OCD and Major Depression

Hi, I also deal with Ocd and anxiety abd depression.I try to distract myself by doing my ipad. I cant do serqual because of the side affects. I take seratine and that seems to help me with ocd and my anxiety.

@mariajean03 You think you are overly medicated but are scared to taper off of your medication. You have managed to stay out of the hospital but you are awake at night with worry and are tormented by compulsions. It sounds like your depression and OCD are not being managed. No one should have to live "tormented" by compulsions. Would you tell me more about your situation? What kind of mental health services are you receiving and what kind of treatment have you had regarding your OCD and depression?

I don't lay awake if I take the Seraquel. But some nites I have terrible side effects. I can't move and slur my speech. I'm very alone with a tine help with sleep. I have wierd side effhusband who was addicted to porn. I get no physical touch but he is a great care taker. Des Moines has no treatment for OCD. I've tried every thing from ect's to TMS. Nothing works. I see my psychiatrist and a therapist. Iowa is rated F for mental health. Is there a med that can help me while I taper off seraquel. I want to stay out of the hospital so my meds are working somewhat. I'm 61 and make the best of my situation. I've been alone and neglected all my life. I just had bunion surgery and am forced to change my walking rituals. Every time I try to go down on the seraquel I panic and can't sleep. Does Seratine help with sleep? so confused! Maria.

@mariajean03 What I'm hearing is medication is your first and primary concern. It's best if you talk to your psychiatrist about medications. What has your psychiatrist told you about your medications?

Your situation both past and present sounds extremely difficult. I'm sorry to hear Iowa is rated F for mental health. It sounds like you are not receiving adequate mental health services. May I ask if you are open to residential treatment?

Dear Maria, after looking at your post, my history sounds so alike (depressio, OCD, 27 total ect's, and 12 years hunting,searching, and trying all different meds) Seraquel is one of the few I did not try. After 12 years I went to a Neuropsychiatrist. She went over my family mental health history, gave me LITHIUM for the first time ever and I have been taking it for 33 years! I know every body is different and not all meds work for everyone but Lithium is truly a GOD send for me. I believe HE has done a miracle for my mental health after all I've been through. My #1 suggestion is NEVER adjust your meds without approval from your Doctor--side effects can be worse than the original dose. #2-somehow find a doctor, psychiatrist who is willing to really work with you and your meds. #4 - Keep at it and don't ever give up. #5-Pray, pray, pray--God still works miracles in our lives. Then saturate your mind with Scripture from God's Word, also ask God to give you a specific verse to memorize that you can repeat in place of any troubling thoughts. Mine is Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, acknowledge HIM in all your ways and HE will direct your paths." Maria, I will be praying for you every day around 8:00 am. Sharon

What is residential treatment and where? I have MediCare and the Blue Cross supplement. I'm staying with Jim until he passes. He is my only friend. Maria.

Thanks so much Sharon. Your prayers mean so much! I will lean more on Him. I'm just the co-pilot. God's the pilot. Please pray I get on the right mixture of meds. I'm so happy for you. Do you ever feel rejected by friends an family due to OCD? So much stigma. Would love to talk more. Maria.

@mariajean03
Hi Maria, your comment prompts me to say that I don't get why people are so judgemental of others just because they do not understand them. I think life is plenty difficult enough and I'm not sure why they don't just accept others for whatever they are, assuming they are not harming anyone else of course. I don't get many of my siblings (I have 6) but I do not reject any of them. I can love someone even if I don't understand them. Ugh, people! Hank

Thank you, Maria, for your comments! My OCD tends to be in my mind/thoughts so I am able to "hide" the effects from other people except when my husband says "your repeating yourself". My stigma/fear is when I share that I have had 27 ECT's. I know that even in 2020 it is a procedure that is greatly misunderstood. I rely on God to bring people to me who need my story/testimony to help them and HE has protected me. I have to say that ECT treatment is NOT scary and by God's grace I was totally and completely healed and escaped being a mental vegetable in a mental institution for life. So, Maria, if God can do that for me, HE can do that for you. If you have to go to a hospital, do not fear--that's where God put me to be healed. I will pray about your meds - that they are correct, with no side effects and that they are effective to make you feel better than ever! Don't ever give up!!! Sharon

@mariajean03, Residential treatment offers 24-hour care in a home-like setting for a short term, usually about 3 months, while you pursue treatment for mental health with the care team. At residential treatment centers, people are able to access a higher level of care than can be provided by individual, family, or group therapy alone. Residential treatment centers are available for both youth and adults, and stays can range in length from 28 days to six months and beyond.