So for years I've I wouldn't say suffered because I don't see it as suffering more of a way of my life that crept in more and more as I've aged, I'm 23, I think I've had it for maybe 5 years, the last few have been up and down but now are more prominent.
Ok so here's to acknowledging it : So for years... - OCD Support
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Ok so here's to acknowledging it
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Emilyalways
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Hi.I struggle with ocd myself-symetry,mainly haircut-and I have a 20 year old son who has ocd,particularly fear of contamination..
For my son,It started small-attached to anxiety and depression after severe illness.The depression went,anxiety eased,but over time ocd gradually got worse to where it has,and does impinge on his life.But he has found a way to live with it and get on with his life..What he is doing is 'accommodating the enemy' which is ocd. My son opens doors with bags on his hands. If he drops any clothing,or his duvet touches the carpet it has to be washed and he would rather sleep cold than use it..to name but a few...
He does these things because he has ocd,and he knows he has ocd, but he finds it difficult to confront dealing with getting rid of it.Yet because he has acknowledged it to himself and to me, he does read about it, and I speak to him and encourage him to do exercises to help keep it under control, which hopefully with my support he will seek more help when he is ready.
Acknowledging it to yourself is the first step so well done!
To begin with I was unwittingly helping my son to accommodate his ocd becauseI didnt want him to be sad,struggling and suffering, and so I would wash things etc-even though they didnt need it- anything to ease pressure off him and also for me having to witness his distress..and then with education,I learnt that was not what to do.It isnt always easy for me living with seeing such severe ocd in my son,and I worry how he will manage later in life,but I now encourage and help in a more positive ' anti ocd' way..
By us both being aware of its existence in our lives is better than when we didn't know what it was. I find being less stressed about it and more easy going eases any tension..Learning all you can about ocd and its impact on your mind,the way you think and how it affects you helps you change your way of thinking,and then what you do about it, and all of this helps keep ocd at bay.
I hope now you have taken the first step that you will continue to take control of your ocd and work towards an ocd free life.
I wish you every success.Best wishes x
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