What has helped you with depression, body dysmorphia, personality disorder, anxiety, OCD

[sunisshining]

Hi 👋 

As is my title what has helped you with any of the following ? Body Dsymorphia, personality disorder, anxiety, chronic depression and OCD? In the 15 years I have tried different therapists I have found that they have not helped me or actually made things worst by the things they have said to me. I am desperate and would love to hear from anyone that has found light at the end of their tunnel , especially from those that have struggled with mental health for most of their life. I really hope to hear from people. Or if you can direct me to other posts that may be related that will really be appreciated too. You are not alone , it’s tough out here! 

[Petal22]

Hi sun is shining,

Im sorry you are going through so much I understand it’s difficult.

I suffered with severe anxiety and OCD what helped me? I went on a antidepressant to help me with my anxiety and I also saw a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist and I also did an 8 week group therapy this therapy was an intervention into the OCD… I did this therapy at a place that specialised in OCD.

I found that everything I learned in this therapy eventually led me to recovery.

The therapy I did was Metacognitive therapy we did exposure, thought challenging, we learned a certain meditation, we learned what our OCD cycle was and how to disengage from it with the tools and skills we were taught.

It took time and perseverance to learn what we were taught and I was then able to manage and then master my OCD.

I understand that this therapy doesn’t work for everyone but it worked for me.

It wasn’t a quick fix and it was something I really had to work at.

I went through a whole transformation period over this time and beyond.

There really is light at the end of the tunnel, Im living proof of this.

Im sorry some of your therapists have made things worse for you.

Have you tried any type of therapy or intervention?

Please ask me anything.

[blondguy]

Hello Sunisshining

Welcome to the forums and thankyou for speaking from the heart too

I understand your pain where anxiety and depression are concerned as I used to have chronic anxiety for a few decades and you are spot on...it is tough out here!

You have mentioned a few conditions that you are experiencing. Good on you for seeing the counsellors you have. That takes serious courage...Excellent

Can I ask if your anxiety (or any other condition) has a detrimental impact on your ability to function on a day to day basis or the quality of your sleep?

we are listening

my kindest

Paul

Life Member

[sunisshining]

Hey Paul 

Thanks for replying. I am sorry I need to upfront although I too am medicated for anxiety and also ADHD I was actually messaging on behalf of my sister who I have been her only go to person for many many years. As she reached a certain age recently and this is one of her fears losing youth and physical attraction and worth her struggles have reached a whole new level and we are desperate for help. It does impact her sleep , she will often sleep all day and it impacts all areas of her life , she doesn’t work often and often has sick days. I don’t know what to do anymore to help except listen and support as she has an extremely negative mindset and if I try to phrase life more positively that seems to only upset her more so I validate as much as I can without reinforcing her negative self worth and view of the world in general. She has been on a number of antidepressants over the past 15 years and although one type has worked for me and my other siblings , they have hardly had any impact for her. The mental health system has been so disappointing for her and now she has regrets about that too that people didn’t really hear how bad she was and now she feels it is too late. Although she is still young in my eyes she doesn’t see it that way. She is in so much pain and as I have my own children also with quite high needs I don’t know what else I can do. Thank you so much for your response . I have encouraged her to join or at least look at this forum but everything takes time and I think she just feels nothing will help. Although she is still trying . 

[Banksy92]

Hello suninshining,

Just as everyone's life journey is unique, so too is each mental health professional. This is why I really encourage people to keep trying to find their 'person' even if they haven't had success with therapy in the past. Finding the right therapist was pinnacle for me to get on top of my trauma and anxiety.

Additionally, my yoga practice has been a huge support for my health and wellbeing too.

[sunisshining]

Thank you Petal for your response , it is appreciated. 💚💚🧚🏼‍♂️