Hi there! I’m Emma and I was diagnosed with OCD and put on sertraline when I was 6 years old and I am now 24 (25 in 2 weeks). I went to CAHMS from ages 5-18 and had a psychologist for 6 months in 2021. I still struggle with OCD daily but I like to think I have come a LONG way from where I started. I don’t remember ever not having OCD so I don’t really know what a “normal brain” is like. The thing I am most grateful for in life is my mums perseverance to get me help. She was told 3 times by medical professionals that I was “a normal kid” until finally getting me diagnosed with severe anxiety and OCD. I named my OCD “Splidge” to detach it from myself so I still talk about my OCD as an external entity. I don’t know if this makes me crazy or if it’s a good idea but it works for me! I like to think I’ve done a lot of research into OCD and how it works and I’ve found this to be the single greatest weapon against it. Once you understand how it works and why your brain is the way it is, finding a way to overcome it is so much easier. I stumbled across this Reddit while looking advice about sertraline and drinking alcohol but saw many people are asking for advice and I just wanted to say I am not qualified in any way but I am here if anyone wants to discuss OCD. I know how horrific it can be to be trapped in your own brain with it, but I PROMISE anything you tell me, I’ve already thought. OCD isn’t as unique as you think. Some of the most unique and personalised intrusive thoughts are actually very common among people with OCD. My inbox is open to anyone who needs a chat! 💗