- Date posted
- 29w
OCD Barriers Outside of Me
I have had OCD my entire life. I am 24 years old and I was diagnosed at the age of 22. The last therapy session that I had through NOCD was in June 2024. Since then, I’ve had my moments, but I have been able to manage my OCD on my own. However, OCD has created barriers for me in new ways. Before I found NOCD I had discussed my, mental condition with many therapists and doctors who made me feel like I was crazy and who made me feel worse. I even met with therapists that claimed they were specialists in OCD, who later proved that they had no real understanding of the condition. So, now I find myself experiencing life,processing trauma, and struggling through tough life experiences. I have been searching for therapists that have an understanding in OCD, and not just say they do. A therapist is also able to help me process life struggles, and traumatic experiences while understanding that my brain works a little differently than the average person. I reached out to my member advocates at NOCD, who told me that the therapists focus mainly on ERP therapy and therefore are not available for typical talk therapy. I completely understand this as the organization helps individuals overcome and conquer their OCD. I mean to say nothing bad about NOCD because without them I wouldn’t even have a chance at life. NOCD and ERP therapy has saved my life and that is not something that I can deny ever. I am extremely thankful for the services that NOCD provides. However, I am in a position where I feel as though OCD is creating another barrier to my life. One that is outside of me, and not within me. OCD has conquered my mind for over 90% of my life. Even though I am moving away from letting that happen, most of my life experiences happened during a time where my life was conquered by OCD. I cannot have a discussion about my life without also having a discussion about OCD. Just because I have OCD does not mean that that is the only thing I struggle with. I am completely at a loss. I feel more alone now than I did when I found out I had OCD. I’m not entirely sure what to do about it at this point. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear them and I thank you for them.