series on OCD for Channel Five

[claire levy]

Hi

I’m working on a new TV project and I’m hoping you might be able to offer me some help.

The company I work for has just produced a programme of real-life stories for Channel 5, one of which featured the story of a lady who suffers from ritualistic OCD. Through our research for the programme we made contact with a number of OCD sufferers and have since been asked by the Channel to look at making a series about OCD. We are developing an idea based around CBT therapy and possible cure of OCD’s involving intensive therapy with an expert.

We are in the very early stages of development with the idea, and I’m very interested in talking to people who deal with different forms of OCD with a view to understanding how their lives are affected on a daily basis. Ideally I’d like to have a chat over the phone to find out more. All information, would of course be confidential and there would be no further obligation at this stage.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this and look forward to hearing from you.


Claire



Claire Levy

Associate Producer, Development

Whizzkid Entertainment
4 Kingly Street | London | W1B 5PE
Direct Line: 020 74402569
Mobile : 07970912767

[GILL8]

Hi Clare

I'm 57 and have had anxiety since I was 21. I have been part of a family
business started by my father for 35 years. For some time it was my
husband, dad and brother running it, but in 1994 a big family split and
my brother was no longer part of it (big stress, brother started business
against us). Also at that time there was illness in the family and that
is when my OCD linked with fear of death/checking for signs of illness
over the body, really took a hold. It did reduce a little but after 2003
when my mum died, my dad, who had always been my total rock in
times of marital problems (during the family business split) and throughout
my life, got Parkinsons. My mum had had agrophobia for 25 years and
had stayed in her bedroom for the last two years of her life. My dad
was devoted to her and when she died, he 'died' too. Unfortunately,
the man who was so strong and ran the busines (and supported me)
became just a weak old man who I had to look after whilst trying to
help run the business. There was also great stress at the business etc.,
(insolvency up and down) but the greatest heartbreak for me was seeing my
dad who had been the person who could do no wrong, deteriorate.
Last July I went to see him and found him dead. At the time, it was
okay but months later my OCD/Health Anxiety has increased. To be honest
all the time I was looking after him it was increasing. I gradullay just
became to live in fear of finding something 'wrong' with me. There were
certain parts of my body I had to check and this would increase like a ritual
if I was going away on holiday. When my friend contracted the 'illness'
(can't say it) in a certain place, I now have had to check this on a regular
basis. I cannot go away for longer than perhaps a week (not too far) because I have to check and don't want to do it when I am away. I am really working on this. I have been to the GP who says not more than once a month, but nfortunately this doesn't always work. Even if it works with that place, I've a long standing problem with another part of my body which I get checked every three months, can't do it myself. But with all of this checking, I can check it, thinking it's okay and then a few hours later I just think, perhaps I haven't done it properly and it's a battle not to want to do it again.
Sometimes it wins, sometimes it doesn't. Looking back, although I've
had all the panic attacks, lot of different anxiety problems, this one has
now controlled my life since probably 1994. I am very often depressed although when I am at my place of work I am the joker, messing about. If
anyone knew what I was really like underneath. I live in fear of dying most
of the time and the person who I really am has not been in evidence for
a very long time. Probably my husband is the only person who sees what I
am. Unfortunately, because we have had our problems in the past, I can't
even feel comfortable with him although he tries to lift me. As I said, when
my dad died, I think I lost my only 'friend'.

I did read the book by Jeffrey Shchwarz on OCD which I found really
helpful. I read it often and at least it makes me feel not quite so alone.

I have my daughter's wedding this weekend (second marriage and up
north and has been very stressful). Wouldn't it have been nice to say I
am looking forward to it, but no, I am dreading it and already the
'compulsions' are building up in the 'places'. I just hope I can control
them.

I had 'half' a course of CBT in l994 but my therapist went to Australia
half way through! I asked my GP if I could have another but she said
as I'd had some it wouldn't do any good. However, I've been told
recently that CBT techniques have improved since 1994.

I know that I am far luckier than some poor people who cannot even
go out of the door, but I am just so sad that I can't look forward to
anything in my life anymore without feeling so much fear of what
the compulsions and checking will do. I live 'half' a life. When I am at
work (I go there more than I have to) I am half normal but as soon as
I am at home that's it, I think and then it all begins again.

I do hope that the programme will help people. OCD and for that matter
mental illness is still a stigma to so many people yet so many suffer.

Gill Rayfield