Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.
i've been suffering with anxiety and panic attacks for the past 8 years. on top of that, i have various issues that make me wonder if i also have ocd. is this ocd or specific phobias? maybe some of you could have some advice for me?
the only color clothing i wear is black, not only because i like it but i have a fear that if i wear any other color, something bad will happen.
my house HAS to be perfectly clean and organized, if someone makes a mess or moves ANYTHING, i get upset and very anxious about it. also, when i leave home for the day, even if i KNOW FOR A FACT that i locked the door, i have driven 30 minutes back home to double check anyways.
i have a happy and healthy 7 year old son but i CONSTANTLY worry and obsess about something bad happening to him. atleast once a day, i think irrational thoughts about him dying.
when i put on deodorant, brush my teeth, and wash my hands, etc. i have to do it a certain way and a certain amount of times with a fear that something bad will happen if i don't.
anyways, this is just a list of a few because i didn't want to bore you all with my entire life story. i also wanted to mention that i don't mean any disrespect to anyone in this group by posting this and i wish you all the best of luck :)
the only color clothing i wear is black, not only because i like it but i have a fear that if i wear any other color, something bad will happen.
my house HAS to be perfectly clean and organized, if someone makes a mess or moves ANYTHING, i get upset and very anxious about it. also, when i leave home for the day, even if i KNOW FOR A FACT that i locked the door, i have driven 30 minutes back home to double check anyways.
i have a happy and healthy 7 year old son but i CONSTANTLY worry and obsess about something bad happening to him. atleast once a day, i think irrational thoughts about him dying.
when i put on deodorant, brush my teeth, and wash my hands, etc. i have to do it a certain way and a certain amount of times with a fear that something bad will happen if i don't.
anyways, this is just a list of a few because i didn't want to bore you all with my entire life story. i also wanted to mention that i don't mean any disrespect to anyone in this group by posting this and i wish you all the best of luck :)
Welcome to the club! I know your pain. I have been living with OCD symptoms for most of my life. I don't have the compulsions but I live with obsessions like you would not believe. I call them "mind loops". It is almost like a hampster on one of these wheels. Just remember there is help. You just have to find it. Many things can be done, medication (scary I know, but very helpful) and CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). These things work, they just take time.
I'm sure the past 8 yrs have been hard. I know it's exhausting all the rituals. The fears & doubts, will they ever end? I feel your pain! I hope you can get some relief from this anxiety soon. Maybe checkout some behavior therapy & remember we'll be here. Keep us posted. xoxo