Username: Cinnamoroll

Date posted: 2y ago

Child with OCD

I'm pretty sure my 6y.o child has ocd. She often ruminates on subjects like me or her dad dying, and the end of the world. Late last night as she cried, she asked me, "Will I have a different family at the end of the world?" She's also dealt with depression (in winter), and she "spaces out" during times like this, which I think must be her dissociating. This all started at...I think almost 5. ☹️ Part of me used to feel guilt because I believed she must have inherited these mental illnesses from me. But it's not anyones fault. I'm just not sure how to talk to her about this in a way she would understand, and without offering the reassurance she seeks as a way to comfort, because, as someone with ocd myself, I know that doesn't help. I can't afford more therapy right now (I don't think she'd open up to a stranger anyway). Can anyone offer advice??

OCD newbies

Username: 🌊 Waves🌊 Waves

Date posted: 2y ago

You could try to write a story, like a fairytale so that she could understand better what's OCD and how it works. Then, when you read the fairytale together she could realise that the main character feels the same as she does, and in the story you can write indirectly how that main character get better (what it has been working for you) . I hope this idea may help you. Children (and adults) learn better by reading or watching films and feeling identified...

Username: CinnamorollCinnamoroll

Date posted: 2y ago

I love this idea! Thank you!

Username: GregJGregJ

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

Hi, let me just say how good of a parent you are that you are reaching out here! My parents never really understood and I was labeled as kinda crazy. I dealt with it for 21 years so your daughter is so blessed she has a mom that caught it so early. The earlier you catch OCD symptoms the better :). I would consider getting her a therapist (either on here or local) and sit in with her on sessions. Encourage her to be honest and I think being there will make her feel comfortable. I had the same obsessions about my parents dying. I would say endless prayers to make sure they wouldn’t die. It took up so much of my time as a kid. Again she is so lucky to have you!

Username: GregJGregJ

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

@ Also I know NOCD takes most insurances and will work with you on payments even if not.

Username: GregJGregJ

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

@ If neither of these are possible I would suggest listening to Ali Greymond’s YouTube channel

Username: CinnamorollCinnamoroll

Date posted: 2y ago

Thank you so much!! I appreciate this. I'll look into it for sure! 🙂

Username: Stacy QuickStacy Quick

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 2y ago

I am so glad to hear that you are recognizing that your child has something going on and are doing something to help them. That's awesome. I see other people commented on many of the things I would say, I would just add that there are support groups for parents of children with OCD, check out the spaces program, there is a book you can get and work on, there are also children's OCD workbooks, also Natasha Daniels on Youtube has amazing resources for children with OCD and their parents.

Username: CinnamorollCinnamoroll

Date posted: 2y ago

Thank you!! I didn't know there were workbooks for kids. 🤯 I never would have thought of that.

Username: thrutheweatherthrutheweather

Date posted: 2y ago

You need to get her assessed. Start saving up where possible… the earlier the intervention the better - There’s resources on NOCD blog for parents with children with OCD.

Username: CinnamorollCinnamoroll

Date posted: 2y ago

Thank you! I'll look into that blog for sure.

Username: thrutheweatherthrutheweather

Date posted: 2y ago

@SaraBeara Don’t be too hard on yourself either! - you can relate to her… she’ll feel even better knowing she has you fighting in her corner too. It’ll probably be something you bond over 🤣… I do with my mum.

Username: CinnamorollCinnamoroll

Date posted: 2y ago

@thrutheweather Thank you 🙂 She has opened up to me more, since I've told her some similar thoughts I've had.

Username: Amber RAmber R

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

Like Greg2, I’ve had OCD since I was young, probably around the same age of your daughter. I love my parents sooo much, but they discouraged me from going to therapy and told me to stop confessing/asking questions, so I didn’t receive a formal diagnosis until I was 19 and went on my own. I have friends now who have children with OCD and they’ve taken their children to therapy and it’s helped tremendously. I would definitely recommend checking with NOCD to see what resources/options they have. But you are doing an amazing job for them, you should be proud of yourself!

Username: CinnamorollCinnamoroll

Date posted: 2y ago

Thank you!! Making me tear up 🥺 I'll see what therapy options we have. She is just sooo very shy and introverted, so I'm kind of afraid it won't do much good right now. I'll exhaust my options and continue to speak with her about it, but I absolutely would love to try therapy with her when she's ready.

Username: calthen

Date posted: 1y ago

Parent of teen

Can someone recommend a book to help parents with a teen with OCD? My daughter currently suffers from religious OCD. She thinks the devil is going to harm her or someone. She asked me for help but I honestly don’t know how to help her. She is currently in therapy and taking Fluvoxamine, but I have not seen any progress and I think her anxiety is actually getting worse. Her therapist does not specialize in OCD so we are looking into other options. I am looking for any advice, I feel very helpless and don’t know how to comfort her. I feel like I am saying all the wrong things. Thanks

Username: Mandy2814

Date posted: 1y ago

Parents with OCD

Has anyone else with kids during a spin out seeked reassurance from their children? I’m feeling alone on this one and extremely guilty about it.

"Pure" OCD

Username: Anonymous

Date posted: 49w ago

9yo boy with OCD

My son has been diagnosed with OCD, but the therapist that we are seeing doesn’t specialize in OCD. They put him on medication that caused severe side effects. After we stopped the medication, they just seem to almost wash their hands of the situation. This is a center with therapists, psychiatrists, an inpatient unit, a detox, a built-in pharmacy, etc. Yet, they can’t help my child unles it’s through medication. I’m fine with meds if they improve quality of life, but they harmed my child when he tried their first line of defense med for OCD in children. The other meds are in the same class, and we just can’t risk what happened to happen again. Just a little while ago my son and his dad were playing a video game. I guess my son hit a wrong button by mistake. This sent him on a loop of having to reset the game a handful of times. He needed my husband to reset his end of the game too. My husband didn’t understand what was happening, and this led to more emotion and frustration from my son. At this point my husband is upset, so I come in to defuse the situation. I’ve learned that the calmer I am, the better. My husband is trying, but he gets overwhelmed with the behavior. This is our life on repeat. I am so afraid for my child. We need help. Does anyone have any advice in dealing with OCD in children. I just want my son comfortable and happy again. Thank you, Christine

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