Joe thanks TALKWORKS for helping her manage OCD
Joe* (*name has been changed for anonymity reasons) contacted TALKWORKS after struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) after welcoming her child. In her testimonial below, she shares how TALKWORKS has helped her.
I have self referred to TALKWORKS on three separate occasions and each time I have been met and helped with kindness, understanding and most importantly no judgement. Suffering with OCD can impact your life in so many ways, but TALKWORKS have given me the skills and knowledge to let me control the OCD and not the OCD controlling me. Having recently had a baby, I felt at my most vulnerable and didn't want to admit that my OCD had reared it's head again. I felt nervous and anxious every single day and being a new mum made me even more fragile. TALKWORKS once again came to my rescue and were never critical or judgemental.
I urge anyone and everyone who needs help to ask for it. The biggest step is the first one, after that it only gets easier. I wouldn't be where I am now today without the help I received.
If you are a new or expectant parent who is experiencing anxiety, OCD or increased stress, please know that you are not alone. 1 in 5 women are affected by emotional difficulties during the perinatal period, and help is available. TALKWORKS is a free NHS Talking Therapies service, here to help you get back to feeling like ‘yourself’ again. We are open to adults over the age of 18 living in Devon (excluding Plymouth which is covered by Plymouth Talking Therapies). You can access our service without needing to see a GP by completing our online self-referral form or by calling the team on 0300 555 3344 (our phone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am - 4:45pm).