OCD? Headaches, Should I seek help?

[Undecided94]

Hi,

it feels super strange to be writing this, I think by writing on here I’m looking for others who suffer from ocd to tell me they experience the same things, to perhaps make me feel better. I don’t know.

i want to start off with saying I have never been to the doctor or spoken to anyone about this, so don’t have an official diagnosis.

The ocd like “traits” started when I was in grade 3 or 4

over the years the things I do have changed, I’ve stopped some and kept others and added some

things includes checking doors are locked before going to bed, checking the stove is turned off, then checking it again and again until it feels right

touching something and counting until it feels right. Checking rubbish before I put it in the bin a million times in case I’m throwing something out.

moving my head, sort of nodding etc as I think over things in my head

that is one I’m really conscious of and worried people can see. If they do notice I just play it off but it’s one that I’ve continued with over time.

my worry is that I get headaches from it sometimes, sometimes my ear blocks, behind my eye hurts.

im just worried I’m doing something to my head?

has anyone else experienced this before?

i know it is stress/ anxiety related as when I’m stressed out the things I do get way worse and I have to “redo “ things over and over until it feels right way more.

im not sure if I should seek help or not.

this is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this.

thanks for those that read this far and for those that may be able to let me know if they have felt this way.

[jemma09]

Good evening Undecided94

How brave of you to share your concerns here. Thank you for sharing.

From what I am reading it sounds like you are concerned about what you describe as "ocd traits" and headaches/pain/etc. I understand feeling concerned about different feelings within the body as I experience this myself. While I don't have direct experience with what you are describing with the "ocd traits", I do suggest that you have a chat with your doctor to touch base.

I suggest this as your doctor can provide you reassurance and perhaps suggest a mental health professional you could speak with to work through your concerns. I understand it can be worrying to bring up certain things with doctors, however, they are there to help and care for you. I have had positive experiences when speaking with my doctor about my concerns with anxiety and they were able to get me some help right away.

Your thoughts are valid and it sounds as if you are very proactive about your health by sharing your concerns and asking for advice here.

I wish you all the best. I hope that you find some relief and, may calm thoughts fill your mind.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Undecided

Welcome to bb and well done for making your first post. I know this took courage and I want you to know that you have arrived at a place of kindness and non-judgemental support.

My daughter has OCD and GAD and I have cared for and supported her for the past 8 years. The symptoms and behaviours you have described are very familiar to me.

I am not a doctor and cannot confirm you have OCD or any other illness. But I can, hand on heart with no doubt, encourage you to seek professional help.

I would encourage you to ring your GP to organise an appointment. Please know that if you do have a mental health condition, you are not alone. And there are effective treatments available. It can get better.

If you feel up to it (no pressure) please let us know how you are getting on.

Kind thoughts to you

[geoff]

Hello Undecided94, and a warm welcome to the forums.

With OCD which I've had for a long time, we experience obsessions and/or compulsions, that suddenly come or pop into our mind, that causes us to have anxiety or distress so we do these deliberate acts to reduce our fear, that's how this illness works and what it has done to me.

You need to be justified by having a diagnosis from your doctor and then continue the thread.

Best wishes.

Geoff.