A short film called Once Again gives viewers insight into the daily distress that children with OCD endure.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects about one in 200 children, possibly more. It is one of the most common mental health disorders diagnosed in children and adolescents.
Giving Childhood OCD A Voice
Children with OCD often have recurring thoughts about harm coming to their self or family members, or may worry about becoming ill via germs or contaminated food. To cope with these fears the children develop rituals or repetitive behaviors that temporarily diminish their anxiety.
Kids with OCD are typically embarrassed by the symptoms and have difficulty talking about them with their parents. Parents who know of their child’s OCD, no matter how great their love and concern, may struggle to comprehend the child’s obsessive-compulsive dilemma.
Giving childhood OCD a voice, and helping parents and the public understand the disorder, is why this movie is worth watching and sharing.
About The Film
Once Again was created by filmmaker John Moore to depict his childhood experience with OCD. It is the story of his young mind’s relentless thoughts related to homelessness and catastrophes, and his adoption of behaviors to briefly stop the terrifying thoughts.
“Somehow in my head I started to believe if I were to touch the wall a few times I would somehow have this force around me. A giant boulder could fall on me and I’d be okay. Maybe if I touched the ground a couple times - that would keep my parents from losing their job—and me from becoming homeless. But, if I didn’t do it, we’d be gone, just like that,” narrates Moore in the film.
Animation, home movies, and live action footage are used to relay Moore's story, interspersed with reflections from his parents and commentary by OCD treatment specialist Dr. Charles Mansueto.
Once Again’s debut was at the Austin International Film Festival, and it was given a Barbara Jones Media Award and Excellence Award at the Superfest Film Festival. The movie was submitted to the PBS 2015 Online Film Festival and can be viewed on the PBS website (link below).
Sources: Once Again (PBS); AACAP
Photo credit: David Dodge
