My Description of OCD
by Emily, age 11

OCD is like a nasty monster. It makes you feel compelled to do things that you don't want to do. In order to stop it you can't keep feeding it. It's like feeding a kid candy when they complain. If you keep on feeding it, it will keep on asking for more and it will grow and grow and grow. And grow, and grow, and grow. Not only will it grow it will get more complicated. It makes it harder to deal with. You might even have to see a professional who will help you.

There are many different types of OCD, but this is the way I do it. I count when I walk or go up stairs, and I have to touch things in a certain order. The OCD work is challenging and you can’t deal with it overnight. Sometimes you count everything you do and it has to be a special number each time. For instance, when you walk up the stairs you might have to do it twice. If you don't do it twice you will have threatening thoughts. A threatening thought is when you tell yourself that something bad will happen if you don’t do something else. For example, if I don't count than I might think that something bad could happen to one of my parents.

OCD can be especially difficult when you are in a gym or a place with lots of lines. The best way to deal with this is by telling yourself "no" to the OCD and doing the opposite. If you do what the OCD says than you create paths in your brain that says it's good to do OCD even though it’s not.

The most challenging aspect of managing your OCD symptoms is practicing outside of therapy. Sometimes your therapist may even accompany you to places where you are uncomfortable. Together you will practice not doing the counting, stepping on lines, or whatever your issue might be.

OCD is not easy to end, but if you work hard and put your best effort into not giving in to your fears, they will get better. It does a take a while, and it is really, really hard. You will be proud of yourself when you have learned to control your symptoms.

How My Worries Feel

Worry Choices

OCD Fought or Not