Good afternoon,
I just joined this forum today. I guess I'm hoping maybe I can help someone in some small way to emerge from the OCD abyss and live a normal life. I never told a soul what I was going through, and never knew myself until years later.
I eventually won the battle on my own, though not without scars. As someone who had to face it alone, I can empathize with my fellow sufferers, and maybe provide some insight.
Good luck on your path to a good life. You'll get there.
I'm sorry to hear that. Yeah, Benzo's are not good long term. My nephew takes Prozac I think, and that seems to help him.
I didn't have access to drugs or therapy in those days, and didn't know what OCD was.
No secret, as it was hard, and I don't want to give someone bad advice, just because it worked for me. I had no choice, as it was destroying my life. Without knowing more, it's difficult. I actually know nothing beyond my own experience, and that of my nephew, as it can run in families. There may be someone in your own family that has had it to some degree. Many people don't discuss it. I found about about my nephew when my sister mentioned it. Until then, I had never told my family, but it helped him to know I had been there.
My fear was always about family members, and harm that might befall them if I didn't follow my compulsions.
One night I'd been drinking, and was so depressed that I just couldn't take it anymore.
So as I got home, I closed the door and as I was about to fidget with the knob until it "felt right," I just said bullshit, sat down on the couch, and said I'm done with this crap. Nothing bad is going to happen if I leave that door alone.
And what do you know? Nothing did, and that was when I realized I would beat this demon in my brain. It took a lot longer, but every time I said no, or "nice try" and didn't give in, I got stronger.
As years went by, and both good and bad things happened in life, I finally said no every time.
Even now I occasionally feel the call, but now I'm just amused.
You can have a good life. There are so many ways of getting help these days I think.
Sorry to ramble on.
Feel free to contact me anytime.
Super positive about your post and sooo happy to hear this for you, for me and for many others too!!! I’m going to read and reread it and save it and keep it in my thoughts!!!
Thank you!! Xx
Way to go! I’m so happy for you that you fought for your peace and have found it. Thanks for sharing 💪
Sure. I didn't realize my reply would be posted. How do you message?
It looks like if you click on someone's profile, you can message them. Maybe that starts a chat?
I am old school also. I didn't realize that I had OCD but I knew that I was different. I knew because I was treated differently than others. I also could remember things like nobody else could. It wasn't until I got into treatment that I realized I have OCD and bipolar type 1. I have lived with subtle repetition constant counting numbers and reciting names and experiences. Recently the assault on my brain has become so intense and unbearable that I can hardly get to sleep. Any suggestions Johnny.
I have no experience with the medical/pharmaceutical treatment side of OCD, and none with bipolar disorder. Quieting the mind can be difficult. That's probably why I started drinking lol. When it happens to me I just say stop, or imagine lifting the needle up off of a record. I also don't let it bother me anymore, and as a consequence, it happens less frequently. It's almost like you're arguing with an annoying enemy, and choosing to ignore him makes him go away. Again, everyone is different. Sorry I couldn't be more help.
How did you solve your OCD?
I'm not sure you can ever solve it, but I guess in a way I did because it no longer controls me, and I rarely think about it. I thought of it as an adversary, and when I had had enough and had nothing left to lose I refused to give in to it.
I think if you click on my name you can read a post where I explained it better.
If you still have questions I' will always try and help.
There appear to be many different forms.
Hi guys!
Ready to give up. 
Avoiding Compulsions 
New here (TW:death)
