I HAVE OCD AND FEEL SO LOST

Dear Coleen

I’m a 14-year-old girl and have very bad OCD. I find it really difficult to talk to my parents because I don’t want to worry them. I’ve been to therapists in the past, but it hasn’t worked.

Can you give me some advice because I’m really struggling with day-to-day life? I feel so lost and don’t know where to turn to get help and feel better.

Coleen says

Obsessive compulsive disorder is a type of anxiety disorder and, although it can be very distressing, the good news is it’s also very treatable.

Firstly, please don’t feel worried about confiding in your mum and dad – every parent would rather their child talked to them, than suffer in silence. I’m a mum and I know that!

Your parents might have already noticed things about your behaviour, but perhaps don’t want to make a big deal of it and are waiting for you to talk to them.

I would go back and see your GP with your mum. You might be offered something called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is really effective.

I know you’ve had therapy in the past, but perhaps it wasn’t the right type or the right therapist. Or maybe you weren’t ready to accept the help.

Ultimately, a therapist can give you the best advice and tools in the world, but it comes down to you to put it into practice.

Therapy is an ongoing process – you have to stick with it for a time – it’s not an instant fix.

For more info, visit youngminds.org.uk, which has a section on OCD.