The first move

[Guest sloopy]

So finally, after suffering at least 20 years with OCD and intrusive thoughts, I today plucked up the courage to make a doctors appointment about it all. This is something i've found hard to do for many years after a severe lack of faith in some GP's over the years, coupled with my own fear of talking about such things as intrusive thoughts. But I want so much to start the road to learning how to curb such things and improve my own lifestyle with it, or, just be able to live more freely.

Last week I started reading Brain Lock also, and it has helped so far to start to get to grips with things along with many of you on the forum. One such area of false memories at the moment I have started to get on top of. Although I had a weekend of hell as my mind made up the most outrageous scenario that left me with a severe worry. But I want the road to start now, I want my life that I have been robbed of to start in some capacity.

[PolarBear]

Congratulations, sloopy. You have to be honest about your obsessions but you have also gained knowledge that should help you in dealing with your doctor.

Good luck.

[dksea]

That's fantastic news Sloopy, You are taking an important step forward, and should be proud of yourself! Brainlock was a big deal for me too in understanding and accepting a lot of things about OCD.

[Guest lizinlondon]

Brilliant!!! You have been very brave. Be strong. Make sure you win the fight with the OCD bully. Take care.

[Guest sloopy]

Thank you everyone for your kind words and replies. My appointment is not till the 30th but it was the first available with a doctor who specialises in mental health. SO thought that would be a better option. I will keep you updated with progress and ofcourse, will still be active on the website and hopefully for the charity when i'm in a better condition to be so. :original:

[Guest OCDAY]

Well done!!! You have made a massive step making an appointment.

Ok its not until the 30th but that is still a massive positive as you are seeing someone that specializes in mental health, rather than a normal GP. You definatly made the right descion, they will likely understand your OCD better.

Good Luck!!!

[Guest sloopy]

Just an update. I had my doctors appointment this afternoon after finally finding the courage to go and speak to a professional. No surprises that I was diagnosed with OCD. He was extremely helpful though and has booked me in for CBT. However, the waiting list is 1 - 2 months so in the mean time he is sending me weekly to a psychologist at the doctors surgery. Alongside this I have been put on 20mg of Flouxetine. Not sure how I will react to these side effect wise but without trying I will never know so will be starting them Monday.

Overall, since Wednesday i have been putting a lot of good advice from this site into practice and fighting off each intrusive thought as they happen. I have been doing really well I think with maybe 2 very minor slip ups over the last 4 days. The anxiety eases too when you realise this beast is actually a false. It's a long road ahead but the alst few days have really given me hope and rebuilt my own mental strength to fight and live a more normal life.

Thanks again to everyone that applied before.

[Guest OCDAY]

Well done Sloopy!!!

The fact the waiting list for CBT is 1-2 months is amaziing to me. I was was told the waiting list in my area was 12-18 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Try the meds as alot of negatives are posted, but what works for one gives side efects for another. Take it and see how you feel.

You sound very positive about the path forward, which is an amazing attitude to have :original: :original: :original:

[Guest sloopy]

Thank you OCDAY

That is a shocking waiting list time. I felt quite happy with what I was told but didn't really know what to expect in regards to waiting. But in my opinion, that length of time is completely out of order.

I will indeed be giving the meds a go. I'll let you know how i'm getting on in a week or two with them.

I think i've got to a point in my 30 years of existence where I just want a half decent way of living and not losing time to a damn mental illness. I think finding this mindset has been tough, and as i've said elsewhere on the forum it robbed me of my teenage years at school. For which i have made up for by graduating from university this July with a first class degree. But since university ended and I am job hunting, my days have been filled with my OCD coming on stronger and stronger and I am to hell not letting it drag me down again.

[Guest OCDAY]

I was about 33 when seeked help and got diagnosed, similar to you. Always had OCD just hid it.

When told 12-18 month waiting list I broke down and new I probably would not survive that long without help. So I had a major breakdown and my only option was go private. For me it was the best decission I have made so far in my life, but for you i have faith you can last 1-2 months. Private is costly if you get someone very highly qualified, with a vast knowledge and experience of treating people with OCD.

[Guest warriortigerheart]

1-2 months is a great result! Especially when all was done in one session with the GP. My GP referred me, and I have spent a month chasing them, and haven't even been put on the waitlist yet!! Certainly no help to tide me over while I wait. Wish I had your doc. Congrats to you. Keep that positive attitude, it will be a light in the dark times.