I think I may be suffering with OCD, and if so how do I help myself?

[TheGrinchWearingAMask]

Hey all,

I haven't been on this website for a while (as I lost my account). Over the past two years I feel as if though I cam constantly struggling with my own thoughts and my actions to relieve them. I'm not sure if its OCD, but I think it's the closest thing to what I've been going through.

1.) It started with me constantly checking the doors, windows, switches and stove/oven due to my worries something bad was to happen if I didn't. I put off going to bed for hours because I get so anxious about checking the house because I know that I will take forever to do so, and it makes me feel even more worried. I have the habit counting to ten around 3-4 times when pulling on the door handle to check its shut, when I check switches and dials I repeat "off" until it feels right.

2.) I have to blow 100 kisses minimum to my family when they leave the house in car otherwise I believe something will happen to them. I once again count in tens to get to 100.q

3.) I can't turn off the lights in my room or go to sleep (meaning closing my eyes to go to sleep) when my color-changing LED light in my room is red, otherwise bas things may happen in my sleep.

4.) All water droplets from the shower when I turn it off must hit my body otherwise something bad may happen to my family.

5.) I have to check social media to see that I havent posted anything accidentally around 10 times per day and I can't send off emails before I've completely checked over them around 10 times and/or gotten someone to check over it too.

These are the obvious things I can think of at the moment, as I am tired and typing on my phone (so my spelling probably isnt the best). I just feel frustrated that my thoughts often hold me back from doing activities or going to see friends and such. If anyone has some advice to reduce these actions even if they arent OCD I would be extremely grateful.

Thank you 🙂

[Heartcentred]

Hello there 🙂

It's a good sign that you have awareness of your thoughts and actions.

When I find myself feeling frustrated, I stop and breath for 2-5 mins to centre and be present with myself so that I can continue with my daily activities - perhaps you can try also?

Hope that helps 🙂

[Summer Rose]

Hi TheGrinchWearingAMask

Welcome back to the forum and thank you for sharing your story.

I'm sorry to hear of your struggles. You must be exhausted and frustrated, as it reads as though your compulsions currently take up a lot of time. I'm sure it's also tough to have your life disrupted in the way you're experiencing.

I'm not a doctor but my daughter has OCD and your story really resonated with me. I'd like to suggest that you make a double appointment with your GP to talk about what's happening for you.

Your GP will likely put you on a path to receive a proper and professional diagnosis. This is really important because only once you have this can you effectively begin to deal with any illness.

Does that make sense to you?

Please know that if you are experiencing OCD there are a range of treatment options available. It can get better.

Kind thoughts to you

[Rainbow_Swan]

Hi TheGrinchWearingAMask

I'm sorry to hear that you are having such problems )-: I have OCD and found 'Brain Lock' by Dr Jeffrey Schwartz very helpful. Dr Schwartz is a researcher at UCLA who exclusively studies OCD. While the book is very good, I suggest going to your GP as well as getting the book - attack this thing from every angle you can! Good luck!

[Rainbow_Swan]

Hi again

You might also find this post helpful, Walsh (aka Pfeiffer) Nutrient Therapy has helped my OCD immeasurably as well as medication and brain lock:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/anxiety-amp-getting-a-job#qw60e3HzvG...

[CalmCat]

H Guys,

I've lived with someone with OCD, what worked for us was simply communication. He wanted to share tooth paste and requested that I always leave the toilet seat down. And we managed to live with each other, communication was the key.

Regards,

D