Turning the lights on and off ten times when coming home. Washing hands after every touch, or knocking three times on the door before opening it. A compulsive disorder can severely disrupt your daily life. The demand for help, especially among young people, is growing louder, says Patricia Muis, chairperson of the Anxiety, Compulsion, and Phobia Foundation (ADF).
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder where individuals suffer from obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors. These thoughts or actions can take up so much time that they completely control daily life.
Mission
Patricia Muis has been at the helm of the ADF for five years now and has had a clear mission since her appointment: she wants to expand the foundation’s target group, which mainly consists of adults, to include young people.
The ADF provides support to anyone with anxiety or compulsion complaints. They do this through training, telephone help lines, and facilitating peer contact, so that people can find support from others with similar experiences.
New youth platform
A clear trend is visible at the ADF: the number of young people reporting anxiety and compulsion complaints is increasing.
“Unfortunately, mental health among young people remains a taboo,” says Patricia Muis. “Young people who do seek help are often sent from pillar to post, which can lead to serious consequences such as social isolation, substance abuse, or even suicide.”
To better reach these young people, the ADF is developing a new platform, created by and for young people. This platform aims to connect them with reliable professionals and peers, and to support them in finding suitable help.
‘Is everything okay? Is everything safe?‘
Niels Beumer is pleased with the new platform aimed at young people. Since the age of ten, he developed an extreme urge for control and counting. For years, he hid his obsessive-compulsive disorder.
His life consisted of endless routines before he could leave the house. Beumer was counting all day long, always with the number four or a multiple of it. When things got really tense, sixteen was the magic number, he explains on Op1. Four times four provided him with some peace of mind. Turning the door lock four times, counting to four before grabbing a cup – it was an exhausting battle for Beumer.
Ultimately, Beumer participated in the program Life Sentence with Compulsion, which gave him the first step towards overcoming his fears. Thanks to intensive help, the now 29-year-old Niels is largely free from his compulsive behaviors.
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Emerging Trends in Youth Mental Health Support: A Focus on OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is increasingly recognized as a significant challenge for young people. With rising cases reported, organizations like the Anxiety, Obsession, and Phobia Foundation (ADF) are stepping up to address the needs of this demographic. Led by Patricia Muis, ADF’s mission is evolving to encompass more youth-focused programs and resources.
The alarming rise in anxiety and compulsive disorders resonates loudest among teens, a demographic often stigmatized when it comes to discussing mental health issues. The overwhelming nature of OCD—characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors—can severely disrupt daily living, making intervention critical. The establishment of a new platform aimed specifically at young people, developed by the ADF, marks a vital shift in addressing these needs. It aims to connect adolescents with mental health professionals and peers who share similar experiences.
Moreover, personal narratives, such as that of Niels Beumer, highlight the relentless grip of OCD on daily life and the importance of accessible support systems. Beumer’s journey from isolation to recovery underscores the transformative potential of community engagement, where young individuals can share their struggles and triumphs. As more young people courageously seek help, the cycle of stigma must be broken.
Online platforms play a crucial role in this emerging landscape. They not only facilitate communication but also provide essential resources for youth grappling with mental health challenges. As the demand for tailored support grows, organizations that focus on youth-centric approaches will likely set the standard for effective mental health care. Potential future trends include the incorporation of technology—such as mobile apps and online counseling—with traditional therapeutic methods to create holistic approaches to mental health.
Ultimately, there is a clear call to action for mental health organizations to foster environments where young people feel empowered to seek help without fear of judgment. With dedicated efforts in outreach and resources, we may witness a generation equipped with the tools and support necessary to navigate their mental health challenges successfully.