"Wasted, Guilty, Sad – How I would describe my life living with OCD"

18 Oct 24

As part of OCD Awareness Week, we are sharing the story of *Anne who has lived with OCD for as long as she can remember.

OCD is a common, mental health disorder. People with OCD experience recurrent, distressing, intrusive thoughts, often related to the concern that potential harms will happen to themselves or others, and feel compelled to perform unnecessary, repetitive, time consuming behaviours, such as checking or washing, to reduce the unpleasant feelings associated with the intrusive thoughts. If left untreated, the condition can spiral out of control and leave the individual and their loved ones feeling exhausted and struggling to cope.

Anne explains:

“I had it as a child but was not diagnosed until my 40’s. The symptoms I have are complicated and I worry I will accuse someone of assaulting me and this will cause them harm and get them into trouble. I also worry that I have written something incriminating about someone. I actually think I have done it and then get really distressed. I am also frequently checking whether I have lost or mislaid things – it is exhausting.

“I manage my treatment through medication and visits to Professor Fineberg and the OCD unit which are really helping me. I also am under the care of the local psychiatric team and have the support of my GP.

“I have a good network of friends who I confide in a little about my OCD and are supportive. However when I am going through a bad period I often withdraw from friends but my GP is really helpful during these times. I read and knit and find that these are good coping mechanisms. I also like taking part in research because I feel that I am using my illness for the benefit of others and I realise I am lucky in comparison to other people who have it worse than me.

“Aside from seeing your GP, my advice to others who are struggling with the challenges of OCD is to read books written by reputable clinicians to access information and self help. I also suggest you look into opportunities to participate in research as this can give access to professionals with expertise who might be able to help you.

“My long-term dream is to work with Prince William and Katherine in their endeavours to raise awareness of mental problems which I really admire.”

This story was shared with Professor Naomi Fineberg, HPFT Consultant Psychiatrist and National Highly Specialised OCD/BDD Service Lead.

*Names have been changed to protect identity

If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing symptoms of OCD, please visit your GP who can advise on the most appropriate treatment.

Other organisations who might be able to offer information or support are:

www.ocdyouth.info An informative website aimed at young people.

www. ocdaction.org.uk A UK consumer charity offering wide ranging information and support for patients, families and friends

www.orchardocd.org A charity work to progress new and better treatments for patients suffering from OCD, including a registry for those wishing to participate in research.

www.ocdfoundation.org A wide ranging website with lots of useful information.

www.rcpsych.ac.uk The Royal College of Psychiatrists are a professional medical body responsible for supporting psychiatrists throughout their careers. It contains information on improving the lives of people with mental illness.

Related Pages

"Wasted, Guilty, Sad – How I would describe my life living with OCD"