OCD Awareness week 11-17th October 2015

Since suffering with, and recovering from, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, raising awareness of what OCD actually is means a lot to me.

'OCD' is often misunderstood, misused and misquoted. It is often used as an adjective to describe cleanliness or organised quirks. In actually it is an Anxiety Disorder, a noun, and a serious mental health condition.

Here are some links describing what OCD is and is not:

That's OCD - by OCD UK

My own article/experience of OCD- 'The Doubting Disease'

17 Things people don't understand about OCD by Buzzfeed.com

OCD Action - Know more about OCD

MIND - What is OCD?

NHS Choices - OCD

And for those who do suffer with OCD, I encourage you to seek help because specialised treatment is available and helped me so much.

Finding vegan perfume and skin care

Despite being a vegan for many years I did not realise until recently that perfume wasn't vegan. :( :( :(

Not only do many companies still test on animals (which is a cosmetics-wide issue), but certain perfume ingredients come from animals themselves (unless certified vegan or synthetic).

'Musk' comes from deer, 'civet' comes from civet cats, 'castoreum' comes from beavers and 'ambergris' comes from sperm whales. No thank you.

It can also be hard to ascertain, without certification, if the ingredients or products have been tested on animals during manufacturing and trial.

For me, cosmetics and beauty products can only be truly beautiful if animals haven't been involved or harmed in any way. It's great that products that have the Leaping Bunny symbol are guarenteed cruelty-free.

What is The Leaping Bunny?

"The Leaping Bunny is the only internationally-recognised certification for cosmetics, personal care and household product brands which are not tested on animals.  We audit their entire supply-chain monitoring system to check companies meet our strict criteria." (Cruelty Free International)

Thanks to Marks and Spencer being certified as cruelty-free by Cruelty-Free International, their own brand perfumes are vegan and not tested on animals. I have found my pretty perfume at last with Rosie for Autograph fragrance from Mark and Spencer (link below) :) :) :)

Another store certified by Cruelty-Free International is Superdrug, which has now become my go-to for vegan skincare!







Links

Rosie for Autograph fragrance

Superdrug Own Brand

Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny products

Perfume sources/ingredients from animal lists

Wikipedia
Peta 

'The doubting disease'

Learning more about OCD and increasing my awareness of it has helped me to recognise it, treat it (ongoing) and to some extent, control it. I have also felt less alone, reading about symptoms and stories that other OCD sufferers share. So I felt it would be helpful to others if I shared a bit more about OCD, or my form of OCD.

What is OCD?

"OCD is a clinically recognised disorder which affects around 1-2% of the population. It is debilitating and paralysing. People with OCD experience intensely negative, repetitive and intrusive thoughts, combined with a chronic feeling of doubt or danger (obsessions). In order to quell the thought or quieten the anxiety, they will often repeat an action, again and again (compulsions)." (OCD Action)

There are four main types of OCD: Checking, Contamination/Mental Contamination, Hoarding and Ruminations/Intrusive Thoughts (OCD UK: Types of OCD). There are sub-types within these, some types outside these and also some types that are a mixture of them. However, learning which of the main types you have can help with assessment and treatment. My version is a combination of the doubt/checking and contamination types. Another OCD sufferer may not have any of the symptoms I have. There is a helpful TED video on what OCD is (and isn't) which I have put in the links below.

My OCD checking has ranged from: windows, doors, locks and plugs... to my own written words or shopping receipts. My OCD contamination fears have led to me: avoiding door handles, excessively handwashing, washing kitchenware or rejecting food or drink if I fear it has been 'contaminated' with germs in any way.

'The doubting disease'

"Doubt is another characteristic of the OCD sufferer – the French once called OCD ‘la folie de doute’ which translates to ‘the doubting disease’." (OCD UK)

This phrase resonated with me as it described exactly what I felt I had. What my 'invisible illness' was/is. Examples of my OCD doubt, which leads to Anxiety or checking, include: 'Did I lock the door properly?'/'Did that piece of rubbish actually go in the bin?'. Basically my brain questions or looks for reassurance: 'How can I be sure I did/didn't do that?' (which is exhausting).

Causes
No definite cause has yet been found for OCD. Brain imaging and brain research has found that there are differences in some brains of OCD sufferers, including an imbalance of serotonin. But it is not known whether this is a cause or effect of OCD. Genetics and life events may also be a factor.

Treatment
There are different levels of severity for OCD. Some milder forms can be treated with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). More severe forms are treated with both this therapy and medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (more info on NHS choices). Personally I have found both these treatments effective in treating my type/level of OCD.

The NHS Choices website and OCD charity websites (all below) have helpful further information.

Further Resources

Debunking the myths of OCD TED video

OCD UK

OCD Action

 

Vegan skincare range from Superdrug

I am really pleased that Superdrug's latest make-up and skin care range is certified Cruelty-Free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Very few brands can claim the same.

The nail varnish and eye shadow I have are gorgeous colours and the skincare range (I've tried the BB cream and moisturizer) feels gentle on your skin.

The whole range is really affordable for vegan-friendly cosmetics.

B. is for Beautiful website

Pets and mental health

Last week it was Mental Health Awareness Week which I have written about here and this week it's National Vegetarian Week which, as long-time vegan I obviously support. Animals are amazing creatures and companions for humans. Furthermore, recently I have read more and more about how pets help owners who suffer from mental heath problems and as my cat is such a comfort to me, I wanted to dedicate this post to all pets like her.

The Mental Health Foundation has a section dedicated to how having a pet can help with different areas of mental health. HuffPost lists 12 ways in which your pet can help your mental health. Dale Partridge, of The Daily Positive, has written on his website about how dogs can help owners with depression. If dogs particularly help those fighting depression, cats can help those suffering from anxiety. The Mental Health Foundation writes that cats: 'provide a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation for their owners and help reduce anxiety and stress'.

Both cats and dogs live in the moment, encouraging mindfullness in the owner. They help shift the focus from worrying about something/problems to caring for or playing with the animal (even if only for a few minutes). Having to walk and feed the dog or cat can create a routine or structure which is helpful for those struggling with depression. Animals can be a constant presence if you are feeling lonely indoors. Stroking or cuddling your cat or dog reduces the stress hormones in your body, easing anxiety. Their unconditional love is reassuring and their happiness when playing is often contagious.

When I first got my kitten, my OCD was getting worse. As a result, I would obsess over her safety, checking the flat over and over and over again to make sure she was ok. I would also worry excessively about germ issues. So it wasn't easy. But when I spent a lot of time indoors, and in one room even, due to my anxiety disorders, my cat was always with me. I believe they can sense when humans are upset and keep close by to comfort them. When they sleep near you, they radiate such calm. When I play with or feed my cat it can help pull me out of negative or reoccuring thought cycles. Sometimes I can't explain how she helps me other than that she makes me smile. And isn't that reason enough when you don't feel mentally well?

Pets need a lot of care, they are expensive to look after and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly. However, the sum of positive things they can bring to your life is invaluable.

Some children with learning difficulties or autism have been known to talk to their pets when they don't communicate well with other humans. When there is nothing but simple affection and no judgement on the other side, I can see how pets promote healing and happiness in their owners.

Therapy Cat

When there is panic inside my head,

You are calm, curled up on my bed.

When thoughts unpredictable alter my mood,

You are like clockwork asking for food.

When things seem difficult to do that day,

You bring me a toy so I have to play.

When I sit overwhelmed by thoughts,

You sit with me, just because.

A poem by LJ.

For more info:

National Vegetarian Week

Mental Health Awareness Week

The Mental Health Foundation

Mental Health Awareness Week

I'm no stranger to physical health and fitness posts (:D), but because it is Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11-17) and because I have learnt a lot about it recently, I am dedicating this post to mental health.

Despite much progress in our modern age, many mental health disorders are misunderstood or discussed openly. OCD in particular is often referenced as a funny quirk or used as an adjective when the actual disorder is a serious mental health condition.

My recent experience of Anxiety and OCD affected me greatly. The OCD made my head feel like a constant battleground of doubt, whilst the Anxiety left me physically exhausted. I found myself staying at home as much as possible to avoid anything that might cause me to worry.

NHS Choices states that Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is 'a common condition estimated to affect about 1 in every 25 people in the UK'. This type of anxiety is a constant feeling, not being able to control the worrying, that can affect day to day life. OCD UK states that Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 'is a serious anxiety-related condition...The illness affects as many as 12 in every 1000 people (1.2% of the population) from young children to adults, regardless of gender or social or cultural background'. OCD is a condition wherein a person experiences obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour.

I have a moderate form of OCD that is based around doubt and checking. It also includes fear of making a mistake and fear of germs/contamination. It is an anxiety disorder, so my Anxiety is both a contribution to and a result of OCD.

Finding that a condition description matched my symptoms was a relief to me and put me on the path to getting the right treatment. The NHS helped me with each step of this. There are also charities dedicated to helping people with these specific conditions, which I have listed below. Personally, I have responded well to my medication (SSRIs) and therapy (CBT) and my day to day life is getting back on track.

When it comes to mental health problems, thoughts and feelings, it can be hard to describe them to anyone or even be sure if they are an actual problem. However, if you suspect something is wrong yourself, your friends have noticed your behaviour or someone has encouraged you to see a doctor or professional, then don't be afraid to express yourself. I kept trying not to cry when telling the doctor that I believed I had OCD and I cried afterwards, but after a few months of effective treatment, I am so happy that I did. 


Links and references:

Mental Health Awareness Week 

NHS Choices

Mind 

OCD UK

OCD Action

Anxiety UK

Vegan chocolate milkshake and brownies...

I was excited to finally get my copy of Deliciously Ella's cookbook, after following her recipes online. The book focuses on whole foods and plant-based nourishment rather than veganism, but all recipes are vegan.

Deliciously Ella Cookbook

Having a sweet tooth, the first two things I had to try were the raw brownies and the mint chocolate milkshake. (For both I used cocoa powder rather than raw cacao powder.)

Raw brownie

Mint chocolate milkshake

Both were easy to make (no cooking only mixing/blending) and really tasty – they don't taste 'vegan' at all, but naturally indulgent as well as wholesome :)

A link to Delciously Ella's blog, recipes and book is here!