HELP! OCD & DEPRESSION

[Raisin1694]

I just recently had a baby, well 3 months ago and I have suffered from major OCD since I quit smoking and pot 3 years ago (i never had ocd until i quit everythig). My OCD is an obcession with cleanliness, it gets really bad sometimes I feel like I am ok and I just have to stop the thoughts but others it just really drives me nuts. I will not touch door handles, sit on public toilets, when something is washed it's overly washed. I could list more but I won't:p
I just don't know what to do, te OCD has led to depression because I cannot handle to live like this, with a new baby and living with my boyfriend it just seems like its gotta worse because although he had OCD too not about cleaniliess but with counting. His is not all the time it's gotten a lot better, it just stresses me out so much that I'm yelling at him all the time because he's so fidgety and hyper, were the complete opposite that it drives me nuts. I know that I need to be on some kind of medication, (OCD runs in the family) (been on medication for depression in the past) but I just feel out of control with medication even though I'm not im control of the OCD. I dunno what do to, any advice please?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
I can understand the strain on you, especially since you have a 3 month old baby to look after. If OCD runs in family and your boyfriend to has OCD and you have had depression in past, then it is likely that you now suffering from OCD. OCD is an anxiety disorder and can be effectively treated with medication, behavioral therapy (BT), and/or electroconvulsive therapy.
Anxiety disorders like OCD usually start due to a traumatic experience, overwhelming stress and strain, broken homes, poor relationships, due to phobias, anxiety about health or it can also be a general anxiety disorder. Often anxiety is associated with depression. Hence it is important to find the cause of your anxiety through successful counseling sessions. Then BT like exposure and response prevention (ERP) is administered (for example in your case the exposure is a thought that door knob is contaminated. In  OCD your response will be to wash hands, but through ERP you will be taught to avoid washing). Along with ERP medications are prescribed. Usually, Benzodiazepines are used for immediate relief and SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are used for long term relief.
Just like you have reached out to the forum for help (and kudos to you for that), both you and your partner need to consult a psychiatrist for complete evaluation and treatment. In your case, post natal depression should also be investigated. You both may need BT as a combined therapy and counseling to better handle your relationship and parenthood.

I sincerely hope you will find this information useful in your journey towards better health.

Hope you get well soon and you both enjoy your bundle of joy! Good Luck and take care!

[Raisin1694]

Thank you so much for your reply, very helpful and I will seek out the proper treatment:)