Liverpool OCD Support Group Discussion

[catherine]

What’s your concern Shaun about going back to TL? 

[Dave Williams]

I hope you can Shaun. Try to remember how well you respond to one to one CBT and that you always get a lot from it. I think sometimes we forget how strong we can be - I certainly know how strong you can be as I've seen it in action

[catherine]

It might just be some booster sessions you need Shaun, they can be invaluable just to get you on the right track again.

[shaun flanagan]

Cath and Dave thanks for that info. I don’t mind explaining my problem with a therapist over the phone but when it comes to doing the actual exposure stuff i’d rather do it face to face as I can show them how I got on and demonstrate if I need to.

[Hippo]

Yes thanks, I’m doing well; the odd wobble but that’s to be expected at this time. Hope you and Catherine are doing ok, too? 

[Dave Williams]

That makes sense. Do you know what exposure they'll have you doing - do you have a list ready?

[Dave Williams]

Good use of rational thinking there Hippo . I think wobbles are to be expected from any of us in this climate irrespective of the OCD. How do you manage them?

[catherine]

Thanks Hippo

i’m struggling a bit with my change of routine, any variation is difficult for me to manage. However, I guess it’s an opportunity to try and challenge some of those routines and take me out of my comfort zone.

[shaun flanagan]

Dave yes i’ve had some fantastic results using CBT but i’m doubtful that I’m ready at the moment.

[catherine]

I think it’s always difficult to gauge the right time for therapy. Do you go when things are difficult (when you probably should go) or when things have settled when it might not be as beneficial?

[Hippo]

Same old, same old.... live with it, if it won’t let go try to be “sensible” (what would a ‘regular’ person do), only if all else fails ask for reassurance then make myself let it go. Don’t often need that last option these days - that’s  the one that counts as a “wobble” for me. 

[Dave Williams]

You'll know when the moment is Shaun and hopefully it will be here soon. Maybe name down on the list ready because you will have to wait a while anyway - could always say not ready if they phone soon. Not trying to push you though - not fair!

[Ashley]

Is anybody having specific OCD worries because of Coronavirus?

I found myself slipping down an OCD path of 'what if' these last 24 hours, I had to work hard to not fully go down that road. 

[catherine]

I think it’s always difficult to gauge the right time for therapy. Do you go when things are difficult (when you probably should go) or when things have settled when it might not be as beneficial?

[Dave Williams]

Sounds sensible Hippo. Is really good that the option is only used occasionally as then it can be used to gauge if things are starting to shift in one direction or another. And then what action to take if in the wrong direction. Do you have a plan if it does?

[Hippo]

Hi Catherine, sorry you’re struggling a bit, change can be particularly hard for us - good on you for seeing an opportunity in it though. Good luck pushing back against it. 

[catherine]

Great that you are not seeking too much reassurance Hippo, and don’t be too harsh on yourself when you do. Sometimes it’s reasonable to seek reassurance even ‘regular’ people do. I think it’s when it becomes excessive and constant it becomes a problem.

[catherine]

Thanks Hippo

[shaun flanagan]

Cath and Dave, I think that getting my name down is a good start so I’ll definitely do that - if there’s anyone manning the switchboard!  

[Anaocd]

Sorry folks, I’ve been asleep not been feeling 100% hope everyone is doing well? Under the circumstances. I also can’t hang about as I have a phone call with my counsellor at 6pm! 
 

hows everyone coping being confined to our houses? Finding it all a bit unnerving myself. It’s going to be a long few weeks/months 

[catherine]

Great thinking Shaun. If switchboard is a problem they take online referrals too.

in fact I’ll just take a look at their website now and see what the situation is...

[Dave Williams]

 Hopefully someone will be on the switchboard Shaun. Are you getting out for shopping and is it causing any difficulties in terms of your ocd? Same for anyone else

[Dave Williams]

Hi Anaocd. Nice to have you here for a short while. You noticing any changes to your ocd?

[catherine]

Anaocd 

i think you are right and the shortage of meaningful activities can allow the mind to race. OCD just loves to hit you when you’re at your most vulnerable!

[Hippo]

My plan is stubbornness I think! Ocd is not taking back the peace of mind I’ve fought for. I know how effective the tools are and I try always to use them on every little thing which mostly keeps the big stuff away (for me) and the stuff that does then affect me isn’t as bad if you follow me - the peaks are lower than ever before.