I was diagnosed at the age of 10 with OCD and later ptsd. It has been a struggle for what feels like a lifetime, and I'm dealing with things I never thought I would again as an adult. Did anyone here who has OCD have a decent childhood?
Just curiosity keeping me awake.
Alf
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Hi, Alf. I've been talking about this very thing a bit with my wife this weekend. Did you have a happy childhood, or do you think some of your OCD stems from your childhood experiences? I would guess some or a lot of my OCD problems come from my experience as a child - mainly parents who didn't really know how to show love, and therefore an almost complete lack of attachment growing up, combined with a pretty harsh disciplining environment. It all looked great from the outside - a large, well-disciplined family (I'm one of 7). But the reality was quite different.
I do think though there's an element of my nature/character that plays a part - I'm probably a bit on the ASD spectrum. Not a lot, but a bit, so I think that is also a factor. As evidenced by the fact that I don't think any of my brothers have OCD.
Does that help?
Hi Alf,
I can't say I have had a happy childhood. When I look back the memories are fragmented. I was a very self conscious child and always very anxious. My family are very broken people. Mental illness affects my family in different ways.
My dad is schizophrenic and that caused a lot of trauma at home. My mother is pragmatic and not a tactile person. So I do think, in my opinion,people with OCD have suffered some kind of trauma.
Yeah I'm fairly certain it's a symptom of ptsd for most. It is for me anyway.
My mother has always struggled with drugs and depression, and my father is an alcoholic sex offender. Life has always seemed to beat me up rather than just take its course. So, I withdrew and became overwhelmed with my thoughts. I don't know.
If anything I guess it's just comforting knowing I'm not alone.
-Alf
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