My story

[alaskasandalwood]

I was diagnosed with OCD early November 2021, at the age of 16, but the symptoms have been going on since I was 11. I also am under observation for a possibility of schizophrenia at a beginning stage. I have not talked to any of my friends about my diagnose yet, because I just seem not be able to do so. When I was first diagnosed, I was on use of Risperidone and Sertraline, but now I only take Sertraline and a schizophrenia/depression drug called Aripiprazole. To my friend I pretend they are medication for blood pressure.

[OOOCCCDDD]

I’m sorry that you are having to deal with this diagnosis of ocd and possible schizophrenia… I wish we could all just be free of our mental illness issues. I think it is ok to not tell people for now, because people sometimes distance themselves if they hear a “label”… they shouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t. Do you have anyone you can be open with about it? Even if you can share your struggles with just one or two people who will keep it confidential, that can help. And if you decide in the future to tell more people, that is your choice, and if someone responds badly, that is their problem. I wish we lived in a world where mental illness diagnoses were more acceptable. It’s better than it used to be, but still not where it needs to be. Wishing you blessings…

[alaskasandalwood in reply to OOOCCCDDD]

Hello. Thank you for your kind consideration on answering my text. I do have a dear friend that I think i'd feel able to talk this things with, but we live way apart now and I haven't seen her in over 18 months now. But on the other hand I feel like one of the reasons why i've never considered opening up to anyone is because I mostly try to avoid thinking even to myself about my condition (which is something i'm trying to overcome by joining this community).

The biggest wish I have is that society in general was fully accepting of mental illnesses just as they are to any other health issue. Here where I live (Brazil) all people do is mock over this subject. But at the end of the day I'm glad for the medical support i've been having.

Thank you again for your reply. I wish you the best.

[bulldog71]

I’ve taken sertraline and aripiprozole for OCD. You share what you want with who you want when you want. You owe nitro anyone.

[Sallyskins]

I know how difficult it can be to be honest with other people about mental illness, but your friends might surprise you by being supportive!

There's nothing to be ashamed of. People take medications for lots of different conditions relating to lots of different bodily organs, so why should problems with the brain be any different?

I suppose that because the brain is so closely associated with character and personality people think that there is something intrinsically wrong with their character or personality when the brain goes a bit wrong. But the brain is really complicated, and so are you. There is more to you than just a diagnosis of a brain malfunction. And there are so many ways the brain can malfunction.

I too take sertraline and aripiprazole. Although the aripiprazole is an antipsychotic, it is often prescribed in low doses along with sertraline or other SSRIs. It boosts the effects of the antidepressant and I've found it really helpful.

Do confide in your friends - perhaps start with a few of your closest friends. I am still a bit cagey about my own OCD but my friends know about it, and tell other people about it if I am having trouble doing something because of it.