Ruined Life

Hi I hope you are all fine I'm sorry my English is not good but I will tryI was diagnosed with OCD 6 years ago since then my life has been completely changed my family made it worse when they had tried to help me and it ended up leaving the house and my mother was my only friend now she is the most person I hate I can't even bear her voice that is not my main problem my main problem that my life stopped nothing is in progress I dropped out of highschool i used to be one one of too students now I'm 21 I haven't finished my education no job no friends no life not just that I am struggling with anything that is simple for everyone else everyday activities I have seen many psychiatrists in those 6 years I tried DBS I tried many antidepressants now I don't take any antidepressants they have more negative effects at least for me at the moment I'm seeing a new doctor but I feel like it is an endless loop what do you think I should do?

[Sallyskins]

I'm sorry that you are suffering so much. No need to worry about your English - it's perfectly easy to understand you.

Having OCD can be extremely isolating. It can stop you from doing things, including doing things with your friends, because OCD gets in the way.

Family often don't know what to do when a family member has OCD. Often they haven't heard of it, or know little about it. Much as they want to help, they just don't know how to, and can just make it worse. It's so difficult to understand OCD if you haven't got it.

Try to make it up with your family - if they can learn how to help you best, they could be a great support. People often help most when they leave you to get on with your OCD rituals etc - not commenting or encouraging, just being there to support.

It can be difficult to know which medication will suit you best. It's possible that medication is not for you. I took clomipramine (also known as Anafranil) for many years and it helped a lot, though it did make me feel tired and sleepy. It isn't prescribed very often now, as it's an older medication, but perhaps you could ask about it if you haven't tried it. I take sertraline now.

CBT or cognitive behavioural therapy can help with OCD. It can be hard to do, but it does work. Ask the new doctor for a referral to a therapist who does CBT - or buy a book about OCD with CBT exercises in it.

I know how it is to feel stuck - but there's so much you can do. I've been so bad that I've hardly been able to move from the sofa, but I managed to start doing things again. Concentrate on getting your life back, and perhaps start thinking about going back to education. I managed to go to university and get my degree while my OCD was really bad.

If possible, join a support group for people with OCD. That could get you out of the house, and you might make some friends - ones that understand OCD!

It may feel like a struggle right now, but OCD is a manageable condition and you can get your life back.

[IStillHaveHope in reply to Sallyskins]

I understand completely the hell that OCD can be. At my worst I struggled so hard to just get through the day (or the hour) and felt completely alone and depressed. The good news is that there are people who understand, want, and can help. All you need to do is ask.

Having a strong support group is key when seeking recovery. Like Sallyskins said, if you can, make up with your family or try and find a OCD support group in your area. I joined one a few years back and it really helped shed some insight onto what I was feeling and how to deal with it.

As for the medication, I don't know how long you were on them but it can take up to 2 months for them to come into full effect and for the initial side effects to wear off. When starting a new drug it usually takes me about 2 weeks for the side effects to start wearing off. I know there is also other treatments for OCD. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) comes to mind, but I don't really have an experience with it. Supposedly it has been shown to help with anxiety, but only a doctor would know for sure.

I'm really sorry you're in such a tough spot at the moment. I really hope you find the peace you deserve friend. God bless you.

[Mcfly64]

Hello ocd turtle. I think you need medication specifically related to your ocd. Are you seeing a therapist who specialises in Ocd?