Guest carinasanfey Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 Hi, I'm Carina, I'm 23 and from Dublin, Ireland but I've lived in London for the past five years. I can't remember not having OCD, it was always there, although of course I didn't have a name for it at first. I obsessively washed my hands to the point where my skin was peeling off, I had to do lots of things four times, sometimes sixteen, sixty-four, 256, and I was obsessive about checking. I'm sure these thoughts are familiar to many of you. Over the years I developed depression and anorexia as a result of my OCD. I attempted suicide seven times, and very nearly succeeded. I never thought I could get better. When I was 19 I started taking fluoxetine, and the following year I began CBT. It changed my life. Eventually, with lots of tweaking of the fluoxetine dosage and a few intense courses of CBT, I was free of OCD, depression and anorexia. Two days ago, I published a book on Kindle about my experiences. I want others to know that there is hope, that no matter how bad things are you can get better. If someone had told me four years ago that I would make a full recovery, that I would be happy, I would have laughed in their face - but it happened. I also want to help relatives and friends of sufferers understand what their loved ones are going through. It must be impossible to understand OCD without experiencing it, and I know my parents, sister and friends were totally lost when trying to understand it, and it hurt them that they couldn't empathise, that they didn't know what to say. I wish you all the very best in dealing with OCD. You have my sympathy, my support and my hope. Link to comment
Guest adelehouston222 Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 Hey Carina, it's good to know there maybe an end to it all in a positive way . I think it's rare to hear and makes me hopeful as I am having a particular bad spell and have had time of work with anxiety as a result of OCD and now it's affecting me so much it's got me very down too and finding it hard to leave the house or want to get out of bed as it's just easier to sleep and have no thoughts ! What was your book called ? I would like to read it ? Thanks Link to comment
Guest carinasanfey Posted November 2, 2014 Share Posted November 2, 2014 Hey Carina, it's good to know there maybe an end to it all in a positive way . I think it's rare to hear and makes me hopeful as I am having a particular bad spell and have had time of work with anxiety as a result of OCD and now it's affecting me so much it's got me very down too and finding it hard to leave the house or want to get out of bed as it's just easier to sleep and have no thoughts ! What was your book called ? I would like to read it ? Thanks Sorry to hear things are going bad for you, I wish you all the best. My book is called 'Charcoal Grey'. Link to comment
Guest JJNd12 Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 Hi there, glad to hear recovery is possible. Wish I was doing better myself... Link to comment
Guest PalaeontologyLover Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 Really glad to hear this, although I have different compulsions I relate in so many ways. I've had it since I was a child I think but have only just gone and got help now at 19. Hopefully in 4 years I can be where you are. Link to comment
Guest Dezza Posted December 1, 2014 Share Posted December 1, 2014 Hey. Any chance you would have the time to talk to me? I think I could really benefit from speaking to someone with experience right now! Link to comment
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