New here OCD

[Stacylynn2004]

Hi. So I guess I'm just introducing myself and seeing if anyone else has similar problems. So often you hear about fear of germs, etc. One of my strongest obsessions is saying goodbye. I have to say goodbye. I also have to stand at the window and watch my husband and/or my son who's six ( if he's with my MIL or hubby) leave until they're no longer in sight. I started doing this as a kid when my grandma would leave for work. I'm terrified that if I don't I might not see them again and then I'll regret it for the rest of my life. I do the same thing at night. I have to kiss my son's head as the last thing I do before I go to bed. If I get up to use the bathroom or get a drink, I have to go back and kiss him again. I'd like to say these are things I do because I love them, and I do, but if I don't do these things I'm upset to the point of sobbing and remain anxious until they return home.

I worry sometimes that I'm starting to rub off on my son.

[RyRywifey Ambassador]

Hey, it's wonderful that you've joined this community. You will find that whatever symptoms you may have, you are definitely not alone. I too experience this form of OCD. But since I have other anxiety symptoms that are so much scarier for me, I tend to ignore this one. Every time I get up during the night I have to kiss my daughter (8) on the cheek, and I feel crazy saying this but I also constantly have to check on her to make sure she's still breathing. I do it CONSTANTLY all thru the night, every. Single. Night. And I also have this thing where when I'm folding laundry, I have to make sure all of the clothes are not inside out because I feel If I fold something and leave it inside out, something bad will happen to whoevers clothing it is, be it hubby or babygirl. I feel so crazy seeing myself write this but it's true.. amongst many other things I do daily smh, so you are not alone at all. I hope joining this community will give you comfort with knowing you have a place to come for advice and just to talk and most importantly, people that can relate to you. We are all here all the time 😌Have a wonderful night

[Omanxiety]

I'm new here too

Have you looked into ERP (exposure response prevention) therapy?

It is one of the main ways to treat OCD, you face the situations that trigger compulsions and start to relearn healthier habits.

I have 2 kids around your sons age, and the idea of passing my anxious behaviors down to them motivates me to do the work to make myself healthier.