Old Age OCD

[j0605s]

I am 71 years old and have suffered with OCD since I was a child. I have been able to find some peace and lessening of OCD symptoms at times, especially when I was teaching full-time but now that I’ve retired, the symptoms have gotten much worse. I’m looking for older people who can help me figure a way to live and thrive and work with this overwhelming OCD.

[PipM82]

Are you receiving treatment?

[Hidden]

What did you teach?

[Hidden]

I have similar circumstances. I've found this to help me the most. 1. Educate yourself as much as possible on your type of OCD. 2. Practice relaxation 3. Learn and practice ACT 4. Last, but possibly the most important, get Jeffery Swartz's book "Brain Lock" and read it several times. Practice it. This has helped me immensely. While doing all of this be sure that you find something to be involved in. Something where you use your emotions as well as your intellect. I've found when I'm focused on something it makes it more difficult for intrusive thoughts to bother me.

[MaryAnd]

I have found that my OCD has gotten worse since I retired too. Taking a part time job seems to have helped some..