Member-only story

Mother's Harrowing Journey to Rescue Her Son from the Grip of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Davion Powell

·3.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Stolen Child: A Mother S Journey To Rescue Her Son From Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

5 min read

811 View Claps

42 Respond

Save

Listen

Stolen Child: A Mother's Journey to Rescue Her Son from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

by Laurie Gough

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	698 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	176 pages

As a mother, my heart swelled with love and pride as I watched my son take his first steps, utter his first words, and embark on a thousand childhood adventures. But as he grew older, a shadow began to creep over my joy, a dark cloud that threatened to consume him whole.

It started with small, seemingly harmless rituals: repeatedly checking the stove, washing his hands until they were raw, and avoiding social situations where he might be "contaminated." At first, I dismissed it as a phase, a quirk that would soon pass. But as the behaviors escalated, so did my concern.

My son, once a vibrant and carefree child, was now trapped in a prison of his own making. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) had taken hold, its relentless grip tearing at the fabric of his life.

I watched helplessly as my son withdrew from the world, his once-bright smile replaced by a haunted expression. He couldn't concentrate in school, his friendships withered away, and his dreams seemed to slip further out of reach.

The anguish I felt was unbearable. I knew I had to fight for my son, no matter the cost. I sought out countless doctors, therapists, and support groups, desperate for any glimmer of hope.

The journey was long and arduous. Therapy sessions left him exhausted and drained. Medications provided some relief, but their side effects were often intolerable. Through it all, I stood steadfastly by his side, a constant reminder that he was not alone in this battle.

Slowly but surely, we began to chip away at the monster that had taken hold of my son. With each small victory, no matter how insignificant it may have seemed, a flicker of hope ignited within him.

He learned coping mechanisms to manage his obsessions and compulsions. He found support in a group of peers who understood his struggles. And most importantly, he rediscovered his own inner strength.

The path to recovery was not without its setbacks. Relapses were inevitable, but we refused to give up. With each obstacle we encountered, we grew stronger and more determined.

Today, I am filled with immense gratitude as I look at my son. He is a thriving young man, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. OCD no longer defines him. He has learned to embrace his challenges and has found purpose in helping others who are struggling with mental illness.

My journey as a mother has been one of both heartache and triumph. I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of mental illness, but I have also seen the transformative power of love, support, and perseverance.

To all the parents out there who are struggling with a child's mental health, know that you are not alone. There is hope. Fight for your child with every ounce of your being, and never give up on their dreams.

Together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental illness and create a world where our children can thrive.

A Mother And Son Embrace, Smiling And Laughing. Stolen Child: A Mother S Journey To Rescue Her Son From Obsessive Compulsive Disorder