sunnysideup100 Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 I'm 15 and I recently got diagnosed with OCD. It takes up a lot of my time and my friends have asked why I do strange things at school, like touch doorframes etc. And I self harm. I know I need professional help, but my parents don't know, and I'm scared they will find out. Anyone know what I should do? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tryp Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Honestly, your best bet (without my knowing anything about your relationship with your parents) is to tell your parents. If they are decent and care about you, they will help you find some help so that you can feel better. Is there any particular reason why you don't want to tell them? I know it can be very embarrassing/awkward to talk about these things, but unfortunately since you are 15, it's going to be hard for you to do anything on your own. If you absolutely cannot talk to your parents, you might try another trusted adult, such as a guidance counselor or teacher at school. Sometimes there are ways for you to get help without your parents' knowing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysideup100 Posted July 28, 2012 Author Share Posted July 28, 2012 I don't have a very good relationship with my parents. I started getting into trouble at school because of bullying, and they threatened to put me into care or else into a mental institution. I do have a good friend that knows about my problems though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tryp Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 It's good that you have a friend - it can help to have just one other person to talk to. Are there any other adults you could trust with this who might be able to figure out how to help you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysideup100 Posted July 28, 2012 Author Share Posted July 28, 2012 No, not really. I can't trust any adults. Teachers will tell my parents. And I have trust issues with adults because of my past with them. So I'm lost in what to do. But my friend does really help me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tryp Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 That's good that you have a helpful friend. Have you ever tried any self-help books? I don't have OCD so I wouldn't know which to recommend, but I have used them at times when I didn't have access to professional treatment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysideup100 Posted July 28, 2012 Author Share Posted July 28, 2012 No, I haven't. But I will try that shortly. Thank you for your advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wooster Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Depending on what state you live in (if you live in the US), you may be old enough to access mental health treatment without needing your parents' permission. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysideup100 Posted July 28, 2012 Author Share Posted July 28, 2012 i dont live in the US. i live in the UK Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysideup100 Posted July 28, 2012 Author Share Posted July 28, 2012 Ok. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rojatta Posted July 28, 2012 Share Posted July 28, 2012 Lee Baer has written some good books about OCD, specifically "Getting Control: Overcoming Your Obsessions and Compulsions" and "Imp of the Mind: Exploring the Silent Epidemic of Obsessive Bad Thoughts." Needless to say, reading is great for getting a better understanding of OCD, but is definitely not a substitute for seeking professional help if you can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysideup100 Posted July 29, 2012 Author Share Posted July 29, 2012 I'm scared to see professionals though. I would do myself more harm if my parents found out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 29, 2012 Share Posted July 29, 2012 I think you have to weigh up how much misery you will be in with untreated OCD and how much misery you will be in if you have to have professionals help guide you through your parents direction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysideup100 Posted July 29, 2012 Author Share Posted July 29, 2012 They don't know about my OCD or my self harm. It would be too much for them and I'm scared of what they would do. And again I have my friend to talk to. She is always there for me when no one else is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 30, 2012 Share Posted July 30, 2012 I think my worry is that a friend is not a professional who can make any difference to what you are going through. I hid my mental health issues as a teenager, and then had a massive breakdown aged 20 that I am still recovering from at 28. I wish I had got help, if not from my parents, then from other people who could help me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysideup100 Posted July 30, 2012 Author Share Posted July 30, 2012 I will try to get help. My friend told me if I ever did go then she would come with me for support. She doesn't want to force me to do anything. But again, I'm scared my dad will lash out if he finds out. I'm scared of both my parents. I can't trust them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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