Sydney firefighter shares how OCD and loss reshaped his life

Matthew Wright, a 35-year-old senior firefighter in Sydney, began experiencing obsessive-compulsive thoughts after a frightening driving incident in 2020, leading to intense fear of causing accidents. The condition worsened following the stillbirth of his first daughter, Mia, in 2023 and the subsequent health scare of his dog, Archie, prompting obsessive concerns about losing loved ones. Wright's compulsions grew to include excessive hand-washing, multiple daily showers, and constant monitoring of his daughter's health, consuming five to six hours each day.

After acknowledging his struggle to his wife, Jordan, he sought help from a psychologist and was referred to the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression at St Vincent's Hospital, where a therapist guided him through paced exposure exercises and medication. Over 16 weeks, he gradually reduced ritual durations and reclaimed activities he had avoided for 18 months. Sharing his story with 25 firefighting peers provided a sense of relief and highlighted that even the most resilient individuals can battle mental illness.