I have the worst contamination ocd and I really need help. I told my mom about it and she told me I was crazy and need to get over it. I told my dad and he understands (he also has ocd) but doesn’t think I need to see a doctor. I literally live my life everyday worrying about being clean and I know it’s totally not normal, so I just want to go back living a normal life. And my parents don’t think I need help. What do I do? :(

I know, is it normal to have this bad of ocd at this age? @kels18

If you feel like you need to see someone then I would go to a doctor/ gp and try and talk to them about it - it’s important to make sure that you’re okay, even if other people don’t agree. This is your life and your personal experience and if you think you’re not coping very well then you do what you need to do! Sending loads of love n support your way

yeah I was thinking about seeing my social worker a while ago but my ocd was getting better, but it’s just starting to get worse again so I’m reconsidering going to see her. I just don’t want my parents to find out. But, maybe it’s a good thing they do so they know I have a real problem and it’s affecting my daily life @JK0

That’s very true, thank you so much! @timtam

I developed OCD around age 9 (I’m now 19), and if you believe that you need to get help, you definitely should. I didn’t as a child, so I am now trying to treat this illness. Your mental health is so important, so definitely talk with your doctor. My mum still says similar things about my diagnosis, however my dad is supportive as he has PTSD. Remember, no matter what your mum says, you’re 15 and able to advocate for yourself and your health. I wish you all the best! <3

What I did to discuss the matter was I sat down with my dad first, since he’s more supportive, and discussed what was wrong and what I think I needed to do in seeing my doctor. Then on another occasion I sat down with my mum and talked with her about it, and just explained how I have been feeling, what OCD is, how it is a condition that can be debilitating, and how I just needed a little help. Since I was considered an independent adult at 18, I could do what I needed without my parents judgement, but as time progressed they’ve both grown to accept that I can make decisions for myself at this point. Since you’re a minor it is a bit different, but I do think that having a calm and open conversation with both of them will at least let them know exactly what you feel you need.

How old are you? You cant self go to the doctor for help

I’m 15 @kels18

Youre so young ?

Yeah i was 13 when my ocd starts

yeah me too. do u have any advice about what I should do?

Do you have any chances of talking about this at school with a nurse for example? They should take you seriously if you explain how distressing it is for you and give them some examples so they can help you. I already had some OCD symptoms when I was around your age too, even though I didn't know what it was back then.

Sorry my English its not very good but i think you need help for it you need go to a docter öre sommething to talk about it go to your dad and tell Him you need help i think hè Wanna understand you hè has OCD to

yeah I have many times, but he doesn’t think it’s that serious. I’m sure if I had a long conversation with him about it he would want to find help for me? @kels18

Does anyone know how I start a conversation with my parents?