Feel Awful!!! - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

katie UK · 10-10-2003, 07:36 AM

Hi All,

Anxiety,OCD and depression feelin pretty awful today!Does anybody suffer worse the day after drinking? Had a pretty traumatic week my daughter was really ill and we had to rush her to hospital,which left me traumatised thankfully she is fine but I cant shake that feeling off! Went out last night and had a bit too much to drink and today feeling terrible!It does seem that drinking makes this 100x worse,Fine whilst out I feel relaxed and 'normal'after a couple but the following days are not good!

A couple of years ago I DID get the courage to seek proffesional help I got an appt to see a specialist but unfortunately my mom who works within the mental health field found out about my appt,phoned me up sounding pretty shocked and couldn't wait to get my name off the appointment list!!!!! (Which she did)So that was the end of that!We are not close I had a pretty nasty childhood she was very emotionally and occasionaly physicaly abusive toward me while I was growing up and I think she is terrified of it coming out!Is there anyway around this?Could I get an appointment without her finding out?

Regards Katie.

teucri · 10-10-2003, 10:13 AM

Wow, your Mom sounds like my boyfriend's Mom and she’s stark raving mad.
I did have to smile a little, I always feel awful after drinking too much but I know that's not what you meant. I’ve been meaning to start a log of my symptoms and I think drinking does have an impact. I worry about drinking too much because while I’m drinking my OCD symptoms don’t bother me as much. I can pretty much laugh at my compulsions.
You need to get your self some help. For me just making an appointment felt like I was starting to control my life. I guess you’re in the UK? I know nothing about your health system. Can you make an appointment in another town or in a different name? Maybe explain the problem to the appointment setter so you can keep your privacy?

Bodrum · 10-10-2003, 10:18 AM

I have also noticed that drinking can make OCD worse. So the next time you wake up not feeling good after drinking calm yourself down by saying its ok that I'm having OCD. Try to relax and distract yourself by doing anything that breaks the cycle of irrational thoughts. Drinking and lack of sleep lead to stronger OCD symptoms because it tires the brain out. When you are tired it becomes much more difficult to resist the temptations to perform compulsions.
As for treatment, I would not recommend going to a general psychiatrist. Go to one who specializes in anxiety and OCD Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I'm sorry that your family reacted this way to a problem that needs attention. Unfortunately mental disorders carry a stigma with them, but I think in recent years it has decreased substantially. You would be surprised to find out how many people are seeking help.

TerryB · 10-10-2003, 07:21 PM

Katie, I wonder if talking with your general doctor about this confidentiality issue might be helpful. I'm wondering if s/he could set something up for you with an OCD specialist and also ensure your confidentiality.

fm5 · 10-11-2003, 11:38 AM

Obviously you mom has issues of her own to deal with. I would think someone working in the psychiatric field would be more knowledgeable and understanding of anxiety disorders.

How did she find out about the appointment?

If your mom is working in that particular office where you called, make an appointment at another office. Also, there is really no need for you to tell your mom about your going to a psychiatrist/psychologist.

I would say, set the problems that you are having now with your mom aside, and concentrate on yourself and getting better. This can be a devastating illness, and why suffer when you don't have to.