Topic Tuesday // OCD: Behind The Mask // Tues 13th April, 7:00-8:30PM AEST

[NatureLover]

Anu, I admire you for doing the Exposure Response Tharapy. I am scared to do that with my germophobia due to contamination! I have tried a little and it freaked me out. @ARCVic 

[Former-Member]

I have recently had my first Acceptance Commitment Therapy,
seeing that it has been part of Anu's recovery, at the least, gives me the courage to see the program through.

[Daisydreamer]

@TiSoG21 Thank you for joining. We would love to hear more about how you support your partner.

Do you have any top tips for others who are caring for loved ones living with OCD?

[Former-Member]

Welcome @TiSoG21 @Adge and those who've joined recently! 

[NatureLover]

@BlueBay  please take care and do some soothing activities now if possible...also reach out if you need more support  Concerned for you.

[Shaz51]

hello @TiSoG21 

my husband was diagnosed years ago 

love to hear more 

@ARCVic, is OCD more than just having a routine that you follow all the time ?

@Daisydreamer, @Former-Member , @NatureLover , @Former-Member 

[ARCVic]

@Former-Member @NatureLover Exposure wasn't easy - but that with a combination of ACT was something that seemed to work for me. I should highlight though that my journey is not and has not been linear. There were good days and not so good days. But what helped me was to be extra vigilant to adopt my strategies on the "good' days. On the tough days it was purely self-care. 

[NatureLover]

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@Shaz51 wrote:

@ARCVic, is OCD more than just having a routine that you follow all the time ?

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I find it's more than that, @Shaz51 ...it's a really really strong copmpulsion to do the disinfecting, counting or checking (whatever the OCD form is) and panicking if for some reason you can't do that thing. 

Be interested also to see others' views...

[Clawde]

Hi can you tell us more about the self care please

[Daisydreamer]

Another question for you Anu @ARCVic 

Question 4: How do you talk to a family member or friend about OCD and ‘Living double lives’? 

For community members, does the phrase "Behind the mask of OCD" connect with your story?