OCD Obsessions

[PATSEY999]

Thank you for adding me. I'm so glad I am not alone with ocd. I can't believe at my age I was diagnosed with that and ADD/ADHD as well

[nkotbjoeymc]

I was diagnosed With OCD in My 20’s.

[Sallyskins]

Although it's better known about, too many people have OCD for years without knowing what they have. I only found out by accident that it was OCD that was making my life so difficult.

I had been going to a therapist who was absolutely useless and didn't have the courtesy, let alone the professionalism, to tell me I had OCD. Then my mother bought me a book (Dr Isaac Marks's book Living with Fear) that she thought might help. Suddenly I realized that I had OCD and could do something about it!

Still too many people think it's all about being clean and tidy ('I'm a bit OCD') or about washing constantly. It can be that of course, but it can be lots of other things, as OCD takes many shapes and forms!

Now that you know, you too can do something about it. CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is the standard treatment, along with medication in the form of antidepressants. Make sure any therapist that treats you uses CBT methods. There are a lot of fake therapists out there, only too happy to take your money and give nothing back!

If getting a therapist is difficult (in the States it can be expensive, and here in England there are often long waiting lists) then buy a book that uses CBT techniques. Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and The OCD Workbook are excellent, and there are many others. There is also online material.

I can't say anything about your other diagnoses, as I haven't experienced them myself, but there may be others on this forum who have.

Check in here when you like, as there will be lots you can learn, and support too.

[Rench1928]

Im 47 and was just diagnosed last year. I wish I knew earlier. I definitely would not have used all the drugs and alcohol to self medicate. But here we are. Moving forward and fighting the battle. My medicine is working great. Along with therapy, mindfulness, and reading books I'm managing them very well. I hope you are too.