OCD Action

Jess14
Member

I'm feeling really low today :(. I had a CBT assessment last week which seemed to go well. She told me I definately need the therapy but wasn't sure if I needed 6 or 12 weeks of it. So I had a phone call today from her saying after much discussion they have decided i need 12 weeks at least. But there is a 3 month waiting list. When she said that my jaw dropped as I had already waited four months for an assessment. My depression is affecting me at the moment and when my OCD triggers it's very differcult. I am on Citalopram at the moment which is helping a bit but not as much as I would like. I am now just sat feeling low as I am off work and 3 months does seem like a long way off of waiting and suffering with OCD's intrusive thoughts is really getting to me. Anyway any advice to help me through the next 3 months would be very helpful feeling very isolated at the moment Thanks Jess Xx

Tue Nov 29 2011 11:40:55 #
Truddles
Member

Hi Jess,

Three months might seem a long way away but it will soon pass especially with Christmas in the middle.

Use the time whilst you're waiting to prepare yourself for the CBT.
List all your obsessions and compulsions and any questions that you might have about CBT.

Go toResource Centre for information on CBT paying particular attention to CBT Checklist This was written by a team comprising of some of the most eminent professionals in the UK that specialise in the treatment of OCD.

If you are still depressed and not coping you need to speak to your GP about it, please don't suffer in silence.

You can also use the forum for help and support to get you through this period

Tue Nov 29 2011 12:40:48 #
Unregistered

Hi Jess14,

the great news is that you are going to have a course of CBT. If you're ready for it, and if your depression has lifted enough for you to be able to engage with the therapist, this could be a life-changing experience for you.

One thing you can do at any time is to go to the OCD Action Homepage, and click on "Support and Info" (on the left). Then click on "Getting Support" (in the middle of the screen). Then a window will come up with options including: Support Groups; Helpline; and Email Support.

These are 3 things which can be a lifeline when you're feeling down. The Support Groups option will take you into a page that lists all of the OCD support groups around the UK. (I have found OCD support groups to be a brilliant way of learning about OCD, and they give you a chance to meet other sufferers in person.) The Helpline is a telephone helpline operated by volunteers at OCD Action, during office hours, Monday to Friday. You can call the Helpline and speak to an operator, who will usually be an OCD sufferer, former OCD sufferer, or a carer of an OCD sufferer.

If you use the "Email Support" option, you can send an email to the helpline volunteers. (If you're too nervous to talk to them on the phone, or don't have time to call them during the day.) They will reply to any emails you send them.

Personally, I use support groups, as I really enjoy meeting OCD sufferers in person. (In my experience, the support groups are usually a fun experience -- believe it or not!)

Read as many books on OCD as you can. (Or if you don't want to buy any books, then read the Information Packs on the OCD Action website, under "Resources".) If you're off work at the moment, then I would strongly recommend you read the Information Pack called "OCD and Work -- Your Rights". That one tells you in a lot of detail about your rights as an OCD sufferer.

Hope you feel better soon!

Tue Nov 29 2011 19:51:47 #