Cameron Mofid, a 25-year-old Iranian-American, just set out on a pretty epic journey. This last trip put him over 195 UN-recognized countries and territories visited successfully. His adventure, which began in late 2022, reached its pinnacle in April 2025 when he set foot in North Korea, the final destination on his list. Mofid’s travels were not just a quest for adventure but served as a vital lifeline during a challenging period in his life marked by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Mofid’s decision to embark on this ambitious journey came when he faced a particularly low point in his mental health. He recalls a breaking point when his anxiety and OCD got the best of him. “One day, I was in my apartment, and my anxiety, my OCD is kind of spiraling out of control,” he recalls. This turning point ignited a desire within him to explore the world, to confront his fears, and ultimately learn to live with uncertainty.
Dead set on turning this dream into a reality, Mofid started his own event marketing company to pay for his travels. He set himself a tight three-year deadline, committing to an intense travel schedule that would demand both physical endurance and mental resilience. By keeping costs low through overnight buses and budget accommodations, including two-star hotels, he managed to stretch his resources while maximizing the impact of his experiences.
During his journey, Mofid faced challenges that pushed him both physically and mentally. He hitchhiked across borders in several countries and faced health challenges that included a hospitalization in Algeria due to severe illness. Even with these disappointments, he never wavered in belief that his goal was achievable. His travels recently brought him to Yemen in February 2023, of which he said was like “going back in time.”
His last stop in North Korea was perhaps the most notable. Participating in the Pyongyang International Marathon allowed him to complete his mission and reflect on the profound journey he had undertaken. “That trip was just incredible. I mean, getting off the plane and touching down in my 195th and final country…” Mofid said, encapsulating the culmination of years of planning and perseverance.
Mofid’s journey was characterized by solitude. He often found himself alone in unfamiliar environments. He stated, “The reality is that 95% of the time I was alone.” This solitude forced him to confront his own thoughts and emotions. “You have to really learn to get comfortable being lonely and kind of love it in a way,” he explained. Over time, he developed a deeper understanding of himself, stating that it was essential “to love really getting to know yourself because you’re going months on end without seeing anyone that you know in places where there’s maybe not a lot of connectivity.”
His travels were more than just an exploration of geography. They changed his world view and the way he conceived of mental wellness. “Visiting every country wasn’t just about geography,” he noted. “It was about learning how to live with uncertainty, find calm in discomfort, and connect with people from every walk of life.” Having recently returned from Nigeria in 2023, Mofid found a fresh spirit of appreciation for diversity and human connection. This powerful catalytic experience drove him to start a nonprofit organization named “The Humanity Effect.”
In reflecting on his journey, Mofid emphasized the importance of facing challenges head-on. “My rule was I had to do something in each country,” he asserted. This method developed confidence and played a role in undermining the overpowering, parental kind of his OCD. “OCD feeds on control: controlling your environment, routines, and outcomes,” he explained. By engaging with new cultures and experiences, Mofid learned to relinquish some of that control and embrace the unpredictability of life.
His remarkable journey serves as an inspiration for many who struggle with mental health issues or feel limited by their circumstances. Mofid’s story is a reminder that healing can happen outside of convention and that exploration and self-discovery can be truly healing. His travels have equipped him with valuable life lessons that extend far beyond mere geography.
