Wow AJ, Im so happy you stopped in to say hello! I hope that you will not feel too down about the hurtful things being said on the web. Some people just do not understand. I have OCD too, by the way (it is now controlled by medication.) One of the things I used to get obtrusive thoughts about was  images of ME hurting and mutilating animals (and people- not like if I was mad at them and fantasizing, just any time..);  with therapy and the meds I was able to get passed that although it did not effect my life to the degree to which you seem to have been affected. Im so greatful to not have to deal with that anymore although I am still learning to cope with other areas. I hope that you will find continued healing for your OCD as well, you were so brave to undergo exposeure therapy and to allow it to be documented like that  ;)b

Hows Sparkey doing? Feel free to hang out here from time to time- it sounds like you wont need to ask a lot of questions about "is whey vegan?"  ::) but this is a pretty fun, accepting and friendly community of people.

In order to subscribe to a thread, you have to click the "notify" button on the top or bottom of the thread (you have to open the thread to do this and its in the shaded boarder of the thread itself.) its near the "mark as read," "send to" buttons below the links to "chit chat" "forum" "vegfriends" Et Al.

I'm on Cymbalta to control my obsessions/compulsions. The doseage to be effective for controlling OCD is higher than what is required for solely combating depression, so even if one has used cymbalta for say, depression, but not noticed an effect on OCD symptoms its possible that a higher dose maybe helpful to see a difference. I also take a low dose of syroquil (sp?) to manage the anxiety associated with my disorders. We finally have my med working for me for the most part and its really making a HUGE difference. I was hesitant to try medication therapy for many reasons, but I'm glad I did as it was really a lifesaver for me.

My current battle is with an eating disorder and I know that my OCD plays a huge role in that, but there are so many other factors that its impossible to control with meds alone....so its really an ongoing thing, treating mental health issues. But well worth it.

I also feel stigmatized sometimes because of the seeming clash between my diet and  lifestyle choices and my illnesses. but i try not to let that get int eh way of me seeking the help I need. And I did find that when i gave up milk, my mindself was SO MUCH less depressed. Even now if i accidentally get dairy in somewhere, I totally feel it in my mood-even before the physical side effects. So, although its not necessarily ad CURE being vegan, at least my diet isn't a huge part of the problem....(okay well, in the case of and eating disorder it obviously is the problem, but i mean the veganism itself is contributing more towards overall mental health than sickness...to clarify.)