(quick disclaimer that this is very hard for me to talk about and I’m thankful for any input you ladies could offer.) I’m a first time mom and loving it. However, I noticed my OCD spiking near the end of my pregnancy and it has only intensified since then. It manifests itself in sooo many different ways, at this point it’s getting impossible to manage. I bounced between therapist as a teenager but once I was living alone with my fiancé, I immediately developed a habit of “blacking/blanking out” at the time of my therapy sessions. I tried to reschedule but the same thing would always happen somehow. No pretty way to say it, we’re poor. Lower middle class.. if even. And as I was getting the courage to inquire about a state healthcare-covered therapist, I got a letter saying I was no longer eligible for insurance. I don’t know what to do. My OCD is truly putting my relationship to the test. My fiancé really has no clue how my mind works anymore, he can’t understand my logic (or lack of) and gets frustrated quickly. I’m scared it’ll eventually affect my daughter. Going to my family for help would be a mistake (been there, deeply regret that) and I’m against prescription drugs for many reasons. Does anybody else have OCD? How do you keep it from controlling your life?

First off congratulations on your new baby ❤️❤️ My OCD got soooo bad end of my first pregnancy and his few months of life. It felt like it robbed the joys of being a first time mom. Therapy has been a saving Grace for me I am not sure what I would do with out it. Plus on medications. But if those aren't options for you try to find things that help ground you and make you feel like your in control again. Coloring, listening to music, reading a book. Something small you do for just you, it's really easy to loose you and focus on the new babes. But without you being 100% for your self you can't be 100% for her.

Hey Mij! Sending lots of virtual support your way! First, know that you are not alone. While I have not had a child myself, I am pretty well versed in the OCD lit, and let me tell you, it is not uncommon to have OCD spike during/after pregnancy? As you try to figure out provider options per others helpful suggestions above, have you picked up any books on the subject? Lee Baer's "Getting Control" and Jonathan Grayson's "Freedom from OCD" are a great place to start! I always advocate for seeing someone specialized in OCD treatment but it can be tricky to find someone. Books like these can be super helpful and provide some guidance/support in the meantime! Wishing you the best as you figure things out!

I agree w the above post re: books and info about ocd - knowledge is power! Also, have you looked at healthcare.gov re: options for insurance? (Losing your current insurance might mean you’re eligible for another kind of coverage) Some areas have support groups which are free if you can’t afford one on one therapy. Also, your Ob/Gyn might know of resources too. Some free things you can try now: reduce or eliminate caffeine from your diet, exercise daily, write in a journal, and try meditation (lots of free apps that will guide you thru that if you haven’t done it before). Good luck & I hope you & baby are healthy & well

Yes I am @Aela

I had it while I was pregnant and it just got cancelled as I was trying to find a specialist. I’m not eligible because I live with my mom now.