“ I Hate it. I’ve started to avoid social contact with classmates because I have a staring problem. Every time I sit next to someone and their face comes into my field of vision…It attracts my attention. When I try to avoid staring by looking in another direction, it gets worse.”
–OCD Sufferer
As you can imagine, it is not easy living with OCD. For teenagers, it can be especially difficult because of the social stigma that often comes with having a mental illness.
Can you think of anything worse for a teenager than standing out and being considered “weird?” Unfortunately, many teens suffering from OCD feel like they are alone and that no one understands what they are going through.
But there is hope.
Exposure therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for OCD in both children and adults. In exposure therapy, patients are gradually exposed to their fears or obsessions in a safe and controlled environment.
Exposure Therapy helps them learn that their fears are unfounded and that they can cope with them effectively.
If you have a teenager who is struggling with OCD, please don’t hesitate to seek help.
Here are TWO questions that you and your child can consider together.
Once you answer these simple two questions you’ll be well on your way…
Here are those questions:
- Are there any specific fears or worries that you have about exposing yourself to your triggers/obsessions?
- Have you talked to your therapist about any of these concerns or do they recommend just going ahead with the treatment plan as is?
There is no shame in admitting that your child needs assistance and there are many resources available to both you and your child.
With time and patience, exposure therapy can help your teen overcome their OCD and live a happier, healthier life.
For additional resources to help, take a look at the links below.
https://www.today.com/parents/essay/exposure-therapy-ocd-mother-rcna19365