Just-Diagnosed Teenager

[mirandakj]

Hello! Happy Friday, all! I’m new to this community, but it seems like such a beautiful, supportive online environment—and that’s what I’m seeking during this difficult period in my life. I’m 17 and was diagnosed with OCD only a few weeks ago. I’m now on Prozac, attending talk therapy, and will be starting CBT and DBT in a week or two. (So...I have an exciting therapy-filled summer ahead of me! 😂) It’s a daily struggle to believe that this is truly a disease (rather than a reflection of who I am as a person), and it’s equally challenging to feel hopeful that I can get my life back, when it’s difficult to remember what normal felt like at this point. 😕 I’ve been instructed by my psychiatrist (and mother) to stay away from the Internet, so I’ve been vacillating over whether or not to post here for many days. But I decided to do it, despite feeling somewhat guilty, because I feel a need to connect with people whose experiences are similar to my own. The posts I’ve read here thus far have really empowered me, and I’d like to get further engaged with this community. 😊I’m very fortunate to have a wonderful support system (my family and mental health professionals), but sometimes I just want to communicate with people who actually have a firsthand understanding of what I’m experiencing. I look forward to getting to know you all!

[Katz101]

Well come to the group.

When I first found out it was OCD, I felt yes, it's not me, it's OCD.

I myself find it really helpful to be on this forum, I don't feel alone, and there's a lot to be said having someone that's gone/going through it to advise, and support.

Welcome. 😊

[mirandakj in reply to Katz101]

Thank you, Katz101! 💕

[aadak18]

Welcome! May I suggest that the internet isn’t all bad for OCD - if you use it for reassurance (I do that) then yes it is bad, but it also has wonderful supportive communities like this one. Glad you’re here!

[mirandakj in reply to aadak18]

Thanks, Adaak18! ❤️

[Hidden]

Hi Miranda - Welcome to our forum. You are very articulate in your writing. I'm sure you will be feeling better & better with all the help that is coming your way this summer. You are very fortunate to have that. It DOES make a difference to know at least a few people who also have this disease. It can be a tough one to go it alone.

[mirandakj in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, Sunn-E! 💜

[ISTY]

Hi there and welcome. You will find support here my dear. My son 10 yo was diagnosed with OCD in December- he started ERP therapy with an OCD specialist and he is now, in his words, 90% free of the hold it had on him. Still a lot of work to do ahead but at least he is able to see it as separate from him and not a reflection of who he is and also the fear is gone.. it’s been a tough road but good therapy and also there are some books that helaped us a lot!! Stay strong and have faith you will be free of this. Love to you and your mom ❤️

[mirandakj in reply to ISTY]

Thank you for your kind and reassuring words, ISTY—they mean so much. 💕 I’m very glad to hear of your son’s progress—that is incredible! 😊

[LuvSun]

Hi Mirandakj 👋 I feel the same way as you do about connecting with other people who are experiencing the same thing. It’s reassuring in a healthy way and has helped me A LOT. Everyone is very supportive.

[mirandakj in reply to LuvSun]

Thanks, LuvSun! 💜

[trailwalker53]

Hello....and welcome! I am 53 years old and suffer from OCD and I have a 20 year old daughter who also has OCD. There IS hope and there is recovery. This forum is very supportive! It sounds like you are on the right track.....I wish you well!

[mirandakj]

Thank you so much, Trailwalker53! 💜

[soundofmusic11]

Hey! Its nice to see another teen on this app lol. My doctors also told me to stay away from the Internet, but they mean more about not getting influenced by other types of OCD, (it likes to shift sometimes), or looking for reassurance through other people. You’re doing the right thing, with therapy and medication, which seems to be the most affective treatment for OCD. Just know that it gets SOO much better! When I was ages 5-10, my OCD was debilitating, but being 16 now, it’s gotten so much more manageable, to a degree I never thought I could reach. You are stronger than it, I’m so happy that you are beginning your journey to recovery!!!!

[mirandakj in reply to soundofmusic11]

Hey, Soundofmusic11! I’m so glad to hear from another user around my age! Thank you so much for your support. Congratulations on your recovery—what an amazing story! ❤️

[Tcba]

Welcome! You have come to the right place. You’ll get lots of support, but we’ll try not to reassure you (because that doesn’t help). I strongly encourage you to attend the IOCDF conference if you are able to. There will be lots of people your age there and great programs for all ages. Don’t know where you live, but it is in Austin, July 19-21. I will be traveling from North Carolina.

[mirandakj in reply to Tcba]

Hi Tcba! The conference sounds like an amazing event—I’ll have to look into it! Thank you! ❤️

[Susiesweeney]

Hi JDT

I am new to this group also and I would just like to say hi. I firstly would agree with your Dr and mother about staying away from the Internet in relation to finding information etc. on OCD.

I feel ok on this forum as it's affiliated to the IOCDF that is a very well recognised organisation for OCD suffers their families and the people who treat them. Psychiatrist, Therapist and Psychologist.

I hope u continue to make progress with your treatment and good luck with same .