Student 23, OCD, lonely: looking for other people in similar situation

[Guest JJNd12]

Hello!

I am 23, studying in London and suffering from OCD.

My OCD started getting worse around the age of 19. I found myself spending a lot of time in bed, just lying and thinking about things that I have potentially forgotten and things I have done wrong. This has gradually become worse up to the point that I am 100% of the time anxious and physically unwell. This obviously makes me tired and unable to enjoy life to the full. I have had OCD as long as I remember, although it only became disturbing at 19. I am having obsessive thoughts for the most of the day, every day, and I am struggling to make decisions because I always feel I'm doing wrong. There are lots of members in my family history with mental illnesses/disorders so it seems like it is a genetical thing.

I have always felt very ashamed about my OCD, but I have chosen to take the step forward and talk to a professional about it. I am going to see a specialist next week, for the very first time.

I recently moved to London and I feel somewhat lonely here. I find studying with OCD demanding yet not impossible.

Largely due to my OCD and depression that came with it, I am sometimes struggling to establish deep friendships and relations with people. That's why I chose to introduce myself here. It would be nice if i could find someone else who is in higher education/university and suffering from OCD. I have a lot of spare time too, so it would be great if I could find someone to share my thoughts with, if not here, then maybe on skype, email etc.

Thanks for reading my message, feel free to comment. Cheers.

Edited October 7, 2014 by JJNd12

[Gemma7]

Hi welcome to the forums. My ocd got bad at 19 when I was at uni too so it is not unusual.

Good to hear you are seeking help for your ocd that is the first step to beating it.

Gemma x

[PolarBear]

Welcome to the forum. We have quite a few university types here. Two that come to mind are alexuk and ollie46.

[Guest JJNd12]

Hello Gemma7 and PolarBear, nice to meet you!

[Kisu]

Hi, JJNd12!

I read your posting with deep sympathy, having had "Pure O" for years. Google it, you will find that it is not that uncommon but people don't want to talk about it. Apart from OCD, I also have a problem with drinking. It alleviates thoughts for a moment but then they come back when I am sober.

[alisando123]

Hi there

I am a uni student too! I am the same age as you and also have OCD! It's a struggle but not impossible like you say.

Hope you can get some help. Where I am there isn't a lot of facilities to help so I have to rely on the services at home, so it can get very lonely and daunting being here with little help.

[Guest JJNd12]

Nice to meet you!

[Guest Rosiebella1]

Welcome!! I am new here too and can really relate to a lot of what you have said. Especially when it comes to making decisions and doubting yourself. You sound like a really intelligent person and I think sometimes that can make ocd worse as we can see every side and our minds can find doubt after doubt in any solution!! However you are not alone and I am sure that we can all help eachother. I have also realised that by helping other people you are also helping yourself. It's a kind of therapy ? hope this site can help us and get rid of this horrible destructive bully called anxiety!!

[Whirlwind]

Hi JJnD12,

I am also 23 and in my 2nd year at uni! I was diagnosed with OCD this year after having it since I was around 10.

I know how you feel! This is a good place to come and chat. It's great you are going to see someone next week, make sure they have specific OCD training. I has depression as a result of OCD and feel sure that going to a therapist helped me to get through that tough period.

Whirlwind x