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

[Former-Member]

That does make it hard @Eden1919 as you're then caught in a reinforcing cycle of beliefs, actions and consequences.  @ReneeT may have some suggestions for you but I was wondering if you've looked at your beliefs and thoughts around safety in counselling?  Pulling apart and trying to rebuild the thing that is fuelling all that fear.  The danger we faced in the past doesn't always apply to our present but the fear can be habitual as can the ways we try to feel safe.  CBT can be really effective but sometimes we also need to peel back all these mental and physical habits and see what's underneath. 

[Eden1919]

yes the more anxious i get the more my OCD comes out. but sometimes it is hard to tell what drives it the most. otfen it is just my thoughts like i get a lot of intrusive thoughts and sometimes it will be like if you step on that line your family member will die. or if you dont tap that chair you will fail your test. but it is really random and super hard to stop. 

[patientpatient]

@ReneeT. He's seeing a psychologist who has been very helpful. The CBT and therapies do help when he's able to apply the theory. 

[ReneeT]

@Former-Member and @Shaz51 - yes, there is generally an incredible amount of anxiety driving the compulsive behaviour. The compulsive behaviour is often an attempt to reduce the anxiey and distress that the obsessive thought has created. 

[Eden1919]

@Former-Member I have looked at what is underneath and my concerns about saftey but i honestly just think i was born like that nothing happend to me but i have just always been like this i think it is just a defective part of me to be honest like my brain doesnt work normally. 

[Former-Member]

Renee has already mentioned some resources but I think that this OCD course my Mindspot is also good.  What I like about the Mindspot courses is that while the info is online you can generally also chat to a therapist as you work through the material. 

I think it's really valuable for carers too as you can learn the skills that your loved ones need to help control the condition.  That way you know what to encourage.

[Former-Member]

We've got just over 10 mins to go now so please add any last questions or comments for Renee.

[Former-Member]

Are there other members of your family that suffer from anxiety @Eden1919?

[ReneeT]

Yes thanks @Former-Member for mentioning the Mindspot course also.

Just to add, the resources at ARCVic that I mentioned such as the helpline and support groups are also available to support carers, so please feel free to get in touch.

[Former-Member]

I don't understand the token concept. A couple of things Mr Darcy does is have a shower and when finished whilst still wet he will then wash his hands - soaping them up to the elbow and spending a while doing so. When he shaves he will often froth his whole face (including forehead) with shaving cream.