In honor of Thanksgiving on Thursday, I’m writing some posts about what I’m thankful for.
In my last post, I gave thanks for my husband. In this post, I’m giving thanks for some of the things that have helped me with OCD, depression and anxiety.
I’m thankful for:
- My first therapist, who recognized the depression I had and referred me to a psychiatrist.
- My first psychiatrist, who diagnosed me with OCD and depression and started medication treatment.
- Anafranil, the first medicine I took for OCD and depression. It lifted me up enough to begin to have hope in life again.
- The books Brain Lock, by Dr. Jeffrey Schwarz, and Freedom from OCD, by Dr. Jonathan Grayson, which have helped me to help myself.
- My family doctor, who treated me for depression and referred me to my current psychiatrist.
- My current psychiatrist, who also diagnosed me with generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder and who gave me hope that I could feel better.
- The medications available to help.
- My current psychologist, who is helping me with my chronic depression with an active, intense therapy.
- Exposure and response prevention therapy, which I’m doing on my own right now and which is helping me with my OCD.
- Researchers who are working to help people with depression, OCD, anxiety and other mental illnesses.
- Fellow bloggers who have taught me about living a fuller life.
- Readers of this blog who have supported and encouraged me in my journey.
Amen! I give thanks to treatments for mental illnesses as well!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, thanks for your comment. I think we are blessed to have so much available nowadays.
DeletePerhaps the most under-recognized medical advancement of the past 100 years.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't thought of it that way, Keith, but you're right-- there have been lots of advances.
DeleteI'm thankful for you, Tina, and those like you, who share your personal journeys and help others along the way.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet. That is such a kind thing to say! :-)
DeleteI thank you, Tina, for your thought-provoking posts that benefit so many of us!
ReplyDeleteI've had so much help along the way that it's hard to boil it down, but here are just a few: Al-Anon, for helping me break my addiction to relationships with alcoholics; Harriet, my first therapist, who helped me leave an abusive marriage; the TERRAP program for anxiety (and Marilyn, the brilliant therapist who guided me on that journey); my daughter Rebekah, who showed me how much love I had inside of me and whose short life changed the trajectory of mine; the higher power that continues to guide me; and Julia Cameron, who opened me to the creative life and helped me recover my curiosity and sense of adventure.
Nadine, thank you. I love your list and the way you name those who have helped you along the way.
DeleteYes, I'm thankful for medications, when people are in a place to need them.
ReplyDeleteLisa, yes, they're good to have when needed. And other treatments, as well.
DeleteI'm also thankful for many similar things as you, Tina. I'm grateful for my psychiatrist, both my psychologists, my primary care doc who is extremely kind and understanding, and even my dermatologist who was kind and compassionate about the CSP. I'm also grateful for researchers, the companies that make my medication, and the people who have participated in research as subjects, so that the medical community could learn from them.
ReplyDeleteI love your list, Sunny. We have a lot to be thankful for in this area! :-)
DeleteOh me Oh My! I can't even believe how stubborn I was in the beginning of my illness, somthing I knew was wrong, and when it came that I could no longer care for it myself I refused the help of good medicine and treatment.
ReplyDeleteBut today, where would I be with out it?
I'm so thankful for it -it is a gift!!
God Bless you Tina!!!
In Him, Deanna
Deanna, I'm thankful, too, that I accepted treatment. Blessings to you, too!
DeleteI, too, am grateful for the wonderful and skilled people who have helped me lead a healthier and happier life.
ReplyDeleteGalen, There are many skilled people out there who have touched my life, too.
DeleteSomething I was thinking about last night...I've been so frustrated lately because I'm not where I want to be, but it wasn't that long ago that I was hoping for my anxiety to be better. And it is. I'm thankful for that. Changing my diet has helped and changing some of my thoughts and perceptions has helped as well...and understanding grace a little better.
ReplyDeleteKristina, I'm so glad your anxiety is better. Sometimes it is a variety of things that makes a difference.
DeleteI am really thankful for the online resources we have now because I do not have current access to a doctor or therapist who treats OCD. I am thankful for you Tina and the other bloggers I have connected with, you all are invaluable to me.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for online resources, too, Krystal Lynn. And I am thankful for you and other bloggers!
DeleteHaving an attitude of gratitude goes a long way, doesn't it? I think in the midst of our turmoil, remembering how good we have it, how far we've come and how many people love us, makes all the difference in the world. Great post, Tina Girl. Have a delicious Thanksgiving!
ReplyDelete