Looking for support/feedback

[poet]

Hey ladies, This is my 1st time posting on this board although I am a long time member of FT. Briefly, my 9 yr. old dd has recently been dx'd with OCD/Gen. Anxiety Disorder. My happy go lucky, beautiful, bright child is now tormented by intrusive thoughts, is fearful, sad, overwhelmed, the list goes on. She is seeing a therapist & psychiatrist. I know it will get worse before it gets better. I am a trained therapist (have not worked in the field for almost 10 yrs. now), but this is not a patient, this is my daughter & I feel powerless & overwhelmed. Just looking for a place to vent & some support Thanks for letting me get this out. Hope you are all managing to get thru your journey today, whatever that may be.

poet

[JoanneNY]

Hi Poet - welcome to the board though I'm sorry it's because you're so worried about your DD. Do the doctors have any idea what caused the onset of the issues? I know it's all so overwhelming when you first receive an official "diagnosis".
It's hard right now, but try to hold on to the fact that even though she may not be her usual happy self these days she's still a beautiful, bright little girl who will get the other piece back eventually. I know it hurts to see our little ones hurt.
What is the course of treatment they recommend? You mentioned that she is seeing a therapist and a psychiatrist which I'm sure will be very helpful - though you're right that it may get harder before it's better. Hang in there and come here for support any time you need.

I'm thinking of you! s

[Adrienne]

Glad you posted over here. This bb is a bit slower--probably because everyone is busy dealing with challenges--so give them a bit to get back to you.

I did wonder if she has had a complete physical recently.

[mdvmd]

it's so hard to watch our littles struggle with these challenges, isn't it? i agree, the board is sometimes slow but VERY informative and supportive. good luck!

[JoanneNY]

How's it going this week, poet?

[poet]

Thanks for the replies ladies. We have started meds & continue to see a therapist weekly. I am trying to take it one day at a time. They all feel she will improve with a combo of meds & treatment, so I will remain hopeful that she will get thru this. It is difficult to watch your child struggle thru anything & this has certainly tested all of us. Thankfully her anxiety has not stopped her from going to school daily & continuing to get fabulous grades. Nor has it stopped her from participating in two sports (I remind her that exercise is good for reducing anxiety). We are trying to minimize stress as much as possible & just help her with the treatment strategies. So yes, this week has been a bit better than last week & I am so grateful for that. Thank you again for letting me vent & offering support. I will try to check in when I can.

poet

[JoanneNY]

Poet, I'm so glad that things are looking brighter this week. It sounds like you are really looking at a whole treatment plan by trying the meds combined with therapy. And you're so right about the exercise relieves stress thing- something I need to remember for myself !
Keep us updated as you navigate this new journey.

[BC-MAV]

I just saw your post. I am glad you have a diagnosis... think it makes it all the easier to treat when you know what you are dealing with. Sounds like your DD is doing well ~ just remind yourself of all the good stuff like her grades, participation in sports, going to school, etc....