Liverpool OCD Support Group Discussion

[catherine]

Shaun, what would be at the top / bottom of your hierarchy if you did start therapy?

[Dave Williams]

I'm sure frontline staff will see a rise in mental health difficulties. Hope they receive support and funding for this

[Ashley]

4 minutes ago, Dave Williams said:

I'm sure frontline staff will see a rise in mental health difficulties. Hope they receive support and funding for this

Yep. Sadly that may mean a knock on delay for the rest of us accessing MH services. Whilst I am at a stage in life with my OCD now I would be ok waiting if it meant frontline NHS staff are prioritised, but I know many others with OCD have already waited months and still not accessed treatment. I am not sure how those in that boat would feel?

[shaun flanagan]

Cath

Well as I now have two separate ongoing OCD issues - one that’s been running for just over 5 years and the ‘new’ one that started early last year I wouldn’t know which one to try and tackle first. Hmm..probably the first one as it has weakened quite a bit. As for my hierarchy i’d always go with the least strongest then work my way up the ladder.

[Dave Williams]

Agreed. Maybe additional funding will be offered. Let's hope

[Dave Williams]

Are they linked in some way Shaun - so if you addressed one of them then the other subsides a little?

[shaun flanagan]

Dave, they’re linked only because the ‘new’ issue is very similar to when I first developed ocd proper in 1994/5. However I beat that one back in 1997 during my stay at the Bethlem, so this is kind of a throwback to those times.  But yes as a new problem comes along the previous one starts to slowly loose it’s grip. But whichever one I beat the other will become a main problem.

Edited April 1, 2020 by shaun flanagan

[catherine]

Incidentally, talking of therapy, Mersey Care is developing a new therapy service for people who fall in the gap between IAPT and secondary care...could capture quite a few folk with moderate OCD for whom IAPT is insufficient.

[catherine]

3 minutes ago, shaun flanagan said:

Dave, they’re linked only because the ‘new’ issue is very similar to when I first developed ocd proper in 1994/5. However I beat that one back in 1997 during my stay at the Bethlem, so this is kind of a throwback to those times.  But yes as a new problem comes along the previous one starts to slowly loose it’s grip. But whichever one I beat the other will become a main problem.

I know, it’s like something always has to fill the vacancy if one aspect of the OCD wanes a bit.

But remember, same treatment principles apply whatever the prevailing problem.

[Dave Williams]

That's really interesting Catherine. Can only think it would be helpful.

Sounds like a catch 22 Shaun - only you can decide. If you have beaten it once - a while back. Does it feel 'easier' or more familiar to deal with that first? A difficult decision

[shaun flanagan]

Cath, yes the certainly do. 

[catherine]

I think it’s setting up in Liverpool first Dave then Sefton. Not sure if it will be delayed by the current crisis but originally it was due to start this month.

[shaun flanagan]

Dave, it sure is. The new one is causing less problems and restrictions in my life overall compared to the first one which has a broader range of problems. It’s something i’ll have to let Talk Liverpool know about and when I eventually do get to see a therapist explain everything and if I can’t make my mind up by then, hopefully their input and objective viewpoint will help me decide. On the other hand I might have made inroads of my own on either one and i’ll have no problem deciding. 

[catherine]

Dead right Shaun and knowing you, you will make inroads yourself. You know the drill!

[Dave Williams]

Good plan Shaun. I think it helps to talk things through with someone sometimes - just to check our own thinking and rational. But sometimes it jumps out at us and we just know what we need to work on. It's always good to know you have the resources for either route.

[Dave Williams]

Same for you Catherine. You know how resourceful you are - especially in these times of changing routines

[shaun flanagan]

Cath, yep! I sure do! 

[Dave Williams]

1 minute ago, shaun flanagan said:

Cath, yep! I sure do! 

Trying to work out whether said with optimism and a sense in determination. Hope so

[catherine]

Thanks Dave, i’m just trying to vary my routine a little each day so that I don’t simply develop a new routine which will be difficult to get out of when this is all over!

[shaun flanagan]

Dave, thanks and it has helped a lot having this little forum with you tonight. I think it’s a good place on which to say thanks and bid you all goodnight. Take care.

[Dave Williams]

You take care Shaun. See soon

[catherine]

Night Shaun and as Frasier would say...wishing you good mental health

[Dave Williams]

Well I guess we should be moving and let Kevin get home!!! Can't help myself.

Take care Catherine and Ashley.

Dave

[catherine]

Thanks very much Dave and do take care.

Bye for now

catherine

[Jayne6]

Hi, I'm quite new..my name's Jayne. Is it ok if I just listen? I'm the carer for my daughter who has OCD