Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support

Hi to this group,

I have been OCD my whole life, but only diagnosed in the past couple of years. I have had OCD behaviour for a very long time. Because I didn't clean obsessively, or open and close the door 3 times before leaving, I didn't think I had it. Those are the types of things hollywood likes to show when someone is OCD.

I have counted my whole life - mostly letters in words. It's maddening how much I do it. After that, I get caught up in things - like now it's youtube and stories about some horrible event. It's mostly death I research, which is incredibly depressing, but yet, I am somehow soothed if I am listening to stories about some horrible thing that happened. Right now it's Jonestown. I have had this one before...hours of listening to the story, it's crazy.

Beyond that, I am obsessed with weight/appearance. I count every calorie to the enth degree, take hundreds (thousands) of pictures of myself to see if I look ok. Then I am scared if I look ok as tomorrow I will be envious of today. If that makes sense. It too is maddening.

I get stuck on tv shows, and watch them over and over and over again.

That is just some of my ticks. They all drive me bonkers, but I can't get out of them.........just wondering if anyone here can relate, or if you have this type of behaviour.

I feel alone with my craziness, and it doesn't feel good. My PDOC is now trying me on a new med to see if it can help the OCD part of my problems. I am bipolar, so already on meds to help with that. But NOTHING has ever touched my OCD. I have not had a break from it for decades. Anyone ever gotten it under control?

Curious what others have to say...

Thanks for reading.

Hello!!!.. well I've had OCD for most of my life.. and it is NOW... ( these past 5 months) that i feel I've gotten control of it...and I tell you it CAN be done...you can actually control this!! ..I chose not to take any medication, therefore, my path towards health was a bit bumpy ..but therapy saved me!!... cognitive behavioral therapy!! ...I'll never get tired of suggesting it to everyone I meet, no matter what type OCD you suffer from, the mechanism is always the same.

So..give it try!... might be worth the pain, 'cause I tell you..it is not easy, at all, but it's worth it!..you will gain complete control of your compulsions and then obsessions loose power, and fade away

Good Luck!!

I have done some CBT. Nicolet, can you share some of what you do to help? Sometimes it helps spark new ideas......

- Cindy

i have my on compulsions and then obsessions, i do not think before i say things, i just let it roll. this chat stuff has been one of them, in back my mind i always wanted to chat on line, it is easier for me than in person, because i have to slow down long enough to think before i write. add bipolar and ptsd to it. being hyper-vigilant and eccentric really adds to it.

well mostly what i do..when i'm stuck on a certain idea... I try to stay away from every possible information source...meaning: internet!!! and I do my very best not to seek for reassurance ( step 1: the hardest) .... then, ( step 2) try concentrating on something fun, listening to music( very loud) ..dance, play or ( if you feel strong enough) call a friend, but do not talk about your fear!! ... Mostly : try doing what you always do when you're feeling good, pretend there's not OCD bothering you...and I assure you anxiety lessens...

There's a little something I invented..don't really know if it will work on everybody..but it worked on me . What you do is: when you are feeling good, when you know what OCD is and how it cannot break you,.. that's when you write a message for your self...tell you're self everything is gonna be ok..that IT will go away as it always does...and tell your self..how strong you are, and that people around are just trying to help you... write it on a little piece of paper...and keep it close to you.

For the next time you have an episode..you'll read your own words telling you that you can make it!.. When a loved one tell us everything is gonna be ok..it feels amazing!!..but since we're the only ones who actually feel the pain..and really know how it's like....reading a message from you ( in your "OK" stage)....can be very comforting ...

Hope this helps

Post edited by: Nicolet, at: 07/01/2012 02:48 PM