What is this? Help

[JJ_]

Hey,

I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder 4 years ago but have been living with anxiety for over 6 years. In the last couple of months I've been feeling very agitated over silly little things and I don't know if it's anxiety or if I should get re assessed ? Here's a list of things that has been happening:

-Moving objects untill it feels "just right" and satisfying making the agitation go away.

- repeating a noise, movement untill it feels just right, eg. Breathing, sounds, touching objects.

- cleaning hands after touching doors, kitchen towels, sponges, etc and cleaning hands untill it feels "just right"

- feeling the need to close every sliding door in my house so it feels "good" to know it's in the "right place"

-I get random violent thoughts (about hurting people) I know this is quiet normal for the average population but idk if i should mention.?

these things didn't bother me untill I couldn't complete the tasks and agitated me so much I cry out of frustration.

If anyone has any answers please help 🙂

[blondguy]

Hi JJ

Welcome to the forums and good on you for posting too!

Anxiety (or any of its forms) is a horrible place to be in. I have had acute anxiety for 13 years until I figured out how to get a 'handle' on it.

I have the 'double checking the door locks' even after I have already done it...more than once!

Can I ask you about your diagnosis? Even though the bulk of my anxiety has vaporized it has morphed into depression which I see my doc and my psychologist for.

During your initial diagnosis did you doc mention OCD at all? If he/she did its a very very common form of anxiety.

The random thoughts about hurting people are also very common whether we have anxiety or not. These thoughts are just a sign of a tired mind wondering in its own direction when we are exhausted.

The attention to detail with objects...noises...and doors being in the right place are usually signs of OCD that can be treated as even GP's have better training on the subject than even a few years ago.

I am not a doc in any shape or form JJ. I have had the anxiety followed by depression for a long time and have a reasonable idea what you are talking about.

I am unsure if you have had any anxiety attacks before but even if you havent it would be a great move to book a double appointment with your GP so you can obtain some clarity and peace with your anxiety.

I think you are a very strong person to have posted.

There are many gentle people on the forums that can be here for you that also suffer from similar issues

I really hope you can get get back to us JJ 🙂

my kind thoughts

Paul

[JJ_]

Thank you for your reply.

I have been diagnosed with GAD and Panic disorder. I was not diagnosed or even checked for OCD because jumping from psychiatrist to psychologist I just stuck to my one diagnosis (anxiety, which was diagnosed by my first 3 psychologisys and 2 psychiatrists) instead of complicating stuff between the moving I just wanted to focus on my anxiety.

My anxiety is a whole other story. I have no triggers. Nothing. Just wake up and I have a panic attacks.

Anyway..

I'm currently on medication for my anxiety and have been for 3 years. I recently changed it to a better prescription so my anxiety is definitely getting better finally after 6 years!

I have had depression on and off over the years due to my anxiety being such a pain but not so much anymore.

Only recently in the last 6 months these routines (checking doors, moving objects) have been noticeable to me and other people. I don't know if it's just my anxiety or I should be re assessed because as you said it may be OCD?

Thank you 🙂

[Zeal]

Hey JJ,

Welcome to the forum!

Paul has posted a great response already, but I thought I'd post too 🙂

Every item on your list resembles symptoms of OCD. I have lived with clinical OCD for a decade now, since I was 13. Diagnoses can be useful for tailoring treatments, but keep in mind that having OCD symptoms does not necessarily mean that you are stuck with that label long-term. Recovery is possible. Going back to your doctor/professional to explain these symptoms is important. Writing down what you want/need to say can be helpful. Well, I've found this to be the case for me.

We are here for you 🙂

Best wishes,

Zeal

[JJ_]

Thank you very much 🙂

[BballJ]

Hi JJ.,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

Paul (blondguy) & Zeal have given some great advice above.

Just wanted to add my support, I have suffered from anxiety for around 10 years and had these OCD traits, checking lock doors are actually locked even though they were never opened since I last checked, setting my alarm in a certain way etc I have this tendency to believe OCD and anxiety can go hand in hand, like you I have never had it officially diagnosed either. Guess I don't want to add to my GAD diagnosis. I have managed to get my anxiety under control however which has helped me a lot. May I ask, if you don't do the things you said, I understand you cry out of frustration but does that turn into a panic attack or is that just when you wake up? Are you finding when you wake up you have a had a bad dream? I have woken up with anxiety when I have had a bad dream and did some googling and found that is quite common.

My best for you,

Jay