Hello. I’m in this group for my 14 yr old daughter. Her strong signs started last summer. She prays non-stop, kisses crucifixes (we are Catholic) prayer comes in between her & her needed work around the house, her school work, and she’s not comfortable about her negative thoughts toward people/friends, constantly apologizes, & second guesses herself constantly. I’m exhausted. She is seeing a fully licensed counselor, but I’m becoming more & more convinced she needs medication, & ERP. Plus some. I’m reading ‘Brainlock’. It’s proving to be very informative. I keep feeling like it’s the tension & anger between my husband & me that made her this way. I’m so sad. Advice?

Talking to her is the best thing. Just let her know you want to understand and want to help. For me personaly talking with some one helps me slow my ocd. As a parent myself i understand how hard it is to be distracted but also not able to explain to my daughter whats going on. So we will talk about my ocd and anything else. Slowly my ocd calms down. It helps.

I completely understand. My ocd is checking all the time. I have spent 3 hours checking at one time. Its very exhausting. I hope you are able to fine some solution. Just let her know that thoughts shouldnt control you, God wants you happy and let him guide you.

https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/

I have religious based ocd too. It’s challenging and scary to go through. Most people will advise you to not get involved in her compulsions ie if she asks you to do something that is clearly an attempt at some kind of compulsion don’t do it. But I would also say don’t actively try and stop her from doing compulsions on her own either—that’s the therapists job and when my parents did that to me it created a lot of resentment and mistrust between us that I’m only just now getting over. But honestly I commend you for trying to understand what she’s going through and be there for her. Not every parent does that.

I’ve had ocd since I was 13, I am now 80. Medication has helped the repetitive thoughts have pretty well been stopped. The medication is called anafranil (generic is Called clomitramine) get psychiatrist to prescribe.