Could I have OCD?

[Marc0133]

I constantly suffer from intrusive thoughts, rituals, and full of doubts that are making me nuts and are ruining my life and sucking all the joy out of living. Thing is, I've never been diagnosed with OCD. I am diagnosed with Autism so maybe they are connected? I don't know. I've tried mindfulness but it only works half of the time. Other times it seems to make it worse because I'm trying hard to fight the pain. I also recently suffered nightmares regarding my presumably OCD doubts and intrusive thoughts.

Any advice? Could I have OCD? If so is it possible for it to be treated? Thanks

[Meredyn]

Hi, Marc. I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling! My son is also ASD, and he says if he is stressed then the ritualisation part of his autism gets stronger. Once the stress settles, things settle down. I think worrying about possibly having OCD is making these feelings stronger for you. Do you use any relaxation techniques at all?❤

[Marc0133 in reply to Meredyn]

Hi Meredyn.

Yeah, maybe it is just my Autism, but either way its not making living my life easier. And I've been breathing and listening to nature sounds and music. But sometimes my anxiety gets a little worse as it feels like I'm just trying to repress them. But the good news is, I've lowered down the rituals a bit! <3

[Meredyn in reply to Marc0133]

You're doing all the right things, Marc! The ritualisation waxes and wanes, according to my son. My son Zack (he's 23 now) told me to pass on that he has periods like this where he just gets 'stuck'. His sleep usually goes haywire, too. He says he tries not to get too caught up in the 'whys' as it can become an obsessive thing for him. His best advice is to do as many normal things that you can that you know you normally enjoy, instead of trying to push these thoughts away. He usually likes to go to the cinema, meet a trusted friend for a burger, play games - even if he doesn't really feel like it. And for sleep, he recommends the binaural beats youtube video's - go take a look of sleep is bothering you too.

And don't forget - we're all here to offer a listening ear and help if we can, any time.❤