Is this normal? Anxiety?

[Orangey97]

I spend a lot of time overthinking, to the point where I make things true even if they aren't or try to read what others are thinking.

For example, I had a friend online who for a reason started to dislike me as I did not trust them and then I assumed that they were going to do something bad to me and were spying on me through the camera.

When I was younger and still sometimes today I had to always touch something or something bad would happen, or I still have to enter a place the same way otherwise something bad will happen, is that something to do with OCD?

Im not sure if this is something normal and that I should not worry about it ?

[smallwolf]

Orangey97,

Hi. Welcome to beyond blue.

You have a some questions about anxiety, OCD, and whether such thoughts or normal or not. While I cannot give you an answer the last part, I can give you insights into myself to help you to decide. That is, what is the answer for you, or what action(s) to take.

Me.... I would have to double or triple check the front is locked when leaving the house. I could not finish work until my emails were all responded to. My way of knowing that all problems had been responded to, if not addressed. There are other examples I could add. These have been interpreted by my psychiatrist as being associated with OCD. To what extent? I am not sure. (People who plays sports and have a lucky sock or similar are not OCD however.)

But you think that something is not quite right? You have come to beyond blue and posted some questions here. the best suggestion I could give to you now would be to have a look at the K10 test (/checklist) on the beyond blue web site. It is an anxiety and depression checklist. Once completed, it will give you a score, and recommend some actions to take. This might be to see a GP. You might disagree with the score?

Should you worry about it? I am going to answer it now. Yes and No. It might be nothing or might be something. But even if it something, know that you are not alone, and that help and support is available to you. To help you manage and deal with the thoughts you have.

Hope that helps,

Tim

[Alexlisa]

Hello Orangey97.

Firstly, I want you to know that you're not alone and it was really good that you reached out here 🙂 I have OCD and some of what you have noticed sounds familiar in the thinking process that you explained. That thought that "something bad will happen" if you don't do certain things (that logically make no sense) is definitely common with OCD. A similar things for me is say if I see orange just before I fall asleep something bad will happen. I have many many many and it's infuriating! I also have the issue of feeling like I'm being spied on through my computer. I covered up the little camera with a sticker 🙂

Please don't get worried, I think you should probably just mention what you wrote in your message to your GP. I have had OCD for a long time and my biggest regret was not getting help early, when it was at a more manageable level.

Take care,

Alexlisa x

[stormcloudz]

Hi Orangey, and welcome : )

It sounds like you find that the overthinking is complicating your day-to-day life. If so, it's a sensible idea to get some support for it.

OCD and anxiety vary in severity, getting some treatment doesn't mean you have a serious ongoing condition. In fact, it's likely to prevent that.

There are good counsellors out there who can help with overthinking etc, and a GP can help you access them. If you are under 25, you could also try Headspace. They have counsellors and other support for 12-25 year olds.

Talking to your GP is a good start. If they don't seem to know much about the issue, try again with a GP who specialises in mental health.

S

PS Alexlisa - I covered up the camera with a sticker too : )

[blondguy]

Hi Orangey97

Thankyou heaps for having the courage to post with us!

There really isnt a term as 'normal' as I never met a normal person in my life yet I understand what you are going through where overthinking is concerned and its a pain

Overthinking is very common Orangey. There is no such thing as a dumb question here. The forums are a SAFE and judgement free place for you to post 🙂

You are not alone

My kind thoughts

Paul