It is good to hear from you. Understand that OCD is not a weakness on your part and is a true disease, just as real as MS or Parkinsons. My family reacted in the same way at first, blaming the disease on me, until they finally realized what an impact it had on me and finally they read up on OCD and panic disorder on the internet and have been supportive ever since.

Thanks, it's all just so new to me that i actually learned of this from my best friend who has been going through this his whole life. For the last 6 months it's hit me that something was wrong with me, I just couldn't put my finger on it. And it seems the more I read the more I learn from all this. I'm trying really hard to be aware of all my compulsive actions. If I notice a pattern that i would do before say.. Something triggers a thought in my head, I'll do my best to avoid that thought at all costs and I won't dread on it for the whole day. I just hope that this all becomes natural and I don't actually have to resist myself for the rest of my life. thanks for your response kuno, not just in my post either.

Hi Shaun,
The best thing to do about this ocd thing is to talk about it. Mine has to do with repetitive thoughts. Once one gets in the brain, it's hard as hell to get rid of, until the next idea pops up.
This can be real annoying to love ones and friends. I can play the same song over and over and never get tired of it others don't understand why I would play the same cd over and over.
I have taking a few meds for this and none have worked so far. Some made it much worse with lots of anxiety added.
If you can get to talk to a doctor, do it.
What's your main focus, at least for now?
Weed is going to make more anxiety and alcohol keeps the depression going.
Get back to me if you want. As another guy who has been dealing with this, I know how bad you can hate yourself for not getting conrol of it. Males don't like admitting anything could be wrong with them.
Sandy

I am 21 and have had OCD my entire life. It is very distressing at times and exhausting. Many people do not understand OCD or any other mental disorder for that matter because they can not see it. It is easier to accept something that is visible and tangible. I would suggest that you educate your family on the disorder. My father still doesn't think mental disorders are real. My mother and fiance support me as well as a few family members. It is difficult, but we are all here to help. I also see a psychiatrist and it has taken me years to see one. I just started last year and it has been a rocky road but a good one at the same time, because I am getting help. I am on luvox 300mg and it helps some but not completely and I am also on ativan for my anxiety. Stay strong!

It's incredible that I'm just learning all of this now, I mean I remember growing up with this too but it seems that it's been the biggest problem lately. Reply 3 and 4 you guys are completely right. I completely understand and relate with all that. It's funny because I am that guy that wont change the song, and everyone gets pissed off at me. And my father truly believes that it's all in the mind, and this isn't a disease, which makes me unconfortable talking about it.

I stumbled upon your story as I was writing my own. I'm 21 years old. Everything you wrote I've experienced and I am sad to say still experiencing. Sometimes I drink to get rid of the negative thoughts which seem to weaken my OCD compulsions although they are still there and still bugging me. I smoked weed for the first time and I feel like it took it's turn after that. My anxiety got 100x worse. I was always a worrier. I stress just as much as the next person but since Oct. I would go on with my day with one problem digging itself deeper and deeper in my head and when I try to say to let it go. It's over simple things too.. I stress over important things as well but what irritates me more is when I worry over SMALL things that won't even matter later. My social skills dropped because I can't concentrate on anything but my thoughts and it got to a point where I would cry myself to sleep. My stress then got turned into OCD, which I know feeds off my anxiety in order to block myself from thinking so negatively. I've developed checking compulsions that have only gotten worse over time. I would check everything in my purse a bazillion times and things in my home. Its a way of coping with your thoughts while it's a way of coping.. it's a problem in itself. I keep telling myself I'm getting better over time, the only thing that's keeping me going right now is faith. If you ever need to talk, or anything just message me. I know exactly how you feel.

Hi, I'm 15 years old and I've had OCD ever since I can remember. I realized I had only about a month ago but ever since then I feel somewhat more confident. Understanding it sorta gives me a feeling of power over it. Sometimes it just seems I can't live my life cuz' of it but my friends and all the tings I really love about life seem to really remind me of what's really important. So my advice is focus on those things, pretty much anything that makes you feel good. Also try thinking about something really awesome, I've noticed that adrenaline really helps. The more you gain control over it and start to ignore it, the more it'll go away. Try this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0PVl-A1W_Q