- Date posted
- 13h
Break up Triggering my OCD?!
Hello, NOCD. I’m reaching out again because I’m 16 years old and I’ve been struggling with OCD for quite some time. I have received an OCD diagnosis, but unfortunately, accessing consistent treatment has been difficult for me. My OCD has several paranoia themes, particularly fears surrounding surveillance, being watched or listened to, and losing my privacy. These obsessions have affected my everyday life, including using my phone, wearing makeup, eyelashes, accessories, getting ready for school, and feeling comfortable in my own surroundings. Recently, my symptoms have become significantly more intense following a difficult breakup. My ex-boyfriend previously screenshotted private conversations and shared them with people who had bullied me in the past and who are also a cause of my OCD. Since our breakup and his blocking me, my OCD has started connecting those experiences with new fears that he might somehow be watching me, accessing my phone or monitoring everything I do. I recognize that these fears can be part of my paranoia OCD, but they are extremely distressing and difficult to manage. I’ve also experienced obsessions involving checking, losing belongings, repeatedly seeking certainty and feeling unable to leave situations without checking things again. My symptoms affect me emotionally and physically. Today, I’ve experienced intense anxiety, panic attacks, psychosis, failed attempts, uncontrollable crying, shaking, severe headaches, sleep difficulties (especially paradoxical insomnia) and significant disruption to my daily routine and school attendance. One of my biggest difficulties and regret is that I currently have very limited access to professional mental health care because of my parents’ restrictions and financial circumstances. I feel like I’ve been trying to manage everything independently, even when my symptoms become overwhelming. I do have a school counselor, but they’re not specialized in my disorder. All they told me is that there’s a possibility I might have a second diagnosis too like PTSD from my past cyberbullying which probably caused this specific paranoia theme and cyberphobia. I’m particularly interested in evidence-based OCD treatment, especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I want to learn how to manage my obsessions, reduce compulsions, tolerate uncertainty and gradually return to living my life without constantly feeling controlled by OCD. I would really appreciate information about whether NOCD offers support for someone my age, what options are available for minors, and whether there are any financial assistance programs or alternative resources. I’m genuinely looking for help. I don’t want OCD to continue taking away more parts of my everyday life. Thank you for taking the time to read my message. I’m trying my best… :(