Topic Tuesday // Managing compulsions // 25 July, 7pm AEST

[Former-Member]

It's great to hear that people can recover.  I know it's a vey complex condition and so treatment is often equally complex, but what would you encourage someone to do who is currently experiencing OCD and wants some help @ReneeT?

[Former-Member]

Without walking in people's shoes @Hopesmum, it's hard to know isn't it?  Even with psych training, I didn't really understand how debilitating OCD can be until clients started to describe their lives. 

[ReneeT]

@Eden1919 Pure O used to be mistakenly identified as different to OCD, however it is much the same, just that the rituals, as you have mentioned, are done mentally. There are likely to be many people who at times perform compulsive behaviours that can be seen, and at other times perform mental rituals only. 

[Shaz51]

it's something that shifts or evolves frequently @Shaz51.  Is it something that affects your hubby?-- yes @Former-Member, @ReneeT, is ther something i can do or is it up to him

[Eden1919]

@ReneeT I guess i just meant was it more common to have only mental compulsions or was it more common to have both?

[ReneeT]

You're right @Former-Member, treatment can be challenging and complex. If someone is experiencing OCD, the first thing I would say is please reach out - I read an article recently which suggested that the average length of time between the beginnings of OCD symptoms and seeking assistance is 17 years!! PLEASE reach out for help early.

The ARCVic OCD & Anxiety Helpline provides support, information and referrals and is available from 10am-4pm Monday to Friday (EST) - (03) 9830 0533 or 1300 269 438. It is a safe space to share your story and explore any options for support that you are interested in exploring.

We also have a few OCD specific services for people based in Victoria:

• OCD Support Group - https://www.arcvic.org.au/our-services/support-groups?id=305
• OCD Cognitive Strategies and Recovery Workshop – 6 session group therapy program - http://www.arcvic.org.au/our-services/recovery-programs

[Former-Member]

17 years is a very sobering statistic.  We're so lucky to have you in Victoria @ReneeT.  Are there interstate equivalents?

[ReneeT]

I'm unsure of the exact statistics @Eden1919. However we certainly get a lot of contact at ARCVic from people experiencing OCD whose compulsions are only mental/reassurance seeking

[ReneeT]

Way Ahead NSW have some OCD specific support groups - http://understandinganxiety.wayahead.org.au/support/support-groups/support-group-locations/

For anyone interested in online treatment, Mental Health Online have an online OCD treatment program - https://www.mentalhealthonline.org.au/pages/about-mental-health/anxiety/obsessive-compulsive-disorde...

For people in other states looking for support, please feel free to get in touch with our helpline and we can help you look around for resources - whilst we are a Victorian service we get lots of contact from people in other states too 

OCD & Anxiety Helpline – (03) 9830 0533 or 1300 269 438

[Former-Member]

That story is a classic @Former-Member - something that seems like such a non-event to others, something you don't even give a second thought to, can become all consuming.  And the worst of it is how it obliterates what else is going on.

A question for you and for @Eden1919, have there been treatments or strategies that have helped?  Even temporarily?