Jana’s story: How Rogers’ OCD and anxiety treatment helped her pursue her Miss America pageant dream

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While growing up, Jana enjoyed being in the spotlight. She participated in singing and dance classes in addition to theater productions. She says her early struggles with contamination OCD started out small and as they grew, she felt alone.

“I would describe it like this – it’s like I’m wearing goggles, and I can see what’s contaminated,” says Jana. “I remember thinking, ‘Why am I the only one who sees this?’”

When her symptoms worsened in college, her parents urged her to seek treatment, which she did at Rogers in Miami and Tampa.

Since leaving treatment, Jana has followed her Miss America pageant dreams. She currently holds the title of Miss Shelbyville and will compete in the Miss Tennessee competition this summer.

Watch the video above to hear how Jana uses her Miss America platform to share her story.  

As a member of the International OCD Foundation Advocate program, Jana talks about her journey to combat stigma. Watch this video to hear why she thinks advocacy is important.

Rogers’ treatment for OCD and anxiety

Rogers’ compassionate experts help children, adolescents, and adults learn valuable skills to gain control of OCD and anxiety. We offer multiple levels of treatment, from inpatient and residential, to intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization. Call 800-767-4411 for a free, confidential screening.