For many, the term Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) evokes images of excessive handwashing or perfectly arranged objects. But for sisters Emily and Lindsay, OCD has been a much deeper, more complex experience—one that shaped their lives in ways they never expected. Their struggles with intrusive thoughts and anxiety led them on a path of self-discovery, therapy, and, ultimately, advocacy.
Recognizing how misunderstood OCD is, they co-founded Presently Bracelets, a brand dedicated to providing wearable reminders rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques. With messages like Embrace Uncertainty and Brave the Uncomfortable, their bracelets offer more than just encouragement—they serve as tangible tools to help people manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts daily.
The founders of Presently Bracelets share more of their journey and the meaning behind the company! with OCD, the inspiration behind their brand, and their mission to bridge the gap between therapy and everyday life.
Can you share a bit more about your personal journey with OCD and how it inspired you to co-found Presently Bracelets?
Our experiences with OCD were the driving force behind Presently, but what’s interesting is that Lindsay and I had such different struggles with the disorder.
Lindsay, as the older sister, showed more of the textbook OCD signs as a child—flipping light switches a certain number of times out of fear something bad might happen or meticulously arranging objects until they felt "just right." Our dad, who had OCD himself, recognized these tendencies, though Lindsay didn’t have an official diagnosis at the time. However, in high school, her OCD shifted into something we didn’t yet have words for—distressing existential fears. She became consumed by questions like How do I know I’m real? and What if nothing actually exists? These thoughts became so overwhelming that she struggled to eat, leave the house, or function daily. I remember one particular moment when we went to see Wicked on Broadway. The connection between the storyline and The Wizard of Oz—where the main character is dreaming the entire time—triggered Lindsay’s fears, and we had to leave before the show even started. Eventually, after seeking therapy, she was diagnosed with OCD, and we began to understand that OCD can manifest far beyond the common stereotypes.
My experience looked completely different. I was an anxious child, always clinging to my parents and struggling with separation anxiety. By middle school, my anxiety took the form of intrusive thoughts—I became obsessed with needing to be a "good person," confessing every little thing to my parents to relieve my guilt. It wasn’t until college that my OCD fully resurfaced, this time taking the form of obsessive questioning about my identity and constant reassurance-seeking. Thoughts like What if I don’t really know who I am? sent me into endless spirals of doubt. I had no idea this was OCD, because I didn’t experience the classic compulsions that Lindsay had. After graduating, I finally went to therapy and was diagnosed with OCD in my very first session. That moment was life-changing.
Through our experiences, we realized that so many people are struggling with OCD and intrusive thoughts without realizing it—because OCD isn’t just about cleanliness or rituals. It can show up in mental compulsions, existential fears, and an overwhelming need for certainty. We wanted to create something that reflected what we’d learned in therapy—real, tangible reminders that help reframe unhelpful thoughts.
That’s how Presently was born. I was going through a particularly anxious time in 2020 and wanted a wearable reminder to ground me in the moment. But most affirmation bracelets felt unrealistic—messages like "good vibes only" didn’t acknowledge the work it takes to manage OCD and anxiety. So we designed our own, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles to create phrases like Embrace Uncertainty and My Thoughts Are Passing Clouds. These reminders help bring therapy techniques into daily life, providing small but meaningful support when anxiety takes over.
What was the initial vision behind Presently Bracelets, and how has it evolved since you started?
Originally, Presently was meant to be a simple tool—wearable reminders for people with OCD. But we quickly realized something bigger was happening. People started reaching out to us, saying they had never heard OCD talked about in the way we were sharing. Many had spent years struggling, feeling like they were the only ones dealing with certain thoughts. That response shaped Presently into more than just a product—it became a way for us to bring awareness to the realities of OCD and anxiety through storytelling.
We’ve since expanded our reach beyond OCD, recognizing that the reminders we create resonate with people managing all kinds of anxiety, stress, and mental health challenges. Presently has grown into a bridge between therapy and everyday life, providing simple, accessible tools to support mental well-being.
How do you see wearable reminders like your bracelets helping people manage anxiety and intrusive thoughts?
Our bracelets serve as a bridge between therapy and daily life. Therapy teaches us invaluable skills, but applying those lessons in the moment—when anxiety is high—is the real challenge. These bracelets act as a grounding tool, helping people reframe anxious thoughts using principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and our bracelets provide tangible ways to shift unhelpful thought patterns. Whether it's Brave the Uncomfortable encouraging someone to sit with anxiety rather than avoid it, or I Let Go of What I Can’t Control reminding them to release worries beyond their power, these phrases serve as anchors in difficult moments.
Can you tell us about your recent collaboration with ESPN’s Lauren Sisler and the meaning behind the “I’m in love with my story” bracelet?
Our partnership with Lauren Sisler was built on a shared mission—helping people embrace their stories, no matter how difficult the journey.
Lauren, an ESPN reporter, lost both of her parents to opioid addiction when she was 18. For years, she carried the weight of shame and grief, but over time, she found strength in owning her story. She shares that journey in her book, Shatterproof: How I Overcame the Shame of Losing My Parents to Opioid Addiction (and Found My Sideline Shimmy).
Together, we created the I’m in Love with My Story bracelet—a reminder that healing comes from accepting and owning every part of our journey. It’s about self-compassion, resilience, and finding purpose even in the hardest moments.
We’re excited to continue working with Lauren and expanding this message to her audience, including the sports community and beyond.
As a mental health advocate, what are some of the biggest misconceptions you’ve encountered about OCD and anxiety?
One of the biggest misconceptions about OCD is that it’s just about being neat and organized. In reality, OCD is driven by intrusive, unwanted thoughts that create intense anxiety. While some people have compulsions related to cleanliness, others—like Lindsay and me—struggle with doubts, fears, and mental compulsions like excessive reassurance-seeking or rumination.
Another myth is that people with OCD just need to "stop worrying." But OCD isn’t regular worry—it’s an overwhelming, often paralyzing cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Telling someone to "just stop" is like telling someone with a broken leg to walk it off.
There’s also a misunderstanding that OCD is rare. In reality, millions of people have OCD, but because it’s so misunderstood, many go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Raising awareness and breaking these stereotypes is a huge part of why we do what we do.
What has been the most rewarding part of running Presently Bracelets and connecting with others who share similar mental health experiences?
The most rewarding part has been hearing from people who say they feel seen for the first time. When we started Presently, we were simply sharing our experiences—but we didn’t expect the outpouring of messages from people saying, "I thought I was the only one."
What started as a product turned into a personal storytelling venture, and that’s been the most fulfilling part. Knowing that our journey helps others feel understood and less alone makes all the hard work worth it.
Are there any upcoming projects or partnerships you're excited about that you’d like to share?
We’ve started exploring new reminders that support different mental health experiences beyond OCD, including anxiety related to postpartum, burnout, and ADHD. Mental health looks different for everyone, and we want to create reminders that speak to a broader range of experiences. We're excited to be working with therapists who specialize in these areas to make this happen.
Do you have any advice for student-athletes or young people struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or self-doubt?
First, know that you’re not alone—so many people, including elite athletes, struggle with anxiety and self-doubt. One of the most powerful things you can do is practice self-compassion. Your thoughts don’t define you, and setbacks don’t determine your worth. When intrusive thoughts or anxiety creep in, remind yourself: "I am separate from my mind" and "Brave the uncomfortable."
It’s okay to feel nervous before a game, overwhelmed by expectations, or unsure of yourself in high-pressure situations. The key is learning to sit with discomfort without letting it control you. Whether it’s talking to a coach, therapist, or trusted friend, finding healthy coping strategies, or using physical reminders like Presently Bracelets, know that support is always available. Keep showing up for yourself—growth happens in the moments when you push through doubt and trust your resilience.
How can Presently Bracelets support student-athletes and their mental health?
Student-athletes juggle intense training, competition, academics, and personal challenges, all of which can take a toll on mental well-being. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and managing stress, performance anxiety, and self-doubt is key to long-term success. Presently Bracelets serve as a daily reminder to stay grounded, embrace discomfort, and focus on what they can control. Our CBT-inspired messages, like "Brave the uncomfortable" and "I am separate from my mind," help athletes navigate pressure by shifting focus away from fear and self-doubt. Whether it's before a big game, a tough practice, or a high-stakes moment, these reminders reinforce resilience and confidence. Prioritizing mental well-being helps athletes stay motivated, build confidence, and develop a healthier relationship with their sport—because thriving on and off the field starts with a strong mindset.
How can people support Presently Bracelets and where can they find you?
The best way to support Presently is by helping us spread the message. Share our story, talk about mental health, and remind people they’re not alone in their struggles. Every conversation about mental health makes a difference, and we’re grateful for every person who helps keep that conversation going.
You can also support us by shopping our bracelets—5% of every sale is donated to mental health nonprofits. Presently Bracelets are available on our website at www.presentlybracelets.com. We also collaborate with athletes and teams, offering bulk orders for schools, clubs, and organizations that want to prioritize mental wellness.
Another great way to get involved is by joining our ambassador program, where you can share your personal journey, raise awareness, and earn rewards. Or simply connect with us on social media—every like, comment, and share helps amplify our mission.
To stay connected, follow us on Instagram and TikTok (@presentlybracelets) and engage with our content. You can find and shop Presently Bracelets directly on our website at www.presentlybracelets.com.
