Accepted Solutions
"No one wants to talk about mental illness so it can be very lonely." I know exactly what you mean @Ollie-Finches! Who cares for the carers!?
Being a typical bloke I learned the hard way what can happen if you don't put yourself first (a nervous breakdown 
). When things go into crisis mode the typical response of most parents is to put their own needs to the side so that can be there for their kids. A good analogy I learned recently is what you are told to do during a pre-flight announcement: put YOUR mask on first BEFORE your child. Initially it just seems selfish but in an emergency you are no good to anyone if your unconscious or dead.
The analogy to mental health and parenting is that the best parent you can be to your child is a mentally healthy one! Put yourself first! If you are feeling lonely talk to friends, family, counsellors, or even ReachOut! It does not have to be about your son, be selfish, tell the people that care how you're feeling! Honestly, it sounds like your son is on the journey to recovery and you are doing everything you can to help him. But i know that journey is like the proverbial "3 steps forward 1 step back"; good days/bad days... so tiring!!
My guess is that you have been asked by the "professionals" more than once "...and how are you going?" It is ok to say you're not ok. If I am wrong, my apologies. If I am right I hope that you maybe take stock and maybe take some time for yourself. You definitely deserve me time (or we time with hubby!)
Once again thank you so much for sharing your story, it takes bravery to be so open and honest about family mental illness. 
Whether you know it or not sharing your story helps others!
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Pleased to hear that a year on things are improving.
I don't have any advice to offer on this topic - I just wanted to say thanks for sharing and good luck
All the best
Hi there @Ollie-Finches and thanks for sharing your story
It seems like you are definitely heading in the right direction if things are improving. I would like to know how YOU got through it and are managing it!? Is there an inspirational story hiding in there that could inspire others who aren't as far along on their journey with caring for someone with an anxiety disorder? Like you said it's a "tough road" and obviously you have what it takes to see it through. Bravo!
I don't have any personal experience with OCD but my son (16) has suffered from anxiety attacks. He also suffers from depression and is now on medication which has helped. And like you it took a long time before he got the type of help he needed! Before the medication I could see when the anxiety was starting to kick in, he would become fidgety and would tap away with his foot. He's also seeing a psychologist who is using mindfulness techniques to treat his depression and things are improving. I remind him all the time that we'll get through this together and that I love him.
I did have a read of the OCD Fact Sheet from the ReachOut site for under 25. The most common treatment is cognitive behaviour therapy CBT. Is this your son's treatment? If so how do you think he's going with it?
Once again thank you for sharing and hang in there, you are doing a great job!
"No one wants to talk about mental illness so it can be very lonely." I know exactly what you mean @Ollie-Finches! Who cares for the carers!?
Being a typical bloke I learned the hard way what can happen if you don't put yourself first (a nervous breakdown ). When things go into crisis mode the typical response of most parents is to put their own needs to the side so that can be there for their kids. A good analogy I learned recently is what you are told to do during a pre-flight announcement: put YOUR mask on first BEFORE your child. Initially it just seems selfish but in an emergency you are no good to anyone if your unconscious or dead.
The analogy to mental health and parenting is that the best parent you can be to your child is a mentally healthy one! Put yourself first! If you are feeling lonely talk to friends, family, counsellors, or even ReachOut! It does not have to be about your son, be selfish, tell the people that care how you're feeling! Honestly, it sounds like your son is on the journey to recovery and you are doing everything you can to help him. But i know that journey is like the proverbial "3 steps forward 1 step back"; good days/bad days... so tiring!!
My guess is that you have been asked by the "professionals" more than once "...and how are you going?" It is ok to say you're not ok. If I am wrong, my apologies. If I am right I hope that you maybe take stock and maybe take some time for yourself. You definitely deserve me time (or we time with hubby!)
Once again thank you so much for sharing your story, it takes bravery to be so open and honest about family mental illness. Whether you know it or not sharing your story helps others!
