"OCD - A Message of Hope"

I have suffered with OCD for as long as I can remember - and I am now 60+!  All I had ever known were intrusive thoughts,  compulsions and neutralisations taking over my life and taking up so much of my time.  

I have seen several therapists over the years that have helped at bit but OCD had always come back with a vengeance.  And then Thurrock Inclusion gave me an amazing therapist -  Kevin!  He has led me through all my trials and tribulations, providing everything I needed. Patience, a listening ear, friendliness, brilliant advice and resources and encouragement to help me to persevere with my difficult journey.  

It has not been easy and I know that OCD will always be part of my life, but now I know how to handle it, what to do when an intrusive thought happens and how to cope with the anxiety.  As time is going on, the thoughts and anxiety are becoming much less and easier to handle. It is, in fact, easier now to cope with any anxiety, than having to do endless compulsions and neutralisations. 

There are so many things I can now do that were impossible only months ago.  It makes me a little sad to think of all those years I have wasted giving  in to OCD but I am so grateful that I can now lead a 'normal' life and have so much more time to spend with those I love and to actually do the things I want to do.  

My advice would be to anyone suffering from whatever form of OCD, is to never, ever give up hope.  Be strong, help for a better life is out there - it just takes time and perseverance.  If I can get through this, anyone can!

So thank you Thurrock Inclusion for appointing me Kevin, a brilliant therapist who has given me my life back.