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- 5y
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How do I make them aware that I have OCD without going into too much detail? (I’m from uk btw) x
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- 5y
Instead of giving them specific thoughts try to tell them how the thoughts make you feel and convey the level of discomfort you are experiencing
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- 5y
Amazing, thanks so much guys. Would you say it’s a good idea to go to the GP about it? I have been paying so much money for therapy and it hasn’t done anything yet :( have your doctors given you a lot of support?
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Thank you! :) I had a look and there’s none in my area :( I’d have to travel to the nearest city which I could try I suppose!
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You don’t necessarily need to get into the details. Mine wasn’t really familiar with OCD in general. But instead she sent me a link to IAPT where you can get a referral to an OCD specialist. I’m still waiting for mine but then again I was told it can take weeks so it’s pretty normal.
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I’m in the UK as well. I mentioned I have had violent and sexual intrusive thoughts and that I do compulsions to ease the anxiety. And although I was seeking reassurance there, when I asked my GP if she thought it sounded like OCD she told me it was very probable. And from there she told me where I could find an OCD specialist
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I think you should cause maybe they can refer you to a psychiatrist and maybe a more suitable therapist.
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My GP has been quite supportive and understanding of what I’m going through. She didn’t see me as insane or a monster, even though that’s what my brain was telling me. She’s been keeping in touch with me whilst I’m waiting to meet an OCD specialist.
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How long have you been waiting to see someone? Did they refer you to a specialist or to a more general psychotherapist? And did they offer you medication?
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I was offered medication but I held off on it. I’m a bit afraid of the side effects I may get but your GP will definitely suggest it if you feel like you need it. As for the referral, there’s a website called IAPT where you can refer to an OCD specialist. It takes about 6-8 weeks though to hear back from them. They send a survey during that time to keep track of your mental state. It’s been about two weeks now for me, so it’ll be a couple more till I hear back from them. In the meantime I’m attending an OCD support group, which my GP highly encouraged.
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That’s interesting and helpful thank you! Is the support group useful? What is your ‘subtype’ of OCD if you don’t mind me asking?
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I have POCD. Used to have Harm OCD as well. I actually haven’t attended the support group yet, as the meeting is this Thursday. From what I’ve been told, they can be really great in just finding people who suffer from the same thing and not feel as lonely. Every once in a while they also bring actual OCD specialists to give helpful techniques. Since you live in the UK, you can always check out the website OCD Action where you can find support groups near you if you’re interested.
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No problem! It still might be worthwhile checking either way. :D
Related posts
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- 17w
My name is Abbey and I’m a 14 year old girl struggling with OCD, I don’t like to say my OCD is severe but it’s the truth. I haven’t been officially diagnosed but I’m still being treated for it kinda via medication by my doctor. The reason I’m nervous about starting my therapy journey is I’m worried the therapist won’t understand what im saying or take it the wrong way and think I’m a bad person even though I know I’m a good hearted person. If you have any tips to overcome my fear of therapy please share! ✌️🧡
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- 13w
Hello! What a journey this ocd thing is! After 17 years with one therapist, I knew I was no longer making progress, so I changed to a new therapist. After just 6 months with her, she suggested I might have ocd and to look into getting diagnosed. She was right and I was diagnosed with ocd last summer. Meds are making a big difference but I still have lots of unlearning and re-learning to do. I’ve been struggling with whether or not to switch to a therapist who specializes in ocd. I have no issues with my current therapist, but she doesn’t specialize in ocd and I sometimes think I need someone who does specialize in it. But of course, I have Pure O, so I can think myself in circles til the cows come home. Can anyone share experience about switching to a therapist who specializes in ocd?
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- 5w
I finally found the courage to seek a psychiatrist last week, when I got there I was nervous for obvious reasons and felt a bit guilty. I met the doctor and don’t get me wrong he was very nice and knowledgeable in the bigger scope of mental health. Asked me questions of depression, anxiety, if I see things others don’t etc.. However, while we went through the assessment I did not receive a formal “diagnosis” and seemed as though he came to the determination what I have is general anxiety disorder. I don’t disagree, I know I have anxiety! However, when it came to the point where we were wrapping it up I had a “BUT WAIT” moment. I explained I was a part of an OCD community where I had previously been doing therapy to manage OCD. He asked “well why OCD?” I replied, “I have constant thoughts very repetitive thoughts that follow a theme and they are extremely persistent.” It was then I knew I couldn’t let down the walls and go into depth, as I knew he wouldn’t understand. To validate what I already knew, I said “I have constant fears and worries about my children, myself, and religion. I think about these things all day long. In order to free myself from the feeling I have to say a specific phrase or word in my head.” He said “well yea that’s normal to have worries and fears about your family, your religion” and so forth. The feeling of disappointment is an under statement, this is more than just “anxiety” this is something that I struggle with daily and to have a professional discredit my daily fight was off putting. Not his fault, it demonstrates the lack of knowledge for OCD and treatment many of us have to face. Sorry for the rant, sometimes we just have to advocate for ourselves.. 🌸
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