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Ocd

i'm K***, i have had this problem for nearly a year now and it just continues to get worst. it all started when i was having problems at home(this is better now) and when my best friends decided i wasn't cool enough for them anymore:( i developed a wierd fear of lines and cracks on the floor. every line i will not touch because i think that harm will come to some of my close friends. i know that the thoughts are not right but they won't go away i have recently been referred to camhs but have to wait another few months for some stuff. The thing is though the avoiding the lines takes up nearly 24 hours of the day as i am constantly stepping over them. it really is affecting everything and resulted in me giving up netball- of which i love to play i had played it since i was 6 and it broke my heart that i had to gove it up as the thoughts were too strong. also due to the many lines in the school canteine i am now to scared to go in there resulting me skipping lunch(no one knows about this as they would think i am even crazier than they already tnink!) people have noticed me missing lines and some make fun of me - the teachers too do not understand and just think i am attention seeking :( so i diont kniow what to do anymore it has just take over my life....
Ask Sam

Sam

Hi there,

Thanks for your letter. I’m really glad you decided to get in touch with me. Lots of people develop these kinds of thoughts and behaviours when things get stressful but it sounds like yours are starting to have a massive impact on your life.

The good news is that usually this kind of thing is pretty treatable and wanting your life to change is a really good place to start. You will need to be brave and determined and ready to try some new things, but it sounds like you want your life to be different.

Its great that you have a CAMHS appointment but there is definitely some stuff that you could have a look at in the meantime.

A good place to start is Young Minds. If you look at the info they have on OCD you might find some things you can relate to and that are helpful for you. I can’t say whether you have OCD – you’d need a doctor for that – but it could be helpful for you anyway. We also have more information about mental health problems on Childline. Lastly, this page on the NHS Scotland’s moodjuice site might be worth a look. Its got some good ideas for practical things you could do.

I really hope this helps, but don’t forget you can talk to one of our counsellors here at any time, either by 0800 1111, logging on for a 1-2-1 chat or sending an email. It might be worth posting on the message boards too in case there is someone else in a similar situation

Take care,
Sam

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