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Original poster

15 year old breakdown, intrusive thoughts, OCD

53 replies

Mun2 · 18/05/2025 11:16

My DH took everyone out yesterday so I could organise some stuff. He was going to do something fun so I was surprised that my oldest Ds said that he had homework to do.

Not long after they left he came to me the kitchen and basically broke down in tears, he has been having obsessive thoughts, intrusive thoughts, they won’t leave him alone. It’s been going on for 5 months, he hasn’t been happy for one day.
He keeps seeing signs when he is outside. He is over analysing his dreams. He has bitten his nails all the way down and has been pulling out his hair. In school he can’t concentrate and writes all over his hands. He told me he wants me to take him to the Drs he needs tablets to make it stop.

I gave him a cuddle and told him it’s ok, thank you for telling me. Don’t worry. He is in bits. It started with a health anxiety, he thought he was going blind, as I found out that a family member got diagnosed with Ushers syndrome. But he said he’s not thinking about that anymore, now it’s switched onto other stuff.

I found a phone line that he is going to call later on when it opens, I’m going to speak to the GP tomorrow and we have been watching YouTube videos about OCD, intrusive thoughts etc.

How else can I help him?

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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WombatHouse · 22/05/2025 14:39

Funnywonder · 22/05/2025 07:48

I agree with this. It is a really difficult decision to make, to keep your child home from school. My son was still in primary school when things escalated. The school was utterly fantastic. He was allowed to arrive late to avoid the playground crowds. No assembly. No group activities. No PE, which had previously been his favourite part of school, but became a minefield as he was terrified of touching shared equipment and inadvertently clashing with people. Homework was sent home digitally etc. BUT eventually it all got too much for him. I remember cajoling him into school, then sitting outside crying, wondering if I had done the right thing. I started to realise that I was sending my son into his worst nightmare every day and therapy had not given him the tools to cope. So he stayed home and the relief was immense, both for him and me. Of course I worry about his education, but he’s a bright boy and some day he’ll be ready to re engage. He has missed the whole of what would been his first year in secondary school, but has a statement in place for his return. It’s a horrible illness, but very much sufferer led when it comes to recovery.

Show quote history

Yep! Mental health above everything else.

Academic studies can come later. Without good mental health, they won't be learning anyway.

One of my children missed 2 years of school between years 6 and 8. Several years on, they're doing really well academically.

I learnt from the experience of keeping encouraging my eldest into school.

With my youngest, I listened to them and gave them the time they needed.

The eldest had the breakdown they're still recovering from. The youngest didn't and is flying both in and out of school.

YumYumBanana · 23/05/2025 14:38

Thank you for the great advice on here far far better than I have had repeatedly trying via GP route & 2 failed referrals to camhs. They won’t see my DD as she’s autistic & not trying to kill herself yet. It appears self harming & not in school for 18mths isn’t enough… My DD is now on Sertraline prescribed privately but needs more help so I’m following up the links to books on OCD to see if I can help her more.

Original poster
Mun2 · 25/05/2025 18:29

He’s had a few good days. No crying. He has a low mood in the morning but springs up later on. It can go back down but today has been a good day. He finds that when he visits his Nan’s house he feels better. He’s going to stay over there on Tuesday.

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