I think it's time

The only thing I can think of doing is explaining everything I can about OCD to my mom in detail that makes sense to her. Then at the end I just want to emphasize that medication can help because nothing else is. It's affecting my sleep, my goals, my peace, and the things I want to do in life. I'm looking up ways to describe this to her using analogies and simple terminologies. If she still doesn't understand the necessity of medication, so be it. It's not going to stop me from taking it. I just need to do a good job at explaining how much this is bothering me, which I haven't been able to.

@BigGyro09 exactly! that’s all you really can do at this point, tell her how you’ve been feeling. even just saying “i’m struggling and need some extra help, and medication could do that for me.” you do have to overcomplicate it or anything. i do hope she understands but worst case scenario is she doesn’t and that would be unfortunate but you have to make these decisions for yourself as well. it might even help with your confidence and asserting yourself. also possibly sending her some articles about ocd and ocd medication could work as well.

@worryywart She's mainly scared of side effects, but ironically I have taken several medications in the past that have dire side effects that I've never experienced. The ZzzQuil that I took? It can cause drowsiness, dry mouth, anxiety, vomiting, restlessness, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. I took some, experience none of that except the drowsiness that I usually feel when it's 4 in the morning. Honestly I don't think it did anything for me. Advil Tylenol, which we both take for headaches, also has side effects. Nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, bleeding, vomiting, etc. Another way I can explain this from what I saw is the mosquito bite analogy which I really like because it feels like you just need to scratch which feels relieving short term but it makes the bite worse. I'm just thinking about things like that

@BigGyro09 aw it sounds like she’s concerned for you which is understandable. there’s so many medications, even over the counter ones like you mentioned, that have side effects but they’re usually so rare or mild. that’s actually a very good analogy as well, i think it might put it into perspective for her. as long as she knows you’re in good hands with your therapist and whoever is providing and prescribing your medication. also if it helps (and only if you’re absolutely comfortable with it) i know it’s possible to have people in the room with you while you’re meeting with your medication provider at some places, so if you were okay with your mother sitting in on that, it’d also an option.

@worryywart She is because I've told her about the existence of the thoughts but I didn't get into it much further than that. I really need to be straight up with her. What I'm doing is writing everything out so I can say them in full without freezing up mentally or forgetting. I've tried to have her meet with my psychiatrists but she didn't take it as seriously but I can bring it up again after I tell her how much this is bothering me. They can explain it better than I can so it would still be a good idea.

@BigGyro09 you don’t have to tell her absolutely everything but going into a bit of detail just so she knows how distressing it is for you. writing it out is really good too! sorry to hear how she reacted to it previously but hopefully this time around you’ll be able to get through to her a bit more. good luck & sending lots of virtual hugs your way lol 🫶 this is seriously a big step and really brave of you :))

@worryywart Thanks a lot. I do appreciate the support a ton. I want to show what I'm writing to my psychiatrist and then I plan to read it to her. I don't know when I will because I'm scared of her turning this down again. I just have to try something at least. My psychiatrists are right. I can't keep doing this anymore and it's not like I haven't tried other things. I just think it's time to start medication, no matter how scary it may seem.

@BigGyro09 that’s the spirit, i think you’ll do great. you’re recognizing the root of the issue and trying to solve it and that’s all you can really do :))