Hi CJ, and welcome to the Beyondblue Forums. I hope you find it helpful to know that there are many other people here who understand what you may be going through, that you are not alone in this. Here you will find others who are fellow sufferers of a variety of different MH issues who are all willing to support you and offer advice on what works for them. So please feel free to post here any time you like, but also to reply to existing threads of other fellow members. Your input will always be welcome, so I would suggest you have a browse of the threads contained within the Anxiety Forums. As you would know, OCD is an anxiety disorder.
I too have been diagnosed with OCD, along with several other disorders, so I understand what you are going through. Please do not be discouraged, as this distressing disorder can be treated with success.
You did not mention what your other disorders are, so I am only assuming that the medication your Drs are recommending, is for treatment specifically related to your OCD. Anti-anxiety medications are usually prescribed for this, and can be highly effective. So I hope you proceed with this option with an open mind, as difficult and scarey as it may seem right now.
Another thing to try, whether you go ahead with medication or not, is some psychotherapy with a psychologist. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is widely recognised as being the most effective and best form of treatment for OCD.
After successful CBT therapy, you may well find that you no longer need the medications and are able to wean off them. CBT is designed to give you the tools to effectively manage your own often debilitating symptoms of OCD.
Other than that, one of the most helpful things I was told by my psychologist was not to fight your obsessions or compulsions, as that only tends to make them worse. So try to acknowledge them, accept them, and then move on.
Are you receiving any help with your heavy drinking or narcotics use? It could be worth following up on this, as although you are using it currently to help you cope, in reality it is likely making the long term situation only worse. So I am gently suggesting you get some guidance and advice on how you could cut back somewhat.
Amanda
