Looking for an alternative
Question
I've been suffering from OCD for a while now, I regularly have to cope with intrusive thought patterns and horrific images that leave me feeling extremely anxious.
This leads to symptoms of depression and although my doctor has prescribed medication I'm not actually taking it at the moment. I'm keen to stay off medication because I want to be sure that I am recovering naturally but sometimes it gets so hard to cope with it all.
Can you recommend any natural or herbal alternatives to antidepressants that may help ease my condition?
Answer
As you probably know, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has two elements: obsessions and compulsions. It is based around obsessive thought patterns and rituals, in conjunction with compulsions to carry out physical rituals.
It sounds like recent months have been very difficult for you and the thoughts and images you describe sound very distressing. It must be exhausting trying to cope with them on a regular basis, especially if they have a significant impact your everyday life. It's understandable you've been left feeling anxious and it sounds like it's very upsetting to experience the symptoms of depression too.
It is good to hear you have consulted your doctor (GP) and you say you've been offered the option of medical treatment. Antidepressants, such as Prozac (Fluoxetine) and Anafranil (Clomipramine) are commonly prescribed for OCD, particularly where depression is involved. These can be very effective, but for some people, may have side effects. However, newer drugs, such as Seroxat (Paroxetine), can be equally effective, and commonly have fewer side effects.
Although it's understandable that you're not keen to take medication, it might be worth discussing your decision with your GP so you can explore all the options. It's also worth knowing that medication can be combined with psychological or behavioural therapies such as Psychotherapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This can provide substantial benefits to the way in which OCD can be managed. Your GP will be able to refer you appropriately, but if you would like to seek a therapist independently, the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP) also provide a search engine to locate local therapists. Discussing all of your symptoms and experiences with your GP may be useful so together you can monitor your OCD.
There are more 'natural' methods of treatment available, from supplements to ease your feelings of anxiety such as flower remedies, to alternative therapies such as Reiki and Homeopathy. For further information and practical suggestions of coping strategies, you may like to visit the No More Panic and HealthyPlace.com websites.
Sometimes it helps to hear about other people's experiences and you may like to visit the OCD Action Forum. This provides an open, non-judgemental environment for anybody affected by OCD to voice their concerns, feelings, ask questions and make suggestions on how to manage the disorder. The website also contains details of support groups, which is another option you could consider. No More Panic also have a message board and a helpline, available on 0808 808 0545, 10am-10pm every day.
Feeling depressed and anxious can be very isolating. Some people find it helpful to talk about their situation and feelings to family or friends. But if that's not something you feel comfortable with you might find it easier to talk to someone you don't know. You can call SANELINE on 0845 767 8000, they can provide information and emotional support and will be able to talk through your situation and how about how you feel.
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Question answered by SANE
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