Hello everyone. I was wondering if there is anyone else on her that is finally getting the help they always needed at an older age. I am 62, and have had a lot of therapy that didn't really do much for me.
Welcome and congratulations! There are so many of us that are finding this treatment later in life - I am 54 and I have been in treatment for 16 months and it has made such a huge difference in my life. I am so happy that you have found treatment.
Hello! Welcome! It’s never too late for help and so happy you found this app as it offers a lot. Seeing an OCD specialized therapist is a game changer. I wish you luck on your OCD recovery journey. I’ll be rooting for you!
Thank you so much!
Hello and welcome! I’m so glad you’ve found the help you always needed. I’m 25 now, but struggled with OCD for 15+ years before I learned about ERP & got the treatment that changed my life, so definitely resonate with it being a long time coming. I share the experience of having other kinds of talk therapy that didn’t help much and in some cases made my OCD symptoms worse. Now I know how common that is! I hope you find a supportive community here 💜
I am lucky and started treatment when I was 15, but even so, I can relate to going through therapy that didn't help first. Unfortunately, a lot of therapists don't know much about OCD. It really helped me to find an ERP specialist because ERP is the main therapy recommended for OCD. Good for you for sticking with it! When therapy feels like it isn't helping, it can be hard to put in the work to find a new therapist, especially when you are really struggling. When I found an OCD/ERP specialist, though, it was life-changing and so worth the search. Wishing you well in your recovery journey :)
I’m irrationally terrified of being found somehow by someone who knows me but I’m trying to post anyway. Not sure if I qualify as young adult or mid-life at this point because I’m about to be 30. Hi, I’m new here and I’m in the process of getting a diagnosis. I’m already diagnosed with autism, GAD, and probable ADHD, and I believe I’ve had varying subtypes of OCD since childhood. My worst OCD-related issue right now has been constant reassurance seeking. I’ve fallen into a trap of constantly doing it and without reassurance I’m terrified to make decisions in my new job. It’s causing me to ask too many questions I already know the answers to which makes me not look competent. Even though I’m somewhat experienced in my field of work, starting this new job has me feeling like I’m starting in the field all over again because I’m so bad these days with working independently since I can’t reassure myself that what I’m doing is correct. I’ve been stressed out of my mind and have come close to losing my job because the stress has exacerbated my autistic struggles such as meltdowns and social issues and I’m also battling the ADHD and GAD on top of it. I’ve also been pushing away people who are close to me with my reassurance seeking because I have problems with not being satisfied with any piece of advice or reassurance given to me by friends and family. They can say things will be okay a thousand times and even though I’m the one who asked I will fight them on it and I’m getting tired of my own difficult behavior and obsessive thoughts. I finally got into therapy again to try and save my job and my relationships from the clutches of my various mental illnesses and I’m just looking for community here.
Anyone else over 30 and dealing with thoughts that feel debilitating? I know I’m not alone, but I’m curious who else is with me.
Not sure what to say. Just that I am so tired of dealing with OCD - I’ve had it for most of my life and as a 40 something woman, I’m exhausted. I’m tired of being misunderstood and mistreated. I’m tired of seeing relationships that I have dwindle bc my friends and family are overwhelmed with my ruminations and reassurance. I’m embarrassed bc I overwhelm my friends and family with whom I’ve trusted my personal thoughts with and I keep thinking that they can help me through stuff only to be let down. I’ve yet to meet another mind like mines who is complicated but trying to survive because I have children and want to see them grow. I’m tired of feeling defeated because someone took advantage of me and my thoughts. It’s so exhausting but I’m ready to try this because I know I need help. Not sure if this is triggering I’m just ranting bc I’m so lost.
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