OCD and Anxiety patient ‘endlessly grateful’ for time at Rogers more than a decade after residential treatment
10/17/24 12:30:pm
Recently Chris, who received residential treatment for his OCD and anxiety in 2011, reached out through our “Share Your Rogers Experience” form to share how Rogers’ treatment changed the trajectory of his life.
“In short, my time at Rogers was miraculous.
I arrived in the early spring of 2011. At that time, I was on my third year of medical leave from college. While my college dean was very understanding - he had already extended my leave from school twice - I was running out of time to return to school. If I wasn't able to return to campus by that August, I would lose my matriculation. Time was running out, and I needed a miracle.
I had already tried many outpatient treatments, and even had a stay at another facility. My experience was horrendous, so I wasn't sure what to expect at Rogers. My OCD was extremely intense. Prior to arriving, I had been unable to go outside for months at a time, required a hospitalization at one point, was severely underweight as a result of OCD, and was unable to do anything but mostly lie in bed.
Immediately though, I could tell Rogers was different. I had regular contact and discussions with my treatment team. My treatment plan made sense. I spent most of my time working on ERP (exposure and response prevention) to treat my particular OCD habits. Everyone felt well-trained and totally competent, including my social worker and my psychiatrist, Dr. Rossing. The entire staff was warm and engaging, and they genuinely showed interest in connecting with me.
None of this meant it was easy work, though. For the first few months, I was absolutely miserable. I recall having daily phone calls with my mom where I cried relentlessly. I felt like the OCD routines I must complete accumulated every day due to all the exposures, and felt that I wouldn't be happy again until I was able to complete these routines. I became convinced that I wanted to leave Rogers as soon as possible and would try my best to scrub my miserable time from my memory. I stayed though, because I knew I had no other option for getting better.
But then a miracle happened. I recall very clearly the moment I realized that, for the first time in a very long time, that day felt better than the day before. This trend continued into the next day, and the next. I was healing.
Soon I was going outside again. I went to get a haircut and shaved my beard for the first time since I arrived, which was months before. Everyone started noticing the positive changes. Staff that I didn't regularly interact with gave notice and encouragement. This trend continued, and in early August 2011, I had felt like an enormous, oppressive weight that I had carried for years was lifted. I knew I still had work to do, but I could finally breathe again.
I returned to school that August and completed my degree in physics. I went on to study mechanical engineering and received two more degrees. I have worked full time since graduating from school and maintain a very busy schedule. But most importantly, I married my soul mate and we now have two young sons. I am filled with joy and could not be more thankful.
The OCD did not completely leave me though, which is something I was warned about early on. I continue to see a therapist to make sure the OCD doesn't grow, but I've never had to take a medical leave from school or work since Rogers. I live a fulfilling life, and while OCD remains, it is livable and hasn't interfered with the important things in life.
I am endlessly grateful for my time at Rogers, which is where everything turned around for me. Early on in my time at Rogers, I thought I'd be happiest by scrubbing any memories of my stay from my mind; now, I look back with fondness, appreciation, and endless thanks for my time at Rogers.”
Dr. Mark Rossing, MD, is medical director of OCD and Anxiety Adult Residential Care. He was grateful to get the message.
“It is always encouraging to hear feedback from patients whose lives have been impacted,” he says.
Posted in
Related articles
