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OCD and going to uni

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Would anybody be able to help me find any information about managing OCD at University? Sometimes it can be so debilitating that I just can't do anything and become too anxious to do anything. I'll obviously be living with other people, but I don't know who they are yet and I hate people touching me, or touching anything I own, I'm quite afraid and I just hate the thought of using the washing machine and everything else because of it. I'm dreading it.

Comments

  • plugitinplugitin Posts: 2,197 Boards Champion
    I've just had a quick think and nothing really came to me apart from recommending something like cbt, where you can work on the psychological processes that are part of ocd. Have you already looked into any forms to therapy?
    Also, what about having an en-suite or something, so in bad phases you can still use your toilet/shower etc?
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Definitely get in touch with the mental health services at your uni if you haven't already. They can be really helpful and will probably let you know that you aren't the only person with ocd attending the university. Maybe they have a support group for people with OCD? Also like plugitin mentioned, they may be able to offer you cbt or point you in the direction of a service that will if that is something you'd like to try.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I don't know whether or not I'll recieve any kind of support or help to manage it, it can be so unpredictable sometimes that I just can't do anything about it and I just stop doing anything. **helen** did suggest other resources but I deleted it without realising it! I am so angry with myself!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    It definitely fits into the bracket of mental heatlh and so your university should be able to help you. I'm not sure which uni you go to but maybe if you google or search for mental health on your university home page. Sometimes it's under the heading 'counselling services'. Also I would have thought that the disability department would be able to assist too. I'm sure if you private message helen she'll send you the links again.
  • **helen****helen** Deactivated Posts: 9,235 Supreme Poster
    Unflithen wrote: »
    I don't know whether or not I'll recieve any kind of support or help to manage it, it can be so unpredictable sometimes that I just can't do anything about it and I just stop doing anything. **helen** did suggest other resources but I deleted it without realising it! I am so angry with myself!

    Aww, was it this link? http://www.ocdsymptoms.co.uk/ocd-students.html

    Can forward you the whole PM again if you like?
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    If you could do it again, that would be fantastic.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    plugitin wrote: »
    Have you already looked into any forms to therapy?

    I've done it, but I wasn't treated by NHS. It was helpful but just the thought of waiting for NHS treatment is causing me stress just thinking about it and I can't afford not to use it as I haven't any other options. OCD has been quite troublesome recently and I'm dreading to think if I'll manage at University. I don't even know if I want to go anymore.

    Does anybody know where I could buy fingerless gloves from? I'm not going to hunt pheasant though!
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I don't understand why other people can't respect my decisions. I've decided that I don't want to go to University anymore, but why is it any of their business? It's not their life. It's not their decision.

    :banghead:
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I'm really struggling, more than I'm being honest about. Thinking about that permanent solution to everything, would be better than making myself unhappy with what I already have. I'm tired of everything, can't do anything for myself, always too tired, can't concentrate, jealous of dead friend because really, honestly, dead friend's decision makes complete sense. I'm sat writing letters though, at least I'm doing something so if I do do it, less work for whoever finds me.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Hi Unflithen :wave:

    You seem to be struggling with a lot and thinking a lot, what is it you are struggling with? It is ok to write it on here if you want to, as we are here to help *hug*

    I have noticed you wrote on here a while ago about deciding not going to Uni, is that part of the reason you are not coping at the mo?

    Have you had these feelings before? There is people for you to talk to and there is a link here for you to have a look which gives you advice. I hope this helps.
    http://www.thesite.org/healthandwellbeing/mentalhealth/depression/feelingsuicidal

    Life can be frustrating and a struggle and you feel there is no hope, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel! There is help out there for you when you are ready for it.

    Let us know how you are getting on and I hope things get better for you :heart:

    purple_rain :thumb:
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I'm just terrified of social situations. I've never had friends I felt I could trust, I live by myself and barely ever go outside. I think I've written elsewhere that when I did go outside, the anxiety was so intense that I near fainted. I don't really interact with anybody else either, ever, and I'm very protective of my privacy. Even when I do have to speak to people, I just put on a face, just because I have to, not because I want to.

    I'm becoming quite ill again, and for it to happen just now of all times, I'm at a loss what to do anymore. People won't understand. I'm going to have to live with people I don't know and it's my worst nightmare. I want to live alone because I can be in control of everything, my entire environment. But I feel like I'm going to lose control entirely.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Is nobody able to help? :nervous::(
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    *hug* I don't know if there's much I can do to help, I don't have OCD but do suffer from bad social anxiety and depression, so can see why you'd be reluctant to live with others. I share a house and at times it is very difficult. Sometimes I just want to be alone and not hang out with housemates or they'll not tidy up after themselves and I'll want to say something but the SA always holds me back.

    As for the uni thing, I agree with you, it's your decision and if you don't want to go people should respect that. If part of the reason is OCD/depression related Clementine's suggestion is an excellent one. Talk to the Student Union disability service and at least see what suggestions they put forward. If you're anxious about making the first contact perhaps a family member might be able to help. I was terrified of going off to uni but I do think being 'forced' to meet new people did help me come out of my shell a little.

    Sorry to hear about your friend Unflithen, losing someone you care about is never easy. You sound like a caring person who has a lot to offer the world, so please take care of yourself. Keeping posting your feelings and don't bottle things up.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I'm afraid of being attacked, or touched or anything like that. I don't manage loud noises, makes me react physically. It's embarrassing if there are other people around me, it makes me constantly anxious. I sweat lots too, don't know what I can do about that either.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Engage with your uni sooner rather than later. I spend my life managing those who don't. Don't be like them.

    University disability and counselling services tend to be good- the head of ours specialises in eating disorders- so use them.

    If you're not well enough to come ask to defer your place. Most universities will.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    What can I do if I literally can't cope with anything? I'm really angry at myself that I've become so ill now of all times. I can't defer, I've already asked and already paid money for accomodation which I'm bound to.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    My uni would usually allow deferral with good reason. have you told them what's happening? unis will support ill people; it beats having them drop out.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    My uni would usually allow deferral with good reason. have you told them what's happening? unis will support ill people; it beats having them drop out.

    Yes it knows, but know nothing of it being quite so bad, guess I don't want to tell them either, makes everything seem like a waste of time.
  • Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    Anxiety and support

    Hiya! Sorry to hear you have problems with OCD and I can understand that going to uni with that added burden can be quite daunting, but I hope I have some reassuring words for you! :) I started uni last September suffering from emetophobia, which I've had for as long as I can remember. I was feeling really awful for the first few weeks and having so many anxiety attacks but I didn't want to make a fuss and get the uni involved. I made some close friends, one of whom suffers from really dreadful arachnophobia, and they were really supportive and encouraged me not to keep it to myself, so one day I told my personal tutor. He told me to go to the doctor and also to get signed up with student welfare. Before long I had a GP, a counsellor and my personal tutor who were all wonderful and by Christmas I was having the time of my life. I still have the phobia and the anxiety but the support network makes all the difference and you'll find that all unis have it. I know a phobia isn't OCD but it's a similar effect it has on your life so I hope this anecdote helps! Basically the moral of the story is I believe you'll be absolutely fine as long as you get student support involved if it's all feeling a bit too much. Good luck! :) x
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