As I noted in yesterday’s post, the theme of OCD Awareness Week is “Dare to believe . . . together we can beat OCD.”
One word in that theme draws most of my attention: “together.”
We don’t have to fight OCD and other mental illnesses alone. We can draw support from each other. We can help each other.
Here’s my “together” list:
*My husband. He offers support and understanding when I struggle with the symptoms of OCD and depression. He “gets” me. He comforts me and makes me laugh when I need a good laugh.
*Medical doctors and therapists. Through the years, many have helped me deal with the symptoms of OCD and depression and have helped me improve.
*My cats. Spending time with them comforts me and brightens my days.
*Friends. Supportive friends listen to me and offer their understanding.
*Readers of this blog and writers of other blogs about OCD and other mental illnesses. I have connected with so many wonderful people who have been supportive of me in my battle with OCD and depression, and I am grateful.
*Experts who conduct research on mental illnesses. I may never meet them, but there are people busy studying and doing research on OCD and other mental illnesses, looking for ways to heal them.
*Authors who write about their experiences with OCD and other mental illnesses. They help me remember that I am not alone in my suffering and that there is hope for better times.
Oh... I like this post! I will write my answer to who is on my list in a post on my blog :-)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I'll go over and read it! :-)
DeleteTina - I have to say that my list pretty much matches yours! I will add my mom to my list, but other than that - we're identical. Just another thing we have in common. : )
ReplyDeleteSunny, we do have a lot in common, don't we? :-)
DeleteAwesome, as a reader I am thrilled to be on the list! I would include Spirit on my list.:) but the rest is the same as yours!
ReplyDeleteJodi, I would add Spirit, or God, to mine, too.
DeleteGreat list Tina, and mine is the same!
ReplyDeleteIt's actually pretty much, isn't it?
I'm glad that you have support, too, Klaaske!
DeleteSo glad that you have a great support crew!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa! :-)
DeleteAt the top of my list....my loving Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Our Savior has felt every worry, fear, and pain we will/or ever will feel. He knows just how to comfort us.
ReplyDeleteOther than that...my list looks JUST LIKE YOURS.
Melanie, I would add God to my list, too. And I'm glad you have such support!
DeleteSo true Tina-"together". In any difficult journey it is not being alone in the struggle that helps us get through, hang in there and come out or at least move toward the other side. Even if that other side is a better way of coping with an illness or condition we may always have to deal with. Today I was reminded of that as I needed to release my emotional pressure valve a little to help me keep going when I have been feeling stuck in my illness and struggle with past trauma. A good friend and then a doctor both encouraged and cared which was enough to help me to feel I was not alone and to renew my hope to keep going-hang on in there. Also my faith helps me to but I can struggle with my faith at times. Thank you for sharing in your post. Smiles.
ReplyDeleteBehind the Smile, I'm glad you had the support that you needed when you needed it. I feel blessed to have a support system, too. :-)
DeleteGreat post and great list, Tina! How wonderful to take the time to acknowledge all those who are working toward fighting OCD.
ReplyDeleteJanet, I'm grateful for all those working so hard for treatments and cures!
DeleteMy husband "gets me" too....can't imagine if I didn't have him to go through this with because his support means so much to me. My kids are really supportive too. My dog Zoe was a real miracle in my life too. An ERP covered in fur.
ReplyDelete