Ben Samuel Shapiro

Hi! My name is Ben Samuel Shapiro, and I work as a research assistant for Understood.org. I’ve struggled with severe OCD since the age of 7. I also have ADHD.

The journey has been long, and at times very solitary. Working at Understood has allowed me to turn my history with mental health into an advantage. Tough events from my past are no longer shameful, but rather moments that can be shared, bonded over, and learned from.

We all have our burdens, and we’re all in a constant wrestling match with our own brains. I can say from experience that whatever your struggle may be, it’s a whole lot easier to cope when you have a teammate.