OCD Action

Jess14
Member

Hi, Well just thought i'd post on here mainly to get some advice! Lets start at the beginning. i've had OCD symptoms for five years now, mainly putting things in place and having to tap things five times and checking plugs etc. In June of this year I began to have severe panic attacks, which I was put on meds for. after a week the panic attacks had calmed down but my OCD was getting worse and began to have obsessional thoughts which began to scare and distress me further. I was then referred for CBT to help and put on Antidepressants. However the CBT would have to be while I was at uni because I go in less than two weeks. My doctor is very understanding which I feel has helped me through the last few months. I am now really scared of going to uni as I don't know whether I'll be able to cope without the support that I have around me now. I'm just looking for some advice on what to do, I'm struggling to deal with my problems and don't know how I would react at Uni. Many Thanks Jess Xx

Thu Sep 8 2011 16:47:29 #
Truddles
Member

Hi Jess,

Welcome to the forum

It's good to hear that you have an understanding doctor that you feel has helped you through the last few months.

Going to university is a big move and can feel scary but most people whether they have OCD or not tend to get a little panicked before they start. It's partly the fear of the unknown, but you'll find everybody that's starting with you will possibly be nervous. It's an exciting opportunity and it would be a shame for you to miss it.
You need to speak to your GP about transferring your care to someone near the university and to see if he can arrange for them to get you CBT there unless of course the uni is close to your current home.
You need to register with a GP as soon as you get there and let the new GP know about your OCD.

Universities also have counselling services so that you don't need to feel isolated and without support. Although it's true that you won't have the same support that you have at the moment there is support available to help you to settle in and to cope with university. Don't be afraid to ask for support, it's there so use it.

This website should help it also tells you how to find your university's counselling service http://www.student.counselling.co.uk/

Above all Jess enjoy your time at university and have fun, you're only young once

Thu Sep 8 2011 20:38:10 #
Advocate 1
Moderator

Hi Jess- Trudy is right re what is on offer for you. The other thing to think about is that if you find yourself struggling, there should be an officer dealing with students with additional needs, whose job it is to make sure that the university are accomodating any specific needs you might have. Depending on the severity and length of your condition- the unversity may need to make ' reasonable adjustments' under the Equality Act legilsation- this means working with you on a plan to give you more flexibility if you feel unwell. We are working on a new PDF about education and rights, but be aware that education institutions now have a statutory obligation called a 'Public Sector Equality Duty' to reasonably accomodate your needs if you fall within the remit of the Equality Act 2010, even if you don't they should be supporting you if you declare a need for support. I you want to discuss then please don't hesitate to contact the Advocacy Service- MOn- Weds on 0845 3906234.
An article about rights under the Equality Act is included in the Spring newsletter of OCD Action, if you ring the office on 020 7253 5272, I am you could get a back copy.
Kind regards
Jude ( Advocacy Manager)

Fri Sep 9 2011 8:03:24 #
a cup of tea.
Member

Hi Jess,

I have OCD and went to university last October; I'm about to start my second year. I would recommend not worrying too much about it; from experience, I can back up what Truddles said about there being amazing support services there.

Have you considered getting in touch with your university's Counselling Service before arriving? I did that and found it really useful.

Tue Sep 13 2011 23:40:16 #
Aimboy
Member

Hi Jess

Im in the same boat aswell, and asked a similar question a while back and a lot of people said sometimes uni can be a good thing and that they are very understanding and helpfull, though I do understand where your coming from. Hope you enjoy uni!

Sun Sep 18 2011 18:26:27 #
Jess14
Member

Thankyou for all your comments!!! I leave tomorrow :S wish me luck!!! Jess Xx

Mon Sep 19 2011 21:43:11 #
Truddles
Member

Good luck and have fun

Mon Sep 19 2011 23:03:21 #
Jess14
Member

Hello I went but couldn't do it I just froze and couldn't cope so came home :(!!! Really upset about it but my doctor has been really supportive and has now put me back on the waiting list for CBT!! Which is great news but feeling a little low at the moment but trying to keep positive. Some days are better than others and I'm not really sleeping, which isn't helping :(. Hopefully start treatment soon. Just thought I'd update you on my situation Thanks for the support so far!!! Jess Xx

Fri Oct 7 2011 14:51:48 #
Zara112
Member

I suffer with both ocd and axiety, i studied a degree part time, and now have a full time job as an office manger.... you can get through it, even thoguh there may be tough times

Fri Oct 7 2011 14:58:21 #
BT
Member

Dear Jess, Please don’t feel you’ve failed in any way for coming home. Not everyone can cope with university when they have OCD and high levels of anxiety. You were incredibly brave to try. Perhaps after CBT etc you’ll feel you can manage it, but, whatever you do, don’t beat yourself up over it. There’s always the O.U. and other avenues.

Sat Oct 8 2011 13:12:59 #
Aimboy
Member

Hi Jess ive just started uni aswell and am already wanting to go home due to ocd so your not the only one. Im sure there are other options for you as BT said and you did well to give uni a go, good luck with the CBT

Sat Oct 8 2011 18:37:07 #
Jess14
Member

Thanks for all the reply's :-). I did feel like a failure for the first week after coming home but getting more positive about it. It was gonna make my OCD and anxiety worse which is not what I needed. I am feeling alot better the last couple of days and am now on the waiting list so hopefully get into to therapy soon. Aimboy your very brave for going I admire you :), good luck in your studies! I'm now gonna sort out CBT and then look into maybe doing an apprenticship.I think it was also the depression with the OCD which stopped me from going but now having anti-depressants for 6 weeks I'm beginning to see a difference, which is improving my ability to cope with intrusive thoughts which come and go. I find the intrusive thoughts the hardest as when they come I can't get rid of them for days then when they aren't there I spend my days anxiously not knowing when they will return . Hoping CBT will help and my doctor believes that it is the right thing for me, so am willing to give it a try :)! Thanks again really means a lot Jess Xx

Sat Oct 8 2011 19:41:49 #
BT
Member

I think you are doing the right thing. Good luck, Jess x

Sun Oct 9 2011 12:07:10 #