Re: OCD or not?

[Guest guest]

I don't think the label matters much (except for with insurance companies.

Whatever we call it, we just want our kids to understand their issues and

realize it's a biochemical illness and NOT their fault.

I think the process of taking ownership for ones own behaviors and responses is

a gradual process that doesn't end at any particular age. At 17, my daughter is

still a child in many ways and needs a lot of encouragement, direction and

guidance. I am working toward the day when she'll be emotionally strong and

independent, whether it comes at age 18, 25 or 35.

As far as the denial -- it's hard to say. Sometimes a person doesn't come out of

denial until the pain of continuing on this path becomes worse than the pain of

facing the issues.

On the other hand, if the child is at risk, or if the issues are distrupting the

family's life, I think we parents have a responsibility to step in and make sure

the child addresses what's going on. I've had to push my daughter at times,

because I know if she turns her back on her treatment, it will eventually lead

to her being unbearably anxious and possibly suicidal. I look at it this way --

if she were diabetic, I wouldn't give her a choice about whether to modify her

diet and take insulin. It's my job to keep her safe and well, as far as

possible.

17 y/o dd with OCD, anxiety/depression, NVLD & Asperger's

>

> Does the label matter? I am new to this so please forgive if I am asking a

stupid question. How it impacts, how it disrupts a persons daily life seems the

better question then what we call it.

>  

> At age 14, is the child old enough to have a say in this? At what age does a

person own their behaviors and their response?

>  

> Does it matter what you son calls it as long as he addresses the imact on his

life?

>  

> At age 14, does he get the right to be 'in denial' - to walk that path for a

time and see if it works. There have sure been times I placed my hope in denial

and really, only by walking that path did I become aware that denial doesn't

work or me and is not the solution I was looking for. But, I had to see that. No

one would have ever been able to tell me that.

>  

> Just asking

>  

> -JuLeah