topic OCD? Not sure if worth getting help? in Anxiety

OCD? Not sure if worth getting help?

Sophiee__ — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 12:43:41 GMT

So i have a sort of 'ritual'.

It involves repeating a certain sentence in my head alot which relieves my anxiety some what. I dont have a set amount of times i repeat it, i sort of just keep going until i get distracted by something.

I know that this behaviour is irrational, I know that, but i just dont know if its worth getting help. I mean it is distressing to me as i have to say it correctly over and over again feeling like it relieves anxiety when it just never seems like enough times but my problem is just if i were to seek help i know that they would suggest counselling and i just could never tell someone the sentence. I wouldn't even deem it an embarrassing sentence to say its just been with me for so long that i feel like i would never be the same if i told someone what the sentence was.

So i'm just wondering if its worth all the effort to go to a gp or someone if im just going to get 3 sessions into counselling and then stop going because they're going to want me to tell them the sentence and what its about.

OCD? Not sure if worth getting help?

MsPurple — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 13:48:07 GMT

HI Sophiee and welcome

When I was thinking I should talk to the gp about my anxiety I avoided it for so long because I didn't think I was 'unwell' enough. I want to let you know it is something that is bothering you and distracting you from living fully (even if temporary) then it is worth seeing your gp and having a chat about. The way I look at it now is if I have had a sore throat for a few days and it isn't getting better I go to the dr, it could be nothing or a throat infection. Either way the doctor is glad I came because it is better to get it looked at incase it needed treatment.

There is a checklist you can do here. Just copy and paste the link https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety-and-depression-checklist-k10

I think it is a good idea to have a chat about the sentence. It may have no meaning but it will make it ok to talk about. Half the time that is the hardest part. To be ok to talk about your concerns with someone, it actually is a bit liberating.

OCD? Not sure if worth getting help?

geoff — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 15:47:16 GMT

hi Sophiee, there is the chance that if you do mention the sentence then it will stop, it won't keep on annoying you, and many many times I have had a thought keep on repeating itself in my mind, yes you only wish it would stop, but remember it's happening because no one knows what it is, but as soon as you tell your doctor then the thought may fade away.

The mental health plan will provide you with 6 free visits and will allow you to have another 4 free sessions and during my sessions with a psychologist I had gained trust and faith in everything I had to tell her.

Sorry I should have said that I have had OCD for a very long time, and at some stage this thought that keeps on repeating itself will eventually stop, and by telling your doctor is a type of distraction. Geoff.