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Ashley

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Everything posted by Ashley

  1. Locking thread as per SeaBreeze request, but happy to reopen it again if requested.
  2. I am afraid it's not a feature. although it's a good suggestion to look into. I am at a crossroads with the forum in that having it as a separate website to the main OCD-UK website as it's advantages but also causes headaches with people needing accounts for both, so I am toying with the idea of creating a new forum using new software linked to our main website. So it's possible if I do that we may be able to make changes like this happen. For now, the best solution I can offer is you can email yourself the link to something you want to save by clicking the three dots next to a post, then Share and copy the link to email yourself. You can then perhaps note what that link is and contains rather than copying the entire text. The other option is with Google Chrome browser you can add extensions for saving screenshots of a page or the entire page is saved as an image. I can try and find the best extension to use if you need me to
  3. Forgive a very brief reply, long day and drained eyes. I have scanned your original post and if I am understanding you correctly the local MH service feel you need help for trauma first, before CBT for OCD? If so, that's not unheard of and in some cases does need to happen in other cases both could be done at same time. Obviously in your case I don't know the full clincial situation Marko so I dont know which is right route for you. Often the same services in England may deliver both treatments, i.e. EMDR for Trauma (and some limited evidence it may help with OCD) and then move on to CBT for OCD. Obviously the accessing of that treatment seems to be the issue if I am reading correctly? I don't really know how you may access services in Scotland for trauma, I would perhaps need to know what area you are in (please email for your own privacy) and then make some generic phone calls next week to see if I can fund out what local services offer.
  4. Interesting project Abigail. I am not sure if this helps get this idea going because it's not so much about OCD makes me feel right now (perhaps in the past), but how getting treatment for my OCD makes me feel - 'Frustrated'.
  5. That's what OCD does, our mind and body tend to talk to each other with very little needed to instigate the conversation between the two.
  6. David is a psychiatrist but also an OCD specialist, so he will be a good person to conduct an assessment for you. Subject to that assessment, he may then suggest treatment with himself or one of his colleague psychologists. Subject to assessment, feel free to email us support@ocduk.org and I can share a list of other therapists we know that treat OCD.
  7. Depends who you ask! Look for peer reviewed articles rather than just website articles. Dr Veale does have a lot of peer reviewed research papers on OCD and also treats patients privately. However, as Caramoole points out I could give you access to the top ten ranked OCD experts in the world and I am not sure that right now any of them could help you. That's not to say they can't one day, just right now you are so entrenched in not even willing to accept you have OCD and the physical about what you can and can't do that I am not sure OCD therapy will help you until that changes. Until you learn to accept that maybe your sexual libido is linked to OCD and that actually you may not be gay, but are 95% likely to be suffering with OCD. At that point, therapy may be able to help you move forward. Remember therapy can't do the work, you have to do the work and the first aspect of that is belief and acceptance that the problem is the OCD.
  8. I know, I had hair (well some) and it wasn't grey when we started lol. Thank you everyone for your kind words, you have all played a part by being there for each other, so huge to all of you
  9. To this forum, which from what I can tell started exactly 20 years ago today. We have seen so many people come and go from the forums in that time, many have gone on to lead full and productive lives where they no longer need the forum or support from the charity. In those 20 years, the support and companionship people have shown each other has been so beautiful to see. We don't always see eye to eye, but I think everyone that uses the forums regularly has always tried to be here to help others, and that is our strength as a community. I would have not been able to keep the forum going without the help and support of my moderating team over the last twenty years, one of whom is now chair of OCD-UK. To the moderators past and those present still today I thank you for being there to help the community, help me, and help the charity. The charity's founding was in Nov/Dec 2003 when Steve and myself decided to start the charity, the forum is twenty years old today, the website came shortly after that and the charity was formally registered with the charity commission in April 2004. We have done a fair bit in that time, but there is a lot more we have yet to do, and what we need to do. So thank you everyone for your help and support in whatever capacity that was over the last twenty years and here's hoping the charity is no longer needed in another 20 years!
  10. Hello Chris, This link will show your activity on the forum, your first post seems to be Oct 2021. As Mini mentions you registered this forum account in July 2021 so it will only show your history for this forum account. If you had a previous username then you will need to login with that account to view the posting history, unless you requested the account to be deleted then it's possible the posts are gone too.
  11. Well according to you, you don't have OCD? So I guess not! I am being facetious, but actually it's a point I need to make because I suspect until you believe you at least 'could' have OCD I don't think therapy can help you. I wonder if the therapist job is to help you accept you 'may' have OCD before they can even start to think about helping you treat yourself. That's not to say you need to give up on therapy, the opposite, but I am not sure they can focus on therapy, until you have acceptance of the problem is that you have OCD, not that you are gay.
  12. As I suggested yesterday you must subconsciously believe it could still be OCD or you would not keep posting on our OCD forums. So shall we assume it is OCD?
  13. Hello there. Whilst we cannot diagnose OCD, what we can do is make an informed comment if something may sound like OCD symptoms and what I think you are describing are all the common symptoms needed to diagnose OCD. Obsessive fears/worries which you ruminate over, compulsions by rechecking and avoidance and I am guessing you get some anxiety/stress when you are worrying over this? If so, then I would suggest it might be diagnosed as OCD. To determine if this is OCD for certain you would perhaps need to speak to a trained health professional and I can advise you on the NHS pathway for this if you need me to if you're in the UK. The good news is that OCD can be treated and people do get better, sometimes in stages and sometimes completely. The treatment we recommend is not actually ERP as such on its own, which may not always be enough. We recommend CBT (to also include ERP) as a more rounded treatment package. Some people also take medication (SSRI usually, a form of anti depressants). And don't worry, I have come to realise no OCD manifestation is unusual because they all are to some extent, because it's such a unique and individual complex condition, in some respects every persons OCD is unusual. Ashley.
  14. For those whose are celebrating today or not, I hope that a year of OCD challenges is left behind for a couple of days peace so you can enjoy your Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone.
  15. At a guess because OCD is preventing it. You desperately want to be, but because OCD is convincing you that you're gay then that overrides any sexual desire at this time.
  16. It’s that magical time of the year again when we are often expected to laugh and celebrate with all the festive fun going on around us. But it’s important we take a moment to pause and reflect, that whilst many of us will hopefully take that time to enjoy the holiday period, for some of us that suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Christmas is not always the most wonderful time of year. Christmas sadly can mean countless OCD triggers, for some people it can be OCD related for example at family gatherings we feel pressured to attend and where we force ourselves to wear a fake festive smile in front of a glittering Christmas tree as others chat seemingly happily with merriment, but for us OCD intrusive thoughts steal our Christmas joy. For others it can trigger reminders of the collateral damage that OCD can cause, for example loneliness due to being unable to be around family, or for others seeing lots of pictures of happy looking couples can be a loud reminder of how OCD has impacted relationships. If you are struggling this holiday period, we hope that you are still able to find some moments of joy, even if it’s just in small places. We hope that you allow space for self-compassion and be kind to yourself as you would to others and reflect on how far you have come this year, you are surviving. Reflect on how you deserve recovery, and you deserve to be able to celebrate next Christmas without the shackles of OCD. Despite OCD it was heart-warming to see members of the OCD-UK online support groups coming together last week for their Christmas social group and it was joyous seeing the Christmas hats and jumpers and smiles on faces. OCD doesn’t bring anything positive, but the kindness and community spirit the OCD support group attendees have shown each other was beautiful to see. I was able to reflect this week how attendees are effectively strangers tied together by OCD, but at the same time have supported each other throughout the year, acted as each other’s cheerleaders, celebrated each other’s OCD recovery achievements, but offered a virtual arms around shoulders when OCD was shouting loudly. For me that was positive and beautiful to observe throughout the year, it's not a positive of OCD but it’s a reflection of the kindness and humanity that many of those that suffer from OCD have in abundance. I must also thank my volunteers (including those here on the forum) and my colleagues Laura, Mia, Sara, Zoë and our chair Catherine who have been there for me this year. Most people don’t realise just how much work goes on behind the scenes, and at times it can be challenging and that’s where my wonderful colleagues have supported each other so well and supported me both professionally and even personally at times. They have made me laugh and picked me up when I needed it, and also importantly they have educated me. In essence I don’t really have colleagues I think it’s friendship and I hope our unity as a team is actually strengthened by our friendship. That unity and togetherness helps reinforce our commitment to our work to make the positive difference that OCD-UK is here for. To help and support those affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and promote the message that recovery from OCD is possible. Finally, as I mentioned at the outset, whilst for some Christmas will be a time for family and friends and fun and laughter. For others Christmas may be different with OCD as an unwanted guest at Christmas. The phrase I coined a few years ago, that ‘OCD doesn't take time off for Christmas and neither will we’, is why the charity will continue to operate throughout the festive period. We will be running support groups, and I will be covering the email and forums support on Christmas Day for anybody that is finding it tough. Whilst we may not have all the answers for you, I hope us being there throughout the week will help the loneliest of us even when we're surrounded by countless family to feel slightly less isolated this Christmas. Stay safe and wishing you all a Happy Christmas that allows you to believe in hope that 2024 will be the year that you can thrive free of the shackles of OCD. Wishing you good mental health. Ashley
  17. Which you have been saying for a long time now, years, yet you still post here. Deep down you know it's OCD, otherwise you wouldn't be here?
  18. I am not a crying person, but after my first ever therapy session about 23 years ago I recall sitting in the bath at home and crying. I put it down to the fact I had stirred up horrible thoughts and feelings I had spent the previous 15 years trying to bury. But generally after the first couple of sessions it should get easier. CBT should always be slightly anxiety provoking, but to a manageable level rather than overwhelming. The same goes with homework, that should be set collaboratively, in that the therapist should only be suggesting homework, that you then agree is the next step for you that week. If that is being set without your consultation and is way above where you're at, then that is a little naughty by the therapist, and you should have a word. But, if it's slightly anxiety provoking but achievable then please make time. OCD will rob more time from you, so it's important we make time to beat this, because overcoming OCD is hard work, really hard work and it's not something we can do half hearted, you do have to be all in. I hope you get there with it
  19. Is it a NHS approved trial? If not then it may be worth avoiding. But even if it is a NHS approved trial, I agree with Heartly I think, if you are doing ok anyway, and it's causing you so much distress then maybe it's not right time for you to take part.
  20. In theory, but thankfully I think the majority of us with OCD are nearer the good end of the spectrum Don't worry we are here to help Are you getting any treatment for your OCD at the moment? Do you know what perhaps triggered this relapse/current bout?
  21. I am trying to log people's experiences to highlight to NHS England where things are going wrong, as they often only see data not actual experiences. If you are willing to name the IAPT provider, I would log your experience (can be anonymous or if you are willing I can log with your real name). As for complaining, please do, that is simply not acceptable.
  22. They can help, but it's very individual and the evidence for the use of anti-psychotic medication is not strong enough to say it helps many with OCD, hence why it is not used as a first line treatment for OCD. I have done a little research in this over the years and one quite large study once showed it was no better than a placebo alongside SSRI. However one doctor that specialises in OCD and does prescribe them once suggested if they are going to help it will show within the first four weeks, after that if not helping it's unlikely it will. So, back to the point on these. They are perhaps best used in connection with specialist treatment reviews, after other first line medications and therapy have been explored.
  23. I am so sorry to read you are being consumed by OCD too. Whilst I can not promise any quick and easy fixes, I can promise that in time for many people things can and do get better. Now your daughter is older as she acknowledged her OCD? You mentioned therapy, what I mean by my question is she going because she wants to or because she feels she has to? Is she open to NHS therapy too? The thing is, the wiping and washing is reassurance, but please don't feel guilty and now you are at that stage I would not recommend stopping, unless your daughter is in agreement. What I would say is try not to do any additional wiping or washing than the loads you already do, so at least it won't go further that direction. In time I hope the therapist will help you address that both. I will try and offer more tips on steps you can take tomorrow if nobody else posts, but I am keen to hear how open your daughter is to her OCD and having therapy (and/or medication)? Ashley
  24. Hello, As mentioned, I would be happy to help with this. I don't know if I can be of any assistance but I am happy to write to the school and advise them that the crisis teams action, should not be taken as an indication of risk. I would also be happy to contact the crisis team and speak to them about their actions, which may not help your family member now, but hopefully if we can educate them, it may help the next person. Happy to try and help if we can. Ashley
  25. The forum sickens you? That's rather rude to throw that out. With respect, we have been trying to help you under various forum guises for a decade. You have also thrown that poor example to me in the pas too. How does twisting things help you? I also know it's not just us, it's many other forums and we have all tried to help you, but you don't seem able to or willing to try and take on board the advice at the moment. I hope one day you can find a way forward. It's possible to turn this around, but looking for evidence to fit your narrative is not the way out this hole. We have simply tried to help, we are just not telling you what you want to hear. I hope one day you will be able to work that out. Until then, please step back from the disrespectful comments.
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