I had a huge problem with my son and OCD which started in January of this year. The consultant has said the major stress factor trigger was an over strict teacher at school, well I have some good news. I have changed my son's school - he is settling in well to his new one and OCD has almost gone. She told me to deal with the fears and anxieties that cause the compulsive behaviour. So when he needs to wash his hands because he has touched a germ prove to him that the germ wont hurt him, that germs are normal. It has been a hard battle the fears didnt just go it took months of repeatingly proving his fears are unfounded, exposing him to his fears in little baby steps. When it was currants we touched pictures at first and built up from there. He went from swopping one for another, fear of God fear of swallowing and it went on and on. It's been months of hard work, sometimes the frustrations has built up so badly in him that getting him to resist has left me headbutted, kicked and hit.

He went through a stage where he wanted to kill himself rather than face his teacher and I had to hide the knives etc. in the house. The counsellors said I have to take him seriously as he means it.

From that very dark dark place we are now back on top. He saw his consultant yesterday who now doesnt even want to send him for therapy - she says I have it cracked (Im not sure about that). She wanted to sign us off but as there is a six month wait to even be seen - I wouldnt let her and she is going to do a review again in six months. It means if I need her again I wont go to the back of a 6 month queue.

My son laughs again, can do all of his normal activities, doesnt want to die, loves life. I cant believe we were where we were but wanted to share so that for others in that dark place, they have to know there is a way back if you work at it and batter down enough doors to get help.

He still has mild symptoms but we are managing them whereas before OCD was completely running and ruining our lives.

Sorry but so many of you have been such a great help - I wanted to share some good news for a change. Thanks xxxxxxxxxx

Thanks for sharing that! That is wonderful news -- you've done a great job!:)


Scattered

You have to laugh - yesterday I got a letter from the hospital - at long last it is a programme he can attend learning cognitive behavioural therapy. He got better while waiting on the waiting list.

I am still going to send him though as that was a very dark place for a while to be living in when it completely ran our lives. I want him to have the skills to deal with it should it recur.

Actually, now would be the perfect time for him to attend, when he's in a great place emotionally. I think what he might learn would be better put to use for the future, rather than in trying to cope with a crisis mode of the moment. And those crises will arise again. I'm glad he came so far. It's so important to have the positive support of the family.

I'm OCD to, by the way. Mild case of it.

He is also very willing to learn - he knows he was a very poorly boy and doesnt want to go back there - so I know he wlll engage with the programme. The consultant has said that he may never have another incident that there is no way of knowing which is quite hopeful but there is no way I am taking another chance. She said she can only say he is now more vulnerable but as he develops emotionally with the right support - he might be OK. Basically we just dont know. He will have many stresses and strains in his little life to come - the programme lasts for six months going weekly then fortnightly so fingers crossed he never has such a severe episode again.

I think I will stay hopeful but vigilant.