Obssessive Compulsive Disorder, or as its commonly referred to, OCD, is not just being clean and organized. OCD is so much more than that. To be honest I thought that was what OCD was too. Until I was diagnosed with it. Last year in June was when I was diagnosed with OCD. It started with so many intrusive thoughts. These thoughts would stay in my mind for hours upon hours. These thoughts consumed me. I was unable to leave my room, and the only way to relieve my anxiety/discomfort was by doing certain things which are known as compulsions. Carrying out these compulsions is not good because it will just continue the painful cycle of the anxiety, and then relieving it by doing more compulsive things. Compulsions for me have been a big issue for over a year now. A few of my compulsions consist of me confessing things that have happened to me in the past, or things I've done during my prime childhood, as well as confessing secrets and thoughts I had. I didn’t realize how hard this would be to deal with. As i said before, I had/have lots of intrusive thoughts. You may think “oh well I have intrusive thoughts; everybody has intrusive thoughts.” Yes that may be true, but the difference with OCD is that these thoughts stay in your mind for a long extended period of time. They’re unwanted but make you question yourself. For example: I struggle with violent intrusive thoughts, sexual intrusive thoughts, and suicidal intrusive thoughts. These thoughts just came one day to the next. So all of the sudden I was burdened with guilt, and anxiety, and sadness. I felt like I was a horrible, disgusting human being. I couldn’t take all of the guilt so I told my mother. My family has dealt with a good amount of mental illness. So the plan was to get help. I ended up going to a psychiatrist, therapist, and an inpatient program specializing in OCD. Keep in mind this took place in the span of maybe six months. I had learned a lot about my disorder and worked on beating it. OCD doesn’t go away, but it can get better. I still struggle so much with my thoughts and everything else that comes with OCD. I struggle with so many things that I never used to struggle with. 

Recently I have discovered that service dogs can be beneficial for people who struggle with mental health issues. Including, OCD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc. I researched for days about the pros and cons of having a service dog. I talked to my mother and father and my therapist about getting one of these special dogs. My mom and dad are very open to the idea of having a service dog. All of us have done a significant amount of research. Service dogs are not your typical house pet. They require lots of training. Service dogs can physically stop someone from continuing with a compulsion. They can sense anxiety. They can put their paw on someone with OCD and provide deep pressure to help with grounding. This will be a process, but my family and I are asking for your help to raise money for a service dog. This would mean so much to me as well as my family. A service dog would be extremely beneficial for my mental health, and even physical health. 

The price of these service dogs is significantly higher than just adopting a dog. These service dogs can run well into the $8-10,000 range. My parents are very willing to invest into acquiring one of these magnificent creatures, but cannot afford to pay the entire amount. I am hopeful you can assist me in my desire to have one of these amazing dogs. Your help and contributions will go a long way in helping me beat this the horrible menace known as OCD. I thank you for your help!

I wanted to say how overwhelmed I am with the donations I have received to this point; my heart is overflowing with gratitude! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have increased the donation amount because I need around $8-10,000 (though prices for these dogs varies from $1,500-$10,000, the one dog I am looking to get is considered an advanced trained dog, thus the higher price tag. This is the dog that best fits my personal and emotional needs) to get one of these magnificent dogs. I was told to start my campaign with $1,000, but don't see how that will get me to my goal. I am hopeful to get this to be a reality sometime at the end of summer or in the fall, when I return to school (my parents took me out of school to homeschool me during this very difficult time in my life). I am including this link to give you a better understanding of what type of dogs these dogs really are. They are incredibly gifted and special creatures; precisely why I feel that having one of these magnificent dogs in my life will make a world of difference to my jorney to better health... here is the link: https://unleashedacademy.com/service-dogs/

Again, I am truly humbled by your genorosity, and cannot wait to share the pictures of me receiving this amazing service dog! Lord bless all!

Alyssa Parsi