Prayer Request

[BeccaLynn]

I would like to request prayer on behalf of my mother, Velma. She was admitted to a mental health facility recently. She struggled terribly since the age of 10 with "ocdish" thoughts and depression, underwent shock treatments in her 20's because it became so bad, and did much better. She wasn't diagnosed with ocd and not much was known about it at that time. She gives the credit for getting well to God. Nothing works right without Him anyway. She has been under a tremendous amount of mental stress for a long time now, and has slipped back into despair. The thoughts that she was just able to give the boot to for many years are now back with a vengeance, causing her to feel as if she has blaphemed and is unforgiven. No professional has mentioned ERP therapy or anything to my knowledge, just pretty much medicine now and shock treatments as a last resort. She desperately needs God's intervention on her behalf. She is a very strong Christian, but the illness tells her she is a spiritual failure. Many of you all know how that feels. I would appreciate your prayers on her behalf and thank you.

Rebecca

 

[seajoy]

for your mom.

 

[kicker]

Hey rebecca, so sorry about your mom. I'm praying for you and her both. Take care.

Praying

James

 

[picassoui]

me too prayers for youre mother

 

[gracealone]

Oh Becca, that's so hard! It sure sounds as if she has classic religious OCD. I don't know how old she is but one reason for a flare of the disorder can be flucuating hormones during menopause. I will pray for her, most especially that she can get the proper therapy and medications to get her past this difficult time.
Don't be afraid to speak as an advocate on her behalf. It's your right to do so.
If you speak to her please tell her that we all understand her pain and that she is in our prayers.
Mitzi

 

[BeccaLynn]

Thanks for everyone's prayers. Mitzi, I've told my mom about this website because it has been such a tremendous help to me. She is in her early 60's. Like you said, I have been concerned that her hormones have contributed to this setback as well as the stress that she's been under. I've actually been worried about myself in this some. I don't struggle with the "blasphemous" thoughts that I used to, but in seeing how much she is battling after many years of doing so much better, I've been concerned about hormone changes with me and what will happen. I don't want to make this about me, but it has popped into my head on more than one occasion. I appreciate everyone's compassion. It means a lot.

Love,
Rebecca

 

[kaykay9.0]

Praying for your mother, Becca. Yes, I remember you posting previously about your mother. Hopefully, she will get the kind of treatment she needs. I know that certain things can trigger an "OCD tailspin" when you have had many years of victory in an area. I've had this occur myself. I think this may just be the nature of OCD, not necessarily hormone related, though it could be. (I don't think hormonal changes help, but I think there is more to it than that.) I think the more understanding you have about OCD, the less likely it is for it to get a stronghold again. Is there any way she can possibly speak to someone who has treated OCD and especially religious OCD before? Does you mom even acknowledge that she has OCD? Or does she just think she has a spiritual problem?

 

[Ariel]

Becca, I am praying for your mom, too.

 

[RachelZ]

Hi Rebecca...so sorry you and your mum are going through this...especially with all your working through with your son. I wouldn't wish OCD on anyone but she is fortunate to have a daughter who understand so well what she is going through! Please God may she get the proper diagnosis, treatment and care that she needs. I can understand how her relapse would make you feel anxious...I think as has been said though that you have the advantage of knowing about how OCD works and about ERP. I pray you will feel peace in all this and please do pm or post if you need any support cos you matter just as much as your mum and need looking after too...take care, Rachel

 

[gracealone]

HI Rebecca,
The key word is contribute. OCD is almost always affected by any increase in stressors whether they are physical illnesses or emotional stressors.
That's why the hormonal flucuations after a pregnancy will often trigger episodes too. These things contribute to or sometimes bring out the disorder that may have been dormant for awhile.
For me my flucuating hormones have definitely caused my OCD to flare up. But now.. I expect it. I know that could happen again in the future but I'm not going to live constantly obsessing or worrying that it might. Or trying to reassure myself that it won't. In fact I even tell myself that it probably will. I live with and accept the uncertainty of this possibility. If it does happen then I'll deal with it at that time by using everything I've learned about ERP and medications.
For a long while one of my constant OCD obsessions was that I would become quite debilitated by my OCD again. The more I tried to reassure myself about this the worse I felt. Classic OCD cycle. Duh! Mitzi!
I just had to let go and accept the uncertainty about this obsession in the same way I've had to accept the uncertainty about all my other multifacted obsessions.
Try to let it go kiddo. You'll feel much better if you do.
Still praying for your precious Mom.
Mitzi

Thanks for everyone's prayers. Mitzi, I've told my mom about this website because it has been such a tremendous help to me. She is in her early 60's. Like you said, I have been concerned that her hormones have contributed to this setback as well as the stress that she's been under. I've actually been worried about myself in this some. I don't struggle with the "blasphemous" thoughts that I used to, but in seeing how much she is battling after many years of doing so much better, I've been concerned about hormone changes with me and what will happen. I don't want to make this about me, but it has popped into my head on more than one occasion. I appreciate everyone's compassion. It means a lot.

Love,
Rebecca

 

[BeccaLynn]

Thanks Kay and Mitzi for your wise words and kindness. Ariel and Rachel, your compassion means a lot. I've not been overly stressed it seems, but things hit me more in the wee morning hours when it's still dark and I can't go back to sleep. I've been taking allergy medicine, which helps me to sleep as well, so that's been good for me so I won't wake up worrying. My mom was released today. She ministered to people and spread a lot of love while she was in the hospital. Of course, she is just a loving person. When she was first admitted, she was so fragile looking and quiet. She was actually suicidal, so I'm thankful that she was open to her minister's counsel to be admitted. It was REALLY bad when she was younger also. Your continued prayers will be coveted. She is still thinking about shock treatments, which actually concern me. But, I'm praying that what is best for her is what will happen. Thanks again to everyone!

Love,
Rebecca

 

[seajoy]

I've had 9 shock treatments...24yrs ago. They helped a little. Don't be surprised if your mom doesn't remember some things at first. She may have a bit of a headache too. Glad she was able to go home.

 

[gracealone]

Would you please tell your Mom that we are praying for her, that we love her, that she's not alone and she never will be?
I'm so thankful that she has you to love and support her during this time.
Praying for you too,
Mitzi

Thanks Kay and Mitzi for your wise words and kindness. Ariel and Rachel, your compassion means a lot. I've not been overly stressed it seems, but things hit me more in the wee morning hours when it's still dark and I can't go back to sleep. I've been taking allergy medicine, which helps me to sleep as well, so that's been good for me so I won't wake up worrying. My mom was released today. She ministered to people and spread a lot of love while she was in the hospital. Of course, she is just a loving person. When she was first admitted, she was so fragile looking and quiet. She was actually suicidal, so I'm thankful that she was open to her minister's counsel to be admitted. It was REALLY bad when she was younger also. Your continued prayers will be coveted. She is still thinking about shock treatments, which actually concern me. But, I'm praying that what is best for her is what will happen. Thanks again to everyone!

Love,
Rebecca

 

[Yuki Usagi]

Count me in for praying for you both, too, Becca. Hope she is getting better. Please keep us posted. Thanks.

 

[BeccaLynn]

I would love to show my mom how people have responded to my request and how compassionate everyone has been. I think I will try to get her to come over and see for herself. Since she's been unable to work, she doesn't have as easy access to a computer. Everyone's outpouring of love and encouragement has been evidence of one way God ministers His love through others. Seajoy, it really helps me to know you've received shock treatments before. My mom did do much better after receiving them the first time years ago, but it has scared me because doctors recommend it as the last resort. In my mind, I'm thinking there must be a reason why that is so. If that is the way God is going to use to help her, then I'm trusting Him with the outcome as well. She is His and He is going to take care of her. Thanks and love to you all.

Rebecca

 

[Ariel]

Praying, praying, praying