MeetMeInNeverland / Comments, page 5

flowersareforeating (100)

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Age:: 31
Location:: United States

I had a very similar thing when I was first diagnosed. But over much practice and years I learned how to control it.

Sadly there is no cure in this modern day world. And there is no way to outgrow it. If your sister doesn't learn to control it, it will come back worse.

I recommend for her to first get diagnosed by a therapist or psychologist (warning: some are just flakes or don't even know what OCD is; I went to three therapists. Only one actually had information and knew what she was talking about.

If she wants to get better to the point where she can control it and have a semi-normal life, she will first need to have what I said above, then most likely will have to take medication that will help her control it, and then it would be wise to start Exposure Response Therapy as soon as she is willing.

Medication will usually start big and might take a while to find the right one, and sometimes medicine won't work anymore so the person will have to try a new one. That was what happened to me. (NOTE:Even if a doctor prescribes Paxil or Respridol (I think) don't let her take it; Paxil causes more problems no matter the type, and Respridol will make her mind think she is hungry all the time).

It will take at least a couple of months for her to get in control. And make sure, the number one thing, is to give her support. Don't tell her or let anyone say that what she's doing is "stupid", because believe me I have that from all my relatives, and it was difficult for me to get better. Luckily I had support from my mom and dad.

Don't worry, although she may not technically have an absolute normal life, it will be almost normal, but who wants to be normal anyways. Because of my OCD, although I am frighten of things, it comes with it's perks, such as I can think 3 things at once while a normal person can only think 2.

Also, for school make sure your parents and her make accommodations for her with her teachers. For me, when I am about to have an "episode" I am allowed to go take a walk outside until I feel ready enough to go to class, and If my OCD is making me not concentrate I am allowed to turnover my test, and make accommodations to take the test later that day or another. Even if it is embarrassing it is best to have these accommodations because otherwise the teachers will think she is doing this on purpose which obviously she isn't.

If any more questions feel free to ask. and Hopefully I'm clear enough because I was writing a bit fast.

April 14th, 2010 at 02:58am