Re: Please help - I'm so scared.

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth, so sorry your daughter (and you!) are going through this!

You're right, OCD. Did you feel grandma was understanding about it,

could handle the weekend? Sounds like your daughter felt she'd be

okay once you explained it to grandma. I wouldn't worry (well of

course you will) but go on your weekend and TRY to relax and enjoy.

It gives you a break and you'll deal with it all better after being

away from " OCD " for a bit.

The OCD Foundation website has good info about the therapy for OCD

(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, with Exposure & Response

Prevention - ERP). There's also info on medication that can be

prescribed for children. It can be hard in some areas to find

someone experienced in treating OCD. Ask if they have experience and

what type therapy and they should say CBT with ERP. Medication isn't

always needed, can try therapy without, but often the medication will

help therapy to go better, eases all the anxiety.

Had your daughter been sick recently before the OCD began. There is

a type of OCD called PANDAS, caused by the strep virus. The therapy

part will still be the same, but with PANDAS it can (not always) ease

up after a few weeks, sort of " wane " and then may return when another

virus/illness is caught. (simply put) Sometimes antibiotics help

with the PANDAS.

It helps that your daughter knows this is irrational and she'll

probably feel better knowing the cause is OCD. There are some good

children books about OCD she might like.

Hang in there, it will get better! My son's OCD began in 6th grade,

seemed suddenly there was 24/7 OCD. He also had the feeling

something bad would happen if he didn't do things and had to get

a " just right " feeling also before he could stop some behaviors (or

would repeat until then). He's 19 now. I wondered would I keep my

sanity sometimes, which of course it's worse for them, but I'm still

here!

single mom, 3 sons

, 19, with OCD, dysgraphia and Aspergers

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

[Guest guest]

Thank you. Thank you.

Yes my mom was very understanding. She was a first grade teacher for many years

and is very compassionate. I actually barely let an hour go by and had to call

back up there to check in......through all of my tears we had a good

conversation. She said she had noticed some things today and that she is so

glad that she knows now. The kids and my dad were taking a walk around the

campground so we had a chance to talk. My mom said that they'll be fine and

will just take things day to day, support her when needed and just go about the

things that they have planned. They are scheduled to come home on Monday, we'll

be back on Sunday so if they need to they could come home a day early.

I could kick myself for not telling my mom before they left. For an educated

person sometimes I can make really bad decisions. This is all just so new to me

and yes it feels like 24/7 OCD right now. Funny thing is I'm in special

education, speech-language therapist.....just so different when it happens to

you.

I'm sure it is not the strep type. She has always been a child that needs

perfection. Interesting thing is that she has tended to be a leader in school ~

student council rep for 2 years, captain of the safety patrol ~ excels in

reading, has lots of friends ~ although girlfriend drama started creeping in

last year for the first time. She is headed to 5th grade in the Fall - in a new

building that merges another school. I'm wondering if that is the underlying

issue.......Do you find with OCD that there are underlying issues/anxiety or is

the OCD a separate neurological issue???

I've read a lot already about CBT and ERP ~ that will be the first thing I ask

tomorrow when I get the counselor on the phone. She was out of the office today

so I need to try to call her again tomorrow.

Do you have the names of the children's books that might be helpful or parent

friendly books? I'd like to order some from Amazon.

Thanks again for taking the time to write back. You have been more

helpful than you'll ever know.

Beth

>>> " " 07/31/08 7:38 PM >>>

Hi Beth, so sorry your daughter (and you!) are going through this!

You're right, OCD. Did you feel grandma was understanding about it,

could handle the weekend? Sounds like your daughter felt she'd be

okay once you explained it to grandma. I wouldn't worry (well of

course you will) but go on your weekend and TRY to relax and enjoy.

It gives you a break and you'll deal with it all better after being

away from " OCD " for a bit.

The OCD Foundation website has good info about the therapy for OCD

(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, with Exposure & Response

Prevention - ERP). There's also info on medication that can be

prescribed for children. It can be hard in some areas to find

someone experienced in treating OCD. Ask if they have experience and

what type therapy and they should say CBT with ERP. Medication isn't

always needed, can try therapy without, but often the medication will

help therapy to go better, eases all the anxiety.

Had your daughter been sick recently before the OCD began. There is

a type of OCD called PANDAS, caused by the strep virus. The therapy

part will still be the same, but with PANDAS it can (not always) ease

up after a few weeks, sort of " wane " and then may return when another

virus/illness is caught. (simply put) Sometimes antibiotics help

with the PANDAS.

It helps that your daughter knows this is irrational and she'll

probably feel better knowing the cause is OCD. There are some good

children books about OCD she might like.

Hang in there, it will get better! My son's OCD began in 6th grade,

seemed suddenly there was 24/7 OCD. He also had the feeling

something bad would happen if he didn't do things and had to get

a " just right " feeling also before he could stop some behaviors (or

would repeat until then). He's 19 now. I wondered would I keep my

sanity sometimes, which of course it's worse for them, but I'm still

here!

single mom, 3 sons

, 19, with OCD, dysgraphia and Aspergers

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

[Guest guest]

Beth,

Freeing your child from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Tamar Chansky is an

amazing book - kind of the bible of OCD.  You do not want to be without it. 

Also, for your daughter, Up and Down the Worry Hill by Aureen Wagner is

excellent, as is, What to do when your brain gets stuck.  You can purchase so

many more, but I think that is an excellent starting point.  It can get

overwhelming because there is so much reading to do, and I think all on this

board will agree those books are awesome.

 

My son's ocd also came out at age 10 1/2 -- interesting.  OCD is an anxiety

disorder, so anxiety is underlying.  Many with OCD also are diagnosed with GAD,

generalized anxiety disorder, so they are not one in the same.

 

I agree with all of the comments you have received to make sure you get a

therapist who is trained in cbt/erp.  You can check the ocd website for

providers in your area.  It is a good place to start.

 

How lucky you are to have such support in your family!  Things are so much

easier when all who associate with your daughter can work together for her good.

 

Kind Regards,

in TN

 

Subject: Re: Re: Please help - I'm so scared.

To:

Date: Thursday, July 31, 2008, 7:59 PM

Thank you. Thank you.

Yes my mom was very understanding. She was a first grade teacher for many years

and is very compassionate. I actually barely let an hour go by and had to call

back up there to check in......through all of my tears we had a good

conversation. She said she had noticed some things today and that she is so glad

that she knows now. The kids and my dad were taking a walk around the campground

so we had a chance to talk. My mom said that they'll be fine and will just take

things day to day, support her when needed and just go about the things that

they have planned. They are scheduled to come home on Monday, we'll be back on

Sunday so if they need to they could come home a day early.

I could kick myself for not telling my mom before they left. For an educated

person sometimes I can make really bad decisions. This is all just so new to me

and yes it feels like 24/7 OCD right now. Funny thing is I'm in special

education, speech-language therapist... ..just so different when it happens to

you.

I'm sure it is not the strep type. She has always been a child that needs

perfection. Interesting thing is that she has tended to be a leader in school ~

student council rep for 2 years, captain of the safety patrol ~ excels in

reading, has lots of friends ~ although girlfriend drama started creeping in

last year for the first time. She is headed to 5th grade in the Fall - in a new

building that merges another school. I'm wondering if that is the underlying

issue....... Do you find with OCD that there are underlying issues/anxiety or is

the OCD a separate neurological issue???

I've read a lot already about CBT and ERP ~ that will be the first thing I ask

tomorrow when I get the counselor on the phone. She was out of the office today

so I need to try to call her again tomorrow.

Do you have the names of the children's books that might be helpful or parent

friendly books? I'd like to order some from Amazon.

Thanks again for taking the time to write back. You have been more helpful

than you'll ever know.

Beth

>>> " " <@ hotmail.com> 07/31/08 7:38 PM >>>

Hi Beth, so sorry your daughter (and you!) are going through this!

You're right, OCD. Did you feel grandma was understanding about it,

could handle the weekend? Sounds like your daughter felt she'd be

okay once you explained it to grandma. I wouldn't worry (well of

course you will) but go on your weekend and TRY to relax and enjoy.

It gives you a break and you'll deal with it all better after being

away from " OCD " for a bit.

The OCD Foundation website has good info about the therapy for OCD

(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, with Exposure & Response

Prevention - ERP). There's also info on medication that can be

prescribed for children. It can be hard in some areas to find

someone experienced in treating OCD. Ask if they have experience and

what type therapy and they should say CBT with ERP. Medication isn't

always needed, can try therapy without, but often the medication will

help therapy to go better, eases all the anxiety.

Had your daughter been sick recently before the OCD began. There is

a type of OCD called PANDAS, caused by the strep virus. The therapy

part will still be the same, but with PANDAS it can (not always) ease

up after a few weeks, sort of " wane " and then may return when another

virus/illness is caught. (simply put) Sometimes antibiotics help

with the PANDAS.

It helps that your daughter knows this is irrational and she'll

probably feel better knowing the cause is OCD. There are some good

children books about OCD she might like.

Hang in there, it will get better! My son's OCD began in 6th grade,

seemed suddenly there was 24/7 OCD. He also had the feeling

something bad would happen if he didn't do things and had to get

a " just right " feeling also before he could stop some behaviors (or

would repeat until then). He's 19 now. I wondered would I keep my

sanity sometimes, which of course it's worse for them, but I'm still

here!

single mom, 3 sons

, 19, with OCD, dysgraphia and Aspergers

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

[Guest guest]

> >

> > Hello:

> >

> > I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid

my

> 10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

> does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

> obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

> she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of

times

> a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

>

--- End forwarded message ---

[Guest guest]

Ok Beth, I just did this really GREAT reply to you and hit " send " and

got a blank screen!!! But it was REALLY good! <wink> (now watch it

show up later)

So short reply -- go, go enjoy your weekend, your mother sounds

great! All the distraction may give your child a break at some point

too. Some kids end up doing pretty well on vacations.

The OCD Foundation's bookstore has a good list of the favorite books

for kids. You can buy them elsewhere though.

Don't look for an underlying cause for OCD. Now the therapist will

probably screen with some personal questions, as traumatic events and

other can trigger OCD in some people, they need to rule that out.

But generally I think most people don't know what turns the

switch " on " for OCD. It can tend to run in families.

Do keep us updated, let us know how the weekend goes for your

daughter and for you! You can worry later, relax now, or at least go

have fun while in the background of your mind you are still

worrying. Distraction will do you good too.

>

> Thank you. Thank you.

>

> Yes my mom was very understanding. She was a first grade teacher

for many years and is very compassionate. I actually barely let an

hour go by and had to call back up there to check in......through all

of my tears we had a good conversation. She said she had noticed

some things today and that she is so glad that she knows now. The

[Guest guest]

>

> I'm sure it is not the strep type. She has always been a child that

> needs perfection. Interesting thing is that she has tended to be a

> leader in school ~ student council rep for 2 years, captain of the

> safety patrol ~ excels in reading, has lots of friends ~ although

> girlfriend drama started creeping in last year for the first time. She

> is headed to 5th grade in the Fall - in a new building that merges

> another school. I'm wondering if that is the underlying issue.......Do

> you find with OCD that there are underlying issues/anxiety or is the

> OCD a separate neurological issue???

>

> This sounds familiar for a lot of our kids. There can be a " stressor "

> that triggers OCD, good or bad. It's hard to know what finally

> changes things into obsessive thinking. For our DD (13), hers came on

> the same time we had our twins 5 years ago. So, even though it was a

> " good " stress, it came out all the same.

>

> We all feel your pain! I hope she can have a good weekend and you can

> too, with everything that's going on. Hopefully the therapist is a

> good one trained in CBT/ERP.

>

> Take care,

>

> Dina

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you

Yes this is very scary stuff. Especially when it seems to have come on suddenly

and at this point I feel helpless! Already the emails from you and have

made me feel better. I actually ordered the Chansky book and the 2 children's

books that you recommended! They should be here next week. At least I feel

like I'm doing something productive right now.......I just want to help my

little girl get back to herself....

I also want to thank you both for 'giving me permission' to go away for the

weekend. I really needed to hear that....

Enjoy your vacation~

Beth, MI

daughter, 10 (undiagnosed for now)

>>> " Barb Nesrallah " 07/31/08 8:40 PM >>>

> >

> > Hello:

> >

> > I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid

my

> 10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

> does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

> obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

> she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of

times

> a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

>

--- End forwarded message ---

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth,? I know this is a rough time for you.? My son had signs when he was

little but when he started 5th grade it exploded to 24 hour OCD.? We found a

therapist who does ERP and CBT though the OCD foundation.? He is doing much

better.? I know in the beginning it was so overwelming.? Every part of the day

was based on my son's OCD.? Now not so much.? We have learned to live with the

beast.? My son knows has the tools to tame it.? Some days are bad but most are

not.? Hang in there it does get? better.? Just make sure to find a therapist who

does ERP and CBT.? That is important.? We sit in our son's sessions so we can

also learn how to deal with it.? Then we know what to do at home when things

get? bad.? She also will tell us what's OCD and what is normal preteen

behavior.? That is also huge because it is our first time with the teenage

thing.?

Good Luck,

Lynn

----Original Message-----

To:

Sent: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 6:59 pm

Subject: Re: Re: Please help - I'm so scared.

Thank you. Thank you.

Yes my mom was very understanding. She was a first grade teacher for many years

and is very compassionate. I actually barely let an hour go by and had to call

back up there to check in......through all of my tears we had a good

conversation. She said she had noticed some things today and that she is so glad

that she knows now. The kids and my dad were taking a walk around the campground

so we had a chance to talk. My mom said that they'll be fine and will just take

things day to day, support her when needed and just go about the things that

they have planned. They are scheduled to come home on Monday, we'll be back on

Sunday so if they need to they could come home a day early.

I could kick myself for not telling my mom before they left. For an educated

person sometimes I can make really bad decisions. This is all just so new to me

and yes it feels like 24/7 OCD right now. Funny thing is I'm in special

education, speech-language therapist.....just so different when it happens to

you.

I'm sure it is not the strep type. She has always been a child that needs

perfection. Interesting thing is that she has tended to be a leader in school ~

student council rep for 2 years, captain of the safety patrol ~ excels in

reading, has lots of friends ~ although girlfriend drama started creeping in

last year for the first time. She is headed to 5th grade in the Fall - in a new

building that merges another school. I'm wondering if that is the underlying

issue.......Do you find with OCD that there are underlying issues/anxiety or is

the OCD a separate neurological issue???

I've read a lot already about CBT and ERP ~ that will be the first thing I ask

tomorrow when I get the counselor on the phone. She was out of the office today

so I need to try to call her again tomorrow.

Do you have the names of the children's books that might be helpful or parent

friendly books? I'd like to order some from Amazon.

Thanks again for taking the time to write back. You have been more helpful

than you'll ever know.

Beth

>>> " " 07/31/08 7:38 PM >>>

Hi Beth, so sorry your daughter (and you!) are going through this!

You're right, OCD. Did you feel grandma was understanding about it,

could handle the weekend? Sounds like your daughter felt she'd be

okay once you explained it to grandma. I wouldn't worry (well of

course you will) but go on your weekend and TRY to relax and enjoy.

It gives you a break and you'll deal with it all better after being

away from " OCD " for a bit.

The OCD Foundation website has good info about the therapy for OCD

(Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT, with Exposure & Response

Prevention - ERP). There's also info on medication that can be

prescribed for children. It can be hard in some areas to find

someone experienced in treating OCD. Ask if they have experience and

what type therapy and they should say CBT with ERP. Medication isn't

always needed, can try therapy without, but often the medication will

help therapy to go better, eases all the anxiety.

Had your daughter been sick recently before the OCD began. There is

a type of OCD called PANDAS, caused by the strep virus. The therapy

part will still be the same, but with PANDAS it can (not always) ease

up after a few weeks, sort of " wane " and then may return when another

virus/illness is caught. (simply put) Sometimes antibiotics help

with the PANDAS.

It helps that your daughter knows this is irrational and she'll

probably feel better knowing the cause is OCD. There are some good

children books about OCD she might like.

Hang in there, it will get better! My son's OCD began in 6th grade,

seemed suddenly there was 24/7 OCD. He also had the feeling

something bad would happen if he didn't do things and had to get

a " just right " feeling also before he could stop some behaviors (or

would repeat until then). He's 19 now. I wondered would I keep my

sanity sometimes, which of course it's worse for them, but I'm still

here!

single mom, 3 sons

, 19, with OCD, dysgraphia and Aspergers

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

[Guest guest]

I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. You are right this is

scary and it can bring out the worst in even the best of parents.

Having a child with OCD can be unrelenting. I know that somedays seem

to never end and it feels like things will never get better. But they

can,please know that.

Once you start getting into therapy and reading I think you will feel

a bit of a sense of relief that at least you are doing and

accomplishing something. I know for me the worst feeling was just not

knowing where to turn or what to do. I so wish I could've found this

group back when my daughter's very first symptoms started.

Just make sure that you and your child are extremely comfortable with

the therapist you choose to work with. I think this can make or break

things. Our first person we went to wanted to put my child on prozac

five minutes after speaking to her because she thought she was a

danger to herself, which of course wasn't the case at all. I'm sure

this woman did have good intentions she just didn't know how to treat

OCD at all, especially in children. Make sure that your therapist

does. And if something isn't working don't be afraid to speak up and

tell the therapist you want to try something else. Of course progress

can take time but I think as a parent we know if something is helping

or not.

Best of luck to you and welcome. I don't get to contribute here as

much as I would like to but still whenever I am down these people are

always here with great help and support.

[Guest guest]

Hi, Beth!  Welcome to this list.  You are among parents who really understand.

 My daughter who has OCD just turned 9.  When you get back from your vacation

you can read up on OCD and take some time to locate someone who specializes in

treating it, if the counselor you have the appointment with doesn't.  The most

important thing is that you find a therapist who does exposure and response

prevention, but you have time to worry about this after vacation.    When your

daughter calls you next time, let her know that you understand how stressed she

is and that you will be getting her good help when both your trips are over.

 The good news is that there is lots of information written about treating

children with OCD and you needn't be scared.  Have a good trip!!

Please help - I'm so scared.

Hello:

I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my 10 1/2 year

old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she does. It all started

(to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is obssesed with making marks on

things and is constantly checking to she if she did or asking me if she did. It

happens hundreds of times a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, to

es are marking things - almost any time she touches something on accident then

she thinks she made a mark.

She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers - is that bad?

She seems to be washing her hands more.

She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her dresser are

touching each other.

She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns) because she feels

like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an appointment next week.

She and her 7 year old brother left today to go camping with my mom and dad,

which is usually always a fun time for them. My husband and I are going away

with friends to a lodge and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids

this summer. I didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter just called

home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting me to tell grandma

about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really getting annoying (as she puts it)

So I told my mom what was going on and I'm hoping that relieves some of her

stress and makes her feel better. I told her she could talk to grandma about it

anytime.

She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are irrational

thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it is driving her

crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying=2

0wreck.........

Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should I cancel our

adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

I'm so scared for her.....I want to make this go away...........please help

us........

Beth

[Guest guest]

Beth,

Yes, it is very scary. We are only about 9 months in with our 14 yo

son and some days it is still scary. You so want your child to be

" normal " but the reality is that they have some issues to overcome.

I would challenge you to not give in to the fear. Understand a few

things:

1 - This is a disease. If it truly is OCD, there is no sense in

trying to figure out the why, what you could have done differently,

what you could have noticed sooner, etc. Forget all that. It is a

waste of your energy. If you approach this in your mind as a disease

and you are going to work through it with your daughter, it will be

easier to handle.

2 - Get someone with experience in ERP. We tried for several months

to manage this with our son using several different therapists ...

none of which were well trained in ERP. Then, when we got tired of

the downhill slide, we went to the regional specialist and things got

on the right track. There were still a lot of bumps and set backs

(there still are), but at least we had someone to talk to that

understood the disease and worked with us to help solve problems.

3 - Understand right now that if it is OCD, some people get better

quikly, but some don't, and it may take awhile to get your daughter

back into a better situation. And, during the process you take two

steps forward, then sometimes three steps back, then four forward,

etc. It CAN be, not always, but can be very emotionaly draining. It

helps if you and your husband are on the same page and work together,

because sometimes you need the support of someone close to you. Try

to always keep in mind how you would treat the disease if it were

cancer or some other type of illness. Many times you can feel like it

is " all in their heads, " and it is, but the anxiety that they feel is

very real.

4 - If you therapist feels like medication is warrented at some point

(it may not be, but if it is) don't let that scare you. My wife and I

felt so much like we were giving in to put our son on a low dose

medicine, but it helped calm the stormy waters so much and allowed ERP

to be more effective. We use it only for the anxiety aspect, not the

OCD directly, and our son has not had any ill effects.

Our son is in the two steps back stage right now. He had done

extremely well in May and June ... was probably 80 - 90% back to

normal. Now, he has had a couple of weeks were he has lost ground,

but today was another really good day for him. But even so, his worst

day now is much, much better than his worst day in March and April.

People with OCD CAN manage their disease and CAN have happy and

productive lives. It's just that sometimes you have to walk through

a few storms with them.

God bless you and good luck. Don't be afraid to ask anything you

would like!

Cameron

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to she

if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times a

day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

thinks she made a mark.

>

> She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

>

> She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

dresser are touching each other.

>

> She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

>

> I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to

go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time for

them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge and

rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer. I

didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really getting

annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on and I'm

hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel better. I

told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

>

> She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck.........

> Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

>

> I'm so scared for her.....I want to make this go

away...........please help us........

> Beth

>

[Guest guest]

Hi, Beth. There's not much I can add to everything everyone else has

shared. . . .But, mostly just wanted to say welcome.

Our experience has been the OCD is a neurobiological anxiety disorder.

So, in a nut shell, the brain is not functioning the same as someone

who doesn't have OCD. There are physical differences. Raising the

serotonin in the brain calms the OCD down, that is why SSRIs are often

prescribed. Trying to figure out the why of it can make you go crazy.

lol Been there. The nature of OCD is that it waxes and wanes.

Often without any warning or reason. But, we've found certain things

exacerbate it for our son, like stress, or lack of sleep. Although

there have been times we were sure a traumatic event would set it off,

and it didn't. . .So, there you go. <rolling eyes> lol Go figure.

Our son is now 16, but got really bad the first time when he was 10?

11? Somewhere in there. We had seen signs of it for years, just

didn't know what we were seeing. He started meds and they helped.

But, that combined with the correct type of therapy has given him the

best tools to have some control over it.

One book we also found to be really helpful that I didn't see

mentioned, is by Aureen Wagner. It is called,

What to do when your Child has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

It is scary, but there is hope. It's sounds like you are on the right

track with all you are doing. I'm glad you are here. This group is a

great place to vent, share, and get support.

Have a great time on your trip.

BJ

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to she

if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times a

day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

thinks she made a mark.

>

> She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

>

> She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

dresser are touching each other.

>

> She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

>

> I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to

go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time for

them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge and

rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer. I

didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really getting

annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on and I'm

hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel better. I

told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

>

> She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck.........

> Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

>

> I'm so scared for her.....I want to make this go

away...........please help us........

> Beth

>

[Guest guest]

Hello Beth,

I am glad you found this site, as it is a great support network. I

reach out and give you a big hug, as OCD is so exhausting. It is

funny how many who have responded to your post, child is 10 1/2 when

the OCD became 24/7. My son too is 10 1/2, and 24/7 OCD is exactly

what were have been living since April.

I don't want to repeat what everyone has been telling you, so I will

just say CBT & ERT are very important. What to Do When Your Brain

Gets Stuck, will REALLY help your daughter. It has been a great tool

for my son.

I will also say it will get BETTER. 3 weeks ago if someone would

have told me that I would never of believed them. We were lucky

enough to have finally (3 doctors later)find a great peditrican. Her

son actually has OCD, so she has been a great resource. My son

started on medication 2 weeks ago, and almost all his symptoms have

decreased or vanished. We tried many alternatives, but none were as

effective.

Here is my advise to you that I was just made aware of, and may be

very helpful for your daughter in school. When your daughter is

diagnosed, I would recommend you get letter from your Doctor for

school. My son has always done VERY well in school, until this past

April. His teacher recommeded a 504 Plan for him, which I had no

idea what it was. I am sure with your speech therapist background you

are already in top of this. I now looking back, can see how is

grades slipped, as he was just trying to get through the day.

I am glad that you went on your vacation, as you will need the break.

It is really hard to rememeber to make time for yourself, as OCD

never rests. I am happy that your parents are such a wonderful

support for you. I look forward to hearing how it's going for you.

Hang in there,

DeeAnn

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

thinks she made a mark.

>

> She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

>

> She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

dresser are touching each other.

>

> She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

>

> I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to

go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time

for them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge

and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer.

I didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really

getting annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on

and I'm hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel

better. I told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

>

> She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck.........

> Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

>

> I'm so scared for her.....I want to make this go

away...........please help us........

> Beth

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you all for such great words of support last night and early this morning.

You have all really helped me beyond words. We are leaving today for our

weekend up north and will be home on Sunday. I'm going to try to enjoy myself

b/c I do know the OCD will still be here when I return. I also have one super

girlfriend that knows everything and I went for a 4 mile run with her this

morning ~ needless to say by filling her in on all your help it sure made the 4

miles go by fast!!

I know I will have more questions as we travel down this road so hopefully you

all won't get sick of hearing from me.....

Beth

daughter 10, mom-diagnosed OCD for now....

>>> " DeeAnn " 08/01/08 5:16 AM >>>

Hello Beth,

I am glad you found this site, as it is a great support network. I

reach out and give you a big hug, as OCD is so exhausting. It is

funny how many who have responded to your post, child is 10 1/2 when

the OCD became 24/7. My son too is 10 1/2, and 24/7 OCD is exactly

what were have been living since April.

I don't want to repeat what everyone has been telling you, so I will

just say CBT & ERT are very important. What to Do When Your Brain

Gets Stuck, will REALLY help your daughter. It has been a great tool

for my son.

I will also say it will get BETTER. 3 weeks ago if someone would

have told me that I would never of believed them. We were lucky

enough to have finally (3 doctors later)find a great peditrican. Her

son actually has OCD, so she has been a great resource. My son

started on medication 2 weeks ago, and almost all his symptoms have

decreased or vanished. We tried many alternatives, but none were as

effective.

Here is my advise to you that I was just made aware of, and may be

very helpful for your daughter in school. When your daughter is

diagnosed, I would recommend you get letter from your Doctor for

school. My son has always done VERY well in school, until this past

April. His teacher recommeded a 504 Plan for him, which I had no

idea what it was. I am sure with your speech therapist background you

are already in top of this. I now looking back, can see how is

grades slipped, as he was just trying to get through the day.

I am glad that you went on your vacation, as you will need the break.

It is really hard to rememeber to make time for yourself, as OCD

never rests. I am happy that your parents are such a wonderful

support for you. I look forward to hearing how it's going for you.

Hang in there,

DeeAnn

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

thinks she made a mark.

>

> She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

>

> She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

dresser are touching each other.

>

> She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

>

> I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to

go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time

for them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge

and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer.

I didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really

getting annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on

and I'm hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel

better. I told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

>

> She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck.........

> Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

>

> I'm so scared for her.....I want to make this go

away...........please help us........

> Beth

>

[Guest guest]

Beth,

I was just thinking when you said " I just want this to go away " how this must

hit you in your job.  I am thinking that right about now you have such a better

understanding of how many of your parents feel and you don't truly understand

until you are in their position.  I am going back to school next year for my

master's in special ed for that very same reason.  After having gone through

this with my son, I want to be in the schools to advocate for others -- both

students and their parents.  What I'd really like to do is go back for a masters

in social work, specializing in ocd; however, as a mom of 5, teaching has a much

more friendly schedule!

Take care,

in TN

Subject: Re: Please help - I'm so scared.

To:

Date: Friday, August 1, 2008, 5:16 AM

Hello Beth,

I am glad you found this site, as it is a great support network. I

reach out and give you a big hug, as OCD is so exhausting. It is

funny how many who have responded to your post, child is 10 1/2 when

the OCD became 24/7. My son too is 10 1/2, and 24/7 OCD is exactly

what were have been living since April.

I don't want to repeat what everyone has been telling you, so I will

just say CBT & ERT are very important. What to Do When Your Brain

Gets Stuck, will REALLY help your daughter. It has been a great tool

for my son.

I will also say it will get BETTER. 3 weeks ago if someone would

have told me that I would never of believed them. We were lucky

enough to have finally (3 doctors later)find a great peditrican. Her

son actually has OCD, so she has been a great resource. My son

started on medication 2 weeks ago, and almost all his symptoms have

decreased or vanished. We tried many alternatives, but none were as

effective.

Here is my advise to you that I was just made aware of, and may be

very helpful for your daughter in school. When your daughter is

diagnosed, I would recommend you get letter from your Doctor for

school. My son has always done VERY well in school, until this past

April. His teacher recommeded a 504 Plan for him, which I had no

idea what it was. I am sure with your speech therapist background you

are already in top of this. I now looking back, can see how is

grades slipped, as he was just trying to get through the day.

I am glad that you went on your vacation, as you will need the break.

It is really hard to rememeber to make time for yourself, as OCD

never rests. I am happy that your parents are such a wonderful

support for you. I look forward to hearing how it's going for you.

Hang in there,

DeeAnn

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

thinks she made a mark.

>

> She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

>

> She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

dresser are touching each other.

>

> She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

>

> I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to

go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time

for them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge

and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer.

I didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really

getting annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on

and I'm hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel

better. I told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

>

> She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck....... ..

> Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

>

> I'm so scared for her.....I want to make this go

away........ ...please help us........

> Beth

>

[Guest guest]

Actually, it might be easier to be a school social worker because you'd have the

same schedule but no lessen planning or grading,

Re: Please help - I'm so scared.

To:

Date: Friday, August 1, 2008, 5:16 AM

Hello Beth,

I am glad you found this site, as it is a great support network. I

reach out and give you a big hug, as OCD is

so exhausting. It is

funny how many who have responded to your post, child is 10 1/2 when

the OCD became 24/7. My son too is 10 1/2, and 24/7 OCD is exactly

what were have been living since April.

I don't want to repeat what everyone has been telling you, so I will

just say CBT & ERT are very important. What to Do When Your Brain

Gets Stuck, will REALLY help your daughter. It has been a great tool

for my son.

I will also say it will get BETTER. 3 weeks ago if someone would

have told me that I would never of believed them. We were lucky

enough to have finally (3 doctors later)find a great peditrican. Her

son actually has OCD, so she has been a great resource. My son

started on medication 2 weeks ago, and almost all his symptoms have

decreased or vanished. We tried many alternatives, but none were as

effective.

Here is my advise to you that I was just made aware of, and may be

very helpful for your daughter in school. When your daughter is

diagnosed, I would recommend you get letter from your Doctor for

school. My son has always done VERY well in school, until this past

April. His teacher recommeded a 504 Plan for him, which I had no

idea what it was. I am sure with your speech therapist background you

are already in top of this. I now looking back, can see how is

grades slipped, as he was just trying to get through the day.

I am glad

that you went on your vacation, as you will need the break.

It is really hard to rememeber to make time for yourself, as OCD

never rests. I am happy that your parents are such a wonderful

support for you. I look forward to hearing how it's going for you.

Hang in there,

DeeAnn

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

thinks she made a mark.

>

> She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

>

> She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

dresser are touching each other.

>

> She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

>

> I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to=2

0

go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time

for them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge

and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer.

I didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really

getting annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on

and I'm hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel

better. I told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

>

> She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck....... ..

> Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

>

> I'm so scared for her.....I want to make this go

away........ ...please help us........

> Beth

>

[Guest guest]

You are exactly correct; however, we are in the military and special ed jobs are

much easier to find if you adamantly want to stay within your own school

district.

Thanks for the tip, though!

From: DeeAnn <lauedjsbcglobal (DOT) net>

Subject: Re: Please help - I'm so scared.

To: @ yahoogroups. com

Date: Friday, August 1, 2008, 5:16 AM

Hello Beth,

I am glad you found this site, as it is a great support network. I

reach out and give you a big hug, as OCD is

so exhausting. It is

funny how many who have responded to your post, child is 10 1/2 when

the OCD became 24/7. My son too is 10 1/2, and 24/7 OCD is exactly

what were have been living since April.

I don't want to repeat what everyone has been telling you, so I will

just say CBT & ERT are very important. What to Do When Your Brain

Gets Stuck, will REALLY help your daughter. It has been a great tool

for my son.

I will also say it will get BETTER. 3 weeks ago if someone would

have told me that I would never of believed them. We were lucky

enough to have finally (3 doctors later)find a great peditrican. Her

son actually has OCD, so she has been a great resource. My son

started on medication 2 weeks ago, and almost all his symptoms have

decreased or vanished. We tried many alternatives, but none were as

effective.

Here is my advise to you that I was just made aware of, and may be

very helpful for your daughter in school. When your daughter is

diagnosed, I would recommend you get letter from your Doctor for

school. My son has always done VERY well in school, until this past

April. His teacher recommeded a 504 Plan for him, which I had no

idea what it was. I am sure with your speech therapist background you

are already in top of this. I now looking back, can see how is

grades slipped, as he was just trying to get through the day.

I am glad

that you went on your vacation, as you will need the break.

It is really hard to rememeber to make time for yourself, as OCD

never rests. I am happy that your parents are such a wonderful

support for you. I look forward to hearing how it's going for you.

Hang in there,

DeeAnn

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

thinks she made a mark.

>

> She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

>

> She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

dresser are touching each other.

>

> She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

>

> I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to=2

0

go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time

for them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge

and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer.

I didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really

getting annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on

and I'm hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel

better. I told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

>

> She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck....... ..

> Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

>

> I'm so scared for her.....I want to make this go

away........ ...please help us........

> Beth

>

[Guest guest]

I feel your pain and anxiety as you go through this with your daughter; in fact,

you sound

so much like " me " when I went through this w/my daughter for the first time 6

years ago.

My daughter is now going into the 7th grade; she was diagnosed in the first

grade. When

everything hit the fan, I became overwhelmed, scared, depressed and confused.

It is so

important to find a doctor and counselor whom you and your child feel

comfortable with. I

believe someone already mentioned this, but go to the OCD Foundation website and

search there for good docs. Also, I am not sure what state you live in, but

check to see if

your local hospital has a pediatric anxiety clinic. I live in Rhode Island, and

it took me a

couple of years to find this out..that Hasbo Childrens Hospital had a facility,

etc. We even

went through a research study there. .My local pediatrics office never

mentioned the

clinic..so check. The hardest part for my family is the " waxing and waneing " .

OCD comes

and goes...and although my daughter has had many months w/little or know

symptoms, it

does come back and then I feel stressed and angry all over again...this is where

I need

support. In fact, we are going through a set back now...going up slowly on meds,

and back

to counseling. I have the greatest counselor---Thank God---cannot stress that

enough!

Good luck--- you are not alone! in Rhode Island

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my 10 1/2 year

old daughter

has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she does. It all started (to my

knowledge) about a

month ago. She is obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly

checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times a

day.....She thinks

her nails are marking things, toes are marking things - almost any time she

touches

something on accident then she thinks she made a mark.

>

> She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers - is that

bad? She

seems to be washing her hands more.

>

> She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her dresser are

touching

each other.

>

> She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns) because she

feels like if she

doesn't something bad will happen.

>

> I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an appointment next

week. She

and her 7 year old brother left today to go camping with my mom and dad, which

is

usually always a fun time for them. My husband and I are going away with

friends to a

lodge and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer. I

didn't want

to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to worry......well now I guess

that was a bad

decision b/c my daughter just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was

crying and

wanting me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really getting

annoying

(as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on and I'm hoping that

relieves some of

her stress and makes her feel better. I told her she could talk to grandma

about it

anytime.

>

> She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are irrational

thoughts but

she cannot stop them. She hates this and it is driving her crazy.....and

me.......I'm a crying

wreck.........

> Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should I cancel

our adult

weekend and have my parents bring her back????

>

> I'm so scared for her.....I want to make this go away...........please help

us........

> Beth

>

[Guest guest]

Beth and the whole group!

Thanks so much to you and all who have responded to you.  I am new to the group

and I have been reading the posts for the past week but never commented.  My 9

1/2 yo daughter was diagnosed last week so this is new to me.  Everyone's

comments were so helpful as I felt like they were talking to me to.  She had her

first CBT session yesterday, so it is just the beginning.

Thank you all for your support and information!

Re: Re: Please help - I'm so scared.

Thank you all for such great words of support last night and early this morning.

You have all really helped me beyond words. We are leaving today for our weekend

up north and will be home on Sunday. I'm going to try to enjoy myself b/c I do

know the OCD will still be here when I return. I also have one super girlfriend

that knows everything and I went for a 4 mile run with her this morning ~

needless to say by filling her in on all your help it sure made the 4 miles go

by fast!!

I know I will have more questions as we travel down this road so hopefully you

all won't get sick of hearing from me.....

Beth

daughter 10, mom-diagnosed OCD for now....

>>> " DeeAnn " <lauedjsbcglobal (DOT) net> 08/01/08 5:16 AM >>>

Hello Beth,

I am glad you found this site, as it is a great support network. I

reach out and give you a big hug, as OCD is so exhausting. It is

funny how many who have responded to your post, child is 10 1/2 when

the OCD became 24/7. My son too is 10 1/2, and 24/7 OCD is exactly

what were have been living since April.

I don't want to repeat what everyone has been telling you, so I will

just say CBT & ERT are very important. What to Do When Your Brain

Gets Stuck, will REALLY help your daughter. It has been a great tool

for my son.

I will also say it will get BETTER. 3 weeks ago if someone would

have told me that I would never of believed them. We were lucky

enough to have finally (3 doctors later)find a great peditrican. Her

son actually has OCD, so she has been a great resource. My son

started on medication 2 weeks ago, and almost all his symptoms have

decreased or vanished. We tried many alternatives, but none were as

effective.

Here is my advise to you that I was just made aware of, and may be

very helpful for your daughter in school. When your daughter is

diagnosed, I would recommend you get letter from your Doctor for

school. My son has always done VERY well in school, until this past

April. His teacher recommeded a 504 Plan for him, which I had no

idea what it was. I am sure with your speech therapist background you

are already in top of this. I now looking back, can see how is

grades slipped, as he was just trying to get through the day.

I am glad that you went on your vacation, as you will need the break.

It is really hard to rememeber to make time for yourself, as OCD

never rests. I am happy that your parents are such a wonderful

support for you. I look forward to hearing how it's going for you.

Hang in there,

DeeAnn

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

thinks she made a mark.

>

> She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

>

> She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

dresser are touching each other.

>

> She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

>

> I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to

go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time

for them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge

and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer.

I didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really

getting annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on

and I'm hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel

better. I told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

>

> She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck....... ..

> Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

>

> I'm so scared for her......I want to make this go

away........ ...please help us........

> Beth

>

[Guest guest]

, glad they helped. I know how I benefit from reading the

posts too, for ideas and just to realize others are dealing with

this terrible illness also. It was such a nightmare those first

several months, such a rough year, learning and reading, etc. And

so glad you found someone to do CBT, we didn't have anyone in our

area (and I worked at a mental health center here) so managed with

the help of this great group and all the research (and this group is

sometimes more helpful than some of the reading elsewhere!).

>

> Beth and the whole group!

> Thanks so much to you and all who have responded to you.  I am new

to the group and I have been reading the posts for the past week but

never commented.  My 9 1/2 yo daughter was diagnosed last week so

this is new to me.  Everyone's comments were so helpful as I felt

like they were talking to me to.  She had her first CBT session

yesterday, so it is just the beginning.

> Thank you all for your support and information!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Welcome, . So glad you are here. And glad you decided to speak

up. It's great that the responses helped you too. It sounds like you

are on the correct course of treatment. Just one thing I wanted to

mention. Make sure the CBT is specific to OCD, including ERP. We

found many therapists who used CBT, but didn't know how to

specifically apply it to OCD. Maybe that isn't the case for you, but

just wanted to mention it since we ran into it so much while searching

for a specialist in OCD.

Is your daughter doing the therapy without meds? We would have liked

to do that with our son, but he was in such a vicious state of relapse

that he needed the meds so he could do the therapy. The meds removed

a lot of the anxiety caused by the thoughts (OCD and GAD), but many

rituals were still there that had a " needs to feel just right " feeling

attached to them. The ERP slowly made one after another disappear.

So for him, both were needed.

Glad you found us. )

BJ

> >

> > Hello:

> >

> > I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

> 10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

> does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

> obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

> she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

> a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

> things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

> thinks she made a mark.

> >

> > She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

> is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

> >

> > She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

> dresser are touching each other.

> >

> > She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

> because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

> >

> > I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

> appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to

> go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time

> for them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge

> and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer.

> I didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

> worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

> just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

> me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really

> getting annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on

> and I'm hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel

> better. I told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

> >

> > She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

> irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

> is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck....... ..

> > Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

> I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

> >

> > I'm so scared for her......I want to make this go

> away........ ...please help us........

> > Beth

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Beth,

Welcome, I also joined the list this week and I empathize so much. It is scary

to know

your child is suffering like that. I have an anxiety disorder (GAD) so I also

feel guilt for

passing the gene on and my 12 year old son's OCD triggers my own anxiety. UGH!

We have found a therapist and have seen a psychiatrist. I think what I am

learning is that

it can't be fixed overnight as much as we'd like it to be. It takes time and

patience to

find the right solution. I just bought " What to do when your Child has

Obsessive-

Compulsive Disorder byt Aureen Wagner- I know someone else mentioned it. It is

so

informative, I highly recommend it. It also has a companion book for kids.

I also just shipped my son off to my parents house for 2 weeks, it was hard to

let him go

knowing the OCD is around, but my parents are very compassionate too & he is

having a

great time. Your daughter will be fine!

Best of luck to you, you most certainly are not alone!

Missy

>

> Hello:

>

> I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my 10 1/2 year

old

daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she does. It all started (to my

knowledge) about a month ago. She is obssesed with making marks on things and

is

constantly checking to she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens

hundreds of

times a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking things

- almost

any time she touches something on accident then she thinks she made a mark.

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much.  It comforting to know that we aren't the only ones struggling

with this!

I have learned so much already!

Re: Please help - I'm so scared.

, glad they helped. I know how I benefit from reading the

posts too, for ideas and just to realize others are dealing with

this terrible illness also. It was such a nightmare those first

several months, such a rough year, learning and reading, etc. And

so glad you found someone to do CBT, we didn't have anyone in our

area (and I worked at a mental health center here) so managed with

the help of this great group and all the research (and this group is

sometimes more helpful than some of the reading elsewhere!).

>

> Beth and the whole group!

> Thanks so much to you and all who have responded to you.  I am new

to the group and I have been reading the posts for the past week but

never commented.  My 9 1/2 yo daughter was diagnosed last week so

this is new to me.  Everyone's comments were so helpful as I felt

like they were talking to me to.  She had her first CBT session

yesterday, so it is just the beginning.

> Thank you all for your support and information!

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you.  I am going to check on th ERP tomorrow at her appointment.  She

never mentioned it, although does have extensive experience with OCD and

children (so she says anyway).  We get a good feeling thus far, but will check

on the ERP.  We don't have meds yet and it has not been mentioned.  I am glad

that was not in our first conversation with her, but we are open to them if the

road takes us that way.  Whatever we can do for some relief.

Thanks for the support.  I am learing so much as I go.

Re: Please help - I'm so scared.

Welcome, . So glad you are here. And glad you decided to speak

up. It's great that the responses helped you too. It sounds like you

are on the correct course of treatment. Just one thing I wanted to

mention. Make sure the CBT is specific to OCD, including ERP. We

found many therapists who used CBT, but didn't know how to

specifically apply it to OCD. Maybe that isn't the case for you, but

just wanted to mention it since we ran into it so much while searching

for a specialist in OCD.

Is your daughter doing the therapy without meds? We would have liked

to do that with our son, but he was in such a vicious state of relapse

that he needed the meds so he could do the therapy. The meds removed

a lot of the anxiety caused by the thoughts (OCD and GAD), but many

rituals were still there that had a " needs to feel just right " feeling

attached to them. The ERP slowly made one after another disappear.

So for him, both were needed.

Glad you found us. )

BJ

> >

> > Hello:

> >

> > I just signed up to this list serve yesterday. I'm very afraid my

> 10 1/2 year old daughter has OCD. As a matter of fact I'm sure she

> does. It all started (to my knowledge) about a month ago. She is

> obssesed with making marks on things and is constantly checking to

> she if she did or asking me if she did. It happens hundreds of times

> a day.....She thinks her nails are marking things, toes are marking

> things - almost any time she touches something on accident then she

> thinks she made a mark.

> >

> > She's also asked about if she touches her mouth with her fingers -

> is that bad? She seems to be washing her hands more.

> >

> > She's commented that she doesn't like it when the things on her

> dresser are touching each other.

> >

> > She's done some ritualistic things (i.e. making star patterns)

> because she feels like if she doesn't something bad will happen.

> >

> > I have a phone call into a counselor to try and set up an

> appointment next week. She and her 7 year old brother left today to

> go camping with my mom and dad, which is usually always a fun time

> for them. My husband and I are going away with friends to a lodge

> and rafting down a river ~ our time away from the kids this summer.

> I didn't want to tell my mom about it b/c I didn't want her to

> worry......well now I guess that was a bad decision b/c my daughter

> just called home (she is 2 hours away) and she was crying and wanting

> me to tell grandma about the 'marking' thing b/c it was really

> getting annoying (as she puts it) So I told my mom what was going on

> and I'm hoping that relieves some of her stress and makes her feel

> better. I told her she could talk to grandma about it anytime.

> >

> > She is a very very intelligent girl and is congizant that these are

> irrational thoughts but she cannot stop them. She hates this and it

> is driving her crazy.....and me.......I'm a crying wreck....... ..

> > Please tell me how I can help her at this very early stage ~ should

> I cancel our adult weekend and have my parents bring her back????

> >

> > I'm so scared for her......I want to make this go

> away........ ...please help us........

> > Beth

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I just signed up for this list today. I'm sending a hug to you from

where I sit. OCD is scary and it's terribly unfair. My 9 year old has

been diagnosed with Severe OCD. Hers comes with occassional rage

episodes. It can be a living nightmare at times, although we're

working hard on it with CBT and meds.

It's hard to share our situation because of the stigma that surrounds

OCD. You were right to tell your mom. I know that we are appreciative

and seriously in need of al the support we can get.

I've been researching a lot. I'm clinging to the success stories, but

I am very aware that OCD (unfortunately) is not like an ear infection -

it takes time to improve, and there is no magic solution.

I'm thankful there are websites like this. It's a comfort to know

we're not alone.