Before I had OCD

[soworried2Participant]

Before I had OCD, I wanted to become an educational psychologist and would never be afraid to work with children. It’s what I wanted to do in my career and I thought I could really help children academically but now I question my intentions so if I’m empathetic towards a child I get afraid that I’m developing feelings for them and If I’m nice to them I’m scared that I might be trying to do that. I wish I never had this, I don’t know if I could move past this fear, I can’t trust myself at all which is horrifying. How can things change so much in a year and seven months? How can I completely disregard 21 years of my life without this fear and question these things? I want my old life back and my way of thinking!

[Forum Moderators]

Hi:

Forum moderators here; we’re sorry you haven’t had many replies yet. Please don’t take this personally or ever think you’re alone. It may just be that forum users are taking a bit of  time to consider how to reply and support you.

And please remember that you can also contact the OCD Action Helpline to talk to or email someone who understands OCD.

Our Helpline volunteers provide confidential help, information and support for people with OCD (and anyone who thinks they may have OCD). Most volunteers have personal experience of OCD; all understand how it can impact your entire life. Contact our Helpline by:

• phone: 0300 636 5478 (this is a UK number).
• email: support@ocdaction.org.uk

And please remember that you’re never alone – OCD Action is always here to help and support you.

Best wishes,

Forum Moderators

[Forum Moderators]

Hello:

We’d also like you to know about this additional support OCD Action offers for you.

OCD Action Support Groups

Online Support Groups:

• Provide a safe and welcoming environment
• Allow you to connect with others and offer mutual support without judgement
• Are all peer led, assisted by a team of trained volunteers.

Who can join?

Anyone based in the UK and living with and/or affected by OCD or a related condition including:

• People who have these conditions, whether diagnosed or not
• Their parents, caregivers, partners and loved ones
• Students aged up to 25 in college / university/ other educational institutions
• Young people aged 16 – 17
• Young people aged 18 – 25

Types of groups

OCD Action offers specialised groups including:

• Pure O – General\Pure O – Intrusive Harm Thoughts
• Pure O – Scrupulosity & Morality
• Checking OCD
• Contamination OCD
• Perinatal OCD
• LGBTQ+ OCD
• Men’s OCD
• OCD for People of Colour
• BDD
• OCD & Autism
• OCD & Hoarding

What important details do I need to know?

• You can sign-up to a maximum of two groups initially. After attending at least once, you’re welcome to sign-up to another group
• Participation is easily accessible via Zoom, or
• If you don’t have internet access, we have a few phone support group places
• There is no charge to join
• Because of the high demand, please only sign up if you intend to use your place(s)
• To retain membership, you must attend a session at least once every three months

What are Navigating Services sessions?

As a Support Group member, you’ll be automatically be invited to monthly Navigating Services Sessions. Attendance is optional, and you’re free to opt out of the session mailing list at any time.

Led by our Helpline team, these sessions include:

• Information and support on accessing recommended treatments through the NHS and/or privately
• Opportunities to share lived experience of accessing support (for attendees or others)
• Answers to questions/concerns regarding recommended treatments and/or service provision

Want to know more about Support Groups?

For more information before you sign up:

• Email sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk
• Call 020 7253 5272
• See our website: https://ocdaction.org.uk/online-support-groups/

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