Decided to talk to someone

[uphillcastle]

So, I've decided to talk to someone about how I've been feeling for however many years it's been. I've put this off for so long in part because of how abhorrent the intrusive thoughts are. I'm not even sure I could admit them to someone else, without the strong urge to commit suicide. Sounds crazy, I know. Is it best to suss the therapist out first before you divulge your secrets? My one fear is that I blab to them what my thoughts are and they call the cops! Does anyone have any advice for the beginning stages of seeking help?

[PolarBear]

Many people are afraid to divulge their intrusive thoughts and that keeps them from seeking help.

I won't lie to you. Some people have been investigated over their thoughts because they told the wrong person. You need to check on a potential therapist that he/she has worked with OCD patients in the past and that they offer CBT. Therapists experienced with OCD have heard it all before.

[uphillcastle]

Thanks Polar Bear. I'm going to quiz the person first, maybe go a couple of times too to make sure they know what OCD is.

[Guest Mumof2]

Hi uphillcastle. My last therapist was lovely but when I told her my worst intrusive thought she looked really shocked. Afterwards I emailed her the info pdf about pure-o from the ocd uk website and said, this is basically exactly what's happening to me. She thanked me for sending it to her, said it had broadened her knowledge a lot and we were able to go on from there without me worrying what she was thinking!

Obviously I now realise that I should've been seeing someone that knew about ocd in the first place, because we didn't do cbt which is what I need. So polar bear is right about finding someone with ocd experience.

Having said that, my sister was booked to go and see an ocd specialist but she was panicking about having to verbalise her thoughts immediately. I emailed her that document and she took it with her and it was a great ice breaker. So that might be an idea if you're concerned. As it's from an "official" source it carries some weight.

To be honest that document has pretty much saved my life because until I read it I had no idea that my thoughts were "normal" (for ocd anyway) and I was in utter despair. I'm so glad I found it all those years ago!

[uphillcastle]

Thanks Mumof2. I think I might take that along with me, just in case. Got to be extra cautious I suppose as it's not (from what I gather) widely understood?

[uphillcastle]

17 hours ago, Mumof2 said:

 

To be honest that document has pretty much saved my life because until I read it I had no idea that my thoughts were "normal" (for ocd anyway) and I was in utter despair. I'm so glad I found it all those years ago!

I know the pamphlet you mean but I can't find it now (on my phone) do you know where the link is?

[uphillcastle]

Actually just found it! Thanks again :-)

[Guest Mumof2]

Sorry just popped back on so only just seen this. Glad you found it :-)