovery
✅ Why mindset shifts are key to long-term change
✅ Practical strategies to rewire your brain and break free

Whether you’re struggling with addiction, OCD, or want to understand the mental health factors behind compulsive behaviors, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Listen now and start your journey to recovery!

🔹 Want personalized support? Book a free discovery call with Jeremy: JeremyLipkowitz.com/intro

Connect with Jeremy:

• 🌍 Website: JeremyLipkowitz.com
• 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremylipkowitz/
• 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyLipkowitz
• 📩 Email: jeremy@unhookedacademy.com
• Jeremy’s Online Course: Unhooked – Step-by-Step Guide to Quitting Porn

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Ryan's Journey
01:07 Meet Ryan Ridgeway
03:05 Ryan's Early Struggles with Mental Health
04:31 Recognizing and Coping with OCD
07:12 The Sneaky Nature of Porn Addiction
11:54 Challenges with 12-Step Programs
16:44 The Importance of Hope in Recovery
28:20 The Importance of Celebrating Wins
28:35 Self-Compassion in Recovery
30:19 Questioning the 12-Step Approach
33:31 Finding a Personalized Recovery Path
35:10 The Role of Physical Activity in Recovery
36:07 Understanding Patterns and Triggers
41:23 The Power of Community and Connection
44:09 Encouraging Men to Open Up
47:34 First Steps for Mental Health Support
50:21 Advice to Younger Self
53:43 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Connect with Ryan Ridgway:

• 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voice_4_mentalhealth/
• 🌍 Website: https://ridgwaymentalhealth.com/

🚀 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear this!