losing hope

[OCDNIGHTMARE]

I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder/ OCD earlier this year after becoming extremely ill, and hitting crisis, I've been off work since, (my employers are not sympathetic or understanding ) I should add also I've had a history of repeated periods of depression & self neglect, and suicide attempts, it was only after really opening up to my G.P that it became apparent it wasn't just a case of depression, My meds were changed and I'm now taking 150mcg of sertraline daily, I took the option of CBT although I found it to a great degree life changing, I still find day to day life a real struggle intrusive thoughts of harming myself or worse, and I'm becoming increasingly tired of the battle, is there nothing more to offer ?? I feel so alone, I've become a recluse from the world, I can't share the torture thats going on in my head, family and friends find it to disturbing, is there nothing more that can be done ??

[Dr Trevor Friedman]

Hi. I am sorry that yu are having such a bad time. It seems that you have had some treatment but it has not been successful. It does not sound like you have been seen by expert psychiatric servcies - you certainly have not exhautsed the treatments available. There are a whole range of medications that will probably help (the reason that we have so many medications is, like for other medical conditions, we do not have a single drug that cures everyone and we need to find the right drug that suits your illness). You may also need some more expert CBT therapy. The important thing is to recognise that there is treatment available. It is difficult when you are not well and lacking confidence and hope to go and see your GP again. I would do that and say that you are still unwell and ask for referral for expert help with the local psychiatirc services. The initial meeting would be to assess your condtion and for you to understand the plan to get you better.

[Annette Boden - Counsellor]

I agree with Dr Friedman. I am sure some further CBT would be beneficial.
Also mindfulness and meditaiton have been shown to have some positive effects. You kmight want to explore Professor Jeffrey Shwartz's work and his book "Brainlock2 is worth a read, as is Frederick Toates's book 'OCD'
I can recommend a couple of websites that may also provide you with some futher information also.
OCD is one of the conditions I work with . It is debilitating and frightening, and quite often people come to see me who have been suffering for years, not knowing what was wrong or being mis-diagnosed, but there are ways to take control and positive treatment options once this illness is diagnosed. The OCD UK website provides a great deal of supportive information.

website: www.ocduk.org


OCD Action is another UK national OCD charity that has plenty of helpful information on it's website

website: www.ocdaction.org.uk