New to this Forum!: Hi, I believe I have OCD. I... - OCD Support

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Anna_10 profile image
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Hi, I believe I have OCD. I have intrusive thoughts and have to check things, like oven is turned off, taps, door is locked etc...if I don't check, I feel something bad will happen. I remember when I was about 13, I turned the bathroom light off, I then had a bad feeling that if I didn't turn it on and off 3 times, something bad was going to happen. This still happens and I'm 43 yrs old!! After having my 1 and only daughter I suffered with Post Partum psychosis. I was extremely ill and had to be sectioned in the end. I spent a month on a psychiatric ward and missed my Babies 1st Christmas. It was a very hard time, for my whole family but after 4 lots of E C T, Anti pysoctis and Sertraline. I made a full recovery! Was off all meds within 2 and a half hrs and held down a part time job. In summer 2019, I had what felt like a breakdown. I went to my G P and she put me back on Setraline. Once tablets kicked in I felt much better. My OCD has always been with me, but over the last few weeks, I feel it is getting in the way of my life again. I also suffer with extreme anxiety. I have regular check ups with my GP and been on various courses. I am already on the Post Partum Psychosis forum, but got excited when I found this one too. Sorry I have gone on MASSIVLY! Thank you for listening.

Kind Regards,

Anna x

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Sallyskins profile image
Sallyskins

This is very much a description of OCD! Too many people wait for years for a diagnosis, not knowing what is wrong with them. Now OCD is better known amongst the public, things are a bit better.

Congratulations for having held down a job and motherhood in spite of your difficulties.

Medication is good for dampening down the OCD and allowing you to get on with things, but it is best used in conjunction with CBT. It's good that your GP is monitoring you, but what sort of courses have you been on?

I'm afraid that combating OCD is a matter of continually battling against it. It does retreat, but can return. But however bad you are feeling with OCD, you will feel better. I've had my share of relapses and try to keep it at bay as much as I can.

Keeping busy without overdoing things is something that is helpful to me. If I try to do too much at once, it can overtake me, but if I keep myself occupied it leaves less space for OCD to crawl back in.

I'm surprised at your having ECT. I didn't know it was still used. Do tell us if it was helpful. No need to apologize at having gone on. It's good to read other people's experiences and I hope you will continue to contribute to this forum.

Anna_10 profile image
Anna_10 in reply to Sallyskins

Thank you, yes it is sooooooo hard to try to live with OCD! It's Constantly niggling at you, thoughts telling you to do this or otherwise something bad will happen?!! Fighting with your mind every second of the day. Carrying out rituals and hiding it from others so they don't think your loopy?!! I had ECT 4 times. It is still used in severe cases of depression. It was something I hadn't even heard of till I was better and my Dr told me this is what I had?! It saved my life and also think it did help with my OCD & General anxiety, until a few weeks ago? I'm so pleased I found this forum. Thank you for listening. Kind Regards,

Anna xx

Ulisse profile image
Ulisse

I am amazed you made a full recovery with ECT - I thought it was a thing of the past, but good for you, it worked .

Cbt is a pet idea of the NHS and they recommend it together with medications - antidepressants and anti anxiety. Less of this latter because they dont want you to get the habit. I disagreee somewhat - for blood pressure I have medication that I must take all my life - so isnt that a habit?

You can read about CBT and ACT on the web, worth evaluating both would be a good exercise for you. Knowledge is power. Aside from these few words, Sallyskins post is always good to read.

Cheers

Be well

Anna_10 profile image
Anna_10 in reply to Ulisse

Thank you x

Hello I am phill in Leicester all I can ask you to do if you want to is links to tube ones been watching which helped me .Clare weeks .... dr reed wilson ....James callner .....remember there lots of people who walking with you you are not alone and O C D ALWAYS LIES best wishes phill

Anna_10 profile image
Anna_10

Thank you so much. I found it all very helpful :0)

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