Older OCD peeps out there!

Hello are there many other older OCD people on here? Like 50’s or 60’s?? I was diagnosed in the 1989 when not much was known at all about OCD, the docs said you just have to take pills there was no therapy. Anyone else? I did get some knowledge with books and that’s all I ever had to lead me when there was no internet. I just can’t believe all the support out there today! That’s great! Can anyone else relate and how did you cope back then and what helped you? Thanks

Older adults with OCD

Steve2022

Date posted: 1y

Hi, yes I'm in my 50's. Think I used to rely on music and radio to calm and distract myself. There were CBT books recommended to me, but I could never get into them. Having internet groups and more info is great, but, like anything, on the internet, you have to be discerning. I can relate to your sentimemt though, a lot of progress has been made.

Schoolie93

Date posted: 1y

@Steve2022 Yes were you on meds when diagnosed Steve? Have any of the therapies helped? I just found out about all this maybe three years ago between all the you tube people who speak and have it and nocd. Have you been off meds before or never on them? My OCD has waxed and waned throughout the years and have had some really good years where I wasn’t on meds and didn’t hardly have symptoms and of course stress and change has brought about more symptoms and now I pretty much stay on meds however I am starting ERP and hoping to one day be off of them again.

Steve2022

Date posted: 1y

Not initially, but went on prozac in 2000, and then stopped taking it, but started again in 2014 after anxiety levels raised. I knew nothing about OCD and GAD until maybe 2014. Lot of info and books out there, but seeing counsellor on regular basis when go through rough patches (been more of these in last couple years). Hopefully will be able to come off them again at some point, but I think until I can come off hypertension prescription (Ramipril) I won't risk it. My bad patches always seem to coincide with being put on this high blood pressure med. ERP does work, goes against instinct, but by accepting thoughts are there (not accepting content of thought) it does make you calm enough to think clearly (more like usual self). Good luck!

Schoolie93

Date posted: 1y

@Steve2022 I’m glad Prozac is working for you it worked well for me . Can I ask what your dose is? I never went above 40mg so I don’t think I was ever high enough on it because you know how they say the higher doses work better for ocd? If I go on it again I may try a different dose. Do you feel as you have aged that OCD has gotten better or worse? I’m learning how to manage more now older just because meds don’t work as well for me

Steve2022

Date posted: 1y

On 40mg, when on even keel I used to manage on 20mg. Recently increased to 60mg (with drs permission), but was too much for me - so back on 40mg. I think OCD periods related to how strong I feel - if feeling low I'm more prone to it. Think as got older OCD easier to spot, but each time always feels the worst ever. I think covid and other pressures caused more episodes of this, plus general health and diet (which suffers during stress from family and work). I find meds are just to help even things out, need other things - therapy (ERP), lifestyle changes (getting out more in nature), and simple things like vit D supplements and SAD lamp to give you boost in morning before work.

Schoolie93

Date posted: 1y

@Steve2022 I’m interested in the sad lamp where to you get one and what do I look for on one? Yea Prozac was too stimulating at 60mg for me. Was prozac hard to get on for you as far as making your anxiety worse when getting on it? It always is for me and I have to use Klonopin until my body gets used to it. But yes stress from life and family and aging parents does make things harder. I do the supplements as well and health anxiety can be challenging for me. I try to exercise and working distracts me a lot which helps. Keeps my mind off of me and thoughts. I’m currently on Trintellix and it’s a different antidepressant that hits other receptors in brain. I will say it’s the only antidepressant that has actually made my anxiety so much better. My depression as well and ocd so far is good but I’m on a low dose and supposed to go higher. I was on Luvox but it made me so tired all the time and really didn’t help anxiety. Thanks you for all the info

Steve2022

Date posted: 1y

Problem with switching meds is can make you feel worse initially. Hopefully spring weather gives us all a boost.

Schoolie93

Date posted: 1y

@Steve2022 Yes that’s true I agree. I’m on the 3rd week in. You know how doctors bridge you from one drug to another new one. I was told you don’t count those weeks but the weeks of just the new med. have you heard that as well. It’s hard to determine when you’re getting off one and going on another and your body is getting both meds during that time.

Steve2022

Date posted: 1y

It can be tricky switching meds - that's why they just wanted to up my dose to 60mg. New, better, meds come along, and if current one doesn't help then makes sense to try another one with good suxcess rate. Good luck with yours, sure it will be worth it 👍

Steve2022

Date posted: 1y

Think I got my lamp from Amazon - bit like this one SAD Lamp, Light Therapy Lamp 10,000 Lux, Daylight Lamp with 10 Brightness Levels/ 3 Color Modes/4 Timer Settings, Portable Sunlight Lamp with Touch Control Memory Function for Home/Office Use https://amzn.eu/d/8V499js.

Steve2022

Date posted: 1y

Prozac takes about 4 weeks to kick in when first taking it. Only other tablets I occasionally take are proprananol (beta blockers). I have recently gone onto meds for low thyroid. Low thyroid can cause anxiety. Think regular general health tests are good thing as get older.

Trudy

Date posted: 24w

Anyone older with issues still?

I just recently turned 51 and take medication for ocd but STILLhave major issues--i need some hope--🥰

MyMia

Date posted: 23w

OCD

Good morning to all. I have OCD and have had it since high school. However, I was not formed diagnosed until 2003, when I was 45 . I have a psychiatrist and Licensed therapist, and have been on Zoloft/sertraline ever since. Currently I have to have cataract surgery in a few weeks and I am very anxious about the whole thing. Of course this has been a trigger for my OCD and dealing with it the best I can. Any thoughts ?

flyana

Date posted: 19w

Sometimes I feel too old for OCD

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.

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Older OCD peeps out there!

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