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.
Hi everyone, so I'm new to this. Both the forum and this type of OCD. I've never posted before, but I figured it may help. A little bit of back story.
So, since about middle school I've had OCD. I never went to a doctor about it because it always just seemed like odd ball stuff I could deal with. For example, I would ritually check to make sure the facet was off in the bathroom before going to bed, standing there repeating the phrase "the facet is off in my head." It never affected me too much so I left it alone. Well, about two months ago I came home to visit my parents after graduating from college a few states away. Before I left for school two years prior I had a lot of really bad experiences with relationships and such back in my home state that put me in a state of depression. When I moved, this all went away and I met so many great people. Heading back home was already causing me anxiety, but the longer I stayed in the area the worse my OCD got and it changed into different things. Suddenly I had OCD while driving, which I had never experienced in my ten years with a license. I was afraid that when I hit a pot hole or bump in the road that I may have hit someone or something. I would turn around to check and prove nothing had happened multiple times. This got so bad that I started having intrusive thoughts while walking. Afraid of irrational things like "What if I've lost consciousness while walking and don't remember if I did something or hurt someone?" Things like that. Well, I just moved to Pennsylvania and things have gotten better, but not completely. I haven't been driving since I didn't bring my car (moved via plane) and my anxiety isn't as bad. Before I left home a doctor prescribed me something to subdue the anxiety, which has helped with that, but not the intrusive thoughts of course. When I'm walking around town with my roommate things are fine, but if I go somewhere by myself some of those thoughts come back and I can feel my anxiety rising. I notice I check behind my shoulder to make sure nothing happened even though I'm only walking a block or two. Even today I was on the phone with my mom while walking and had to stop to look back multiple times. She tried to reassure me and tell me nothing was happening while we were on the phone. I know she's right, but as others know, it doesn't solve the feelings.
I'm making sure not to let it hinder me though and I'm exposing myself to the situations gently instead of forcing them. Exposure and ritual prevention I believe it's called.
I know this is a process and every step forward is a victory. I guess my question is does anyone have any tips or anything that has helped them move forward? Has anyone experienced this same type of OCD? I know "hit and run" OCD is fairly common, but I'm not sure about walking. Sorry about this being a long post, but any help, advice, support or tips would be greatly appreciated. I would just like to feel free to walk again :(
Thank you!
So, since about middle school I've had OCD. I never went to a doctor about it because it always just seemed like odd ball stuff I could deal with. For example, I would ritually check to make sure the facet was off in the bathroom before going to bed, standing there repeating the phrase "the facet is off in my head." It never affected me too much so I left it alone. Well, about two months ago I came home to visit my parents after graduating from college a few states away. Before I left for school two years prior I had a lot of really bad experiences with relationships and such back in my home state that put me in a state of depression. When I moved, this all went away and I met so many great people. Heading back home was already causing me anxiety, but the longer I stayed in the area the worse my OCD got and it changed into different things. Suddenly I had OCD while driving, which I had never experienced in my ten years with a license. I was afraid that when I hit a pot hole or bump in the road that I may have hit someone or something. I would turn around to check and prove nothing had happened multiple times. This got so bad that I started having intrusive thoughts while walking. Afraid of irrational things like "What if I've lost consciousness while walking and don't remember if I did something or hurt someone?" Things like that. Well, I just moved to Pennsylvania and things have gotten better, but not completely. I haven't been driving since I didn't bring my car (moved via plane) and my anxiety isn't as bad. Before I left home a doctor prescribed me something to subdue the anxiety, which has helped with that, but not the intrusive thoughts of course. When I'm walking around town with my roommate things are fine, but if I go somewhere by myself some of those thoughts come back and I can feel my anxiety rising. I notice I check behind my shoulder to make sure nothing happened even though I'm only walking a block or two. Even today I was on the phone with my mom while walking and had to stop to look back multiple times. She tried to reassure me and tell me nothing was happening while we were on the phone. I know she's right, but as others know, it doesn't solve the feelings.
I'm making sure not to let it hinder me though and I'm exposing myself to the situations gently instead of forcing them. Exposure and ritual prevention I believe it's called.
I know this is a process and every step forward is a victory. I guess my question is does anyone have any tips or anything that has helped them move forward? Has anyone experienced this same type of OCD? I know "hit and run" OCD is fairly common, but I'm not sure about walking. Sorry about this being a long post, but any help, advice, support or tips would be greatly appreciated. I would just like to feel free to walk again :(
Thank you!
first of all,let me say how sorry i am that you have been living with ocd for so long, i know how intensly distressing it is,and how all consuming it can be...
i as well have manifestations of my ocd while walking,although not harm ocd right now.
i have the incessant chatter and images of intrusive thoughts though,many of which are quite disturbing and upsetting to me.
it is a struggle,but i try to practice techniques of mindfulness when i am out in public and my head gets "loud"....
that is,trying to centre myself with paying close attention to my surroundings,and the sensations i feel.....it helps the most when i take a walk through nature,where i can hear the birds,feel the breeze,look out on the water....
it is harder in the city,but i believe the more one practices this technique,the more grounded one can become,and then,hopefully,the mind will quiet down,as will the intensity of the ocd uncertainty....
i don't know if i have made sense at all,or offered a helpful suggestion,please know you have all my empathy and i hope things get better for you...
Thanks again for your response :)
really hope the mindfulness technique helps you,i find i really have to work at it but it does help.