My intro

[Karalin]

I’m Karalin and I struggle with OCD as well. I’ve had it since I was 10, and it had gotten worse from time to time. But know my real question. Here goes. So my OCD works in a way as though I get cycles. I just went through this bad one where I had to pick up trash WITH MY BARE HANDS DURING COVID-19. I know I know, wth(what the heck) is what you’re probably thinking, but I just felt like well. In my head it was like, you’re gonna regret this forever and things like that. I knew that wasn’t true but I had to. I would get so mad I would go “Ugh” so many times. I hated it. But of course that was after my full fledged Covid themed OCD frakout regarding a spring break trip that I had been looking forward too for over a decade which got canceled. And of course I can never go on this trip ever again. But it’s not a big deal. Is hat optimistic me would say. But that me isn’t writing this. Phew I’m sorry that’s my rant, Covid life sucks. I’m sure we can all agree. Right now I’m obsessing about cracks in sidewalks. It’s causing me to lose time even faster. And you all Time is something I keep losing to my ADHD. I’m afraid I could get run over or hurt my ankles, because it’s like playing a dangerous game of hop scotch. I don’t why this happens. Wow maybe I do need help. I’m just glad I found you all who get me. No offense to non OCD people, but you know I just feel slightly annoyed. They kind of joke about it. Like oh I guess I’m a little OCD. It doesn’t bother too much. But still, I wish they didn’t do it. It so sucks to have this. If you think I’m a crazy person, I apologize this is long. But I’m kinda pouring out my soul. It’s nice to meet you all.

Sincere,y, Karalin

[Karalin]

A litt,e extra info on what makes this crack thing an OCD cycle. I don’t avoid them because I might break my moms back. I have to step over any crack with my left foot first. Because the left foot is the evil foot. If I use left foot first then right foot will de evilise the sidewalk so that everything is fine. If I step on crack at all then I have to um well it’s too hard to describe exactly, so I’ll just say that I do a ritual to fix this problem. This also happens with a mat in my house. It also applies to some things I touch with my hands. But my ocd is just a discomfort and not nearly as bad as other people’s. My heart goes out to all of you who are just going through hell with their ocd. We will beat it somehow, or get our revenge, just like with this virus, I know it’s hard for all of us, but you got this.

[Hidden]

I would like to welcome you to the OCD Support Network.

We are here to offer help and support to each other.

We are in this together.

I am sorry that you are going through a difficult time with OCD.

[3BirdLover]

Hi Karalin,

I went through a stage MANY years ago that I had to pick up anything off the ground that wasn't supposed to be there....all kinds of things would go through my mind like "maybe someone will slip on that thing and it will be my fault because i didn't pick it up", "OH! I'd better pick up that cigarette butt before it goes on fire again and everything burns down", "oh maybe someone will step on that thing and get injured", etc. etc. etc. I did the 'crack thing' too. I am relieved to say that this particular phase of OCD rarely creeps up anymore.

You MUST see an OCD therapist to help with these things. You can 'get your revenge' by not giving in to the compulsions to pick things up. I know....it's easier said than done...believe me I've been there. It's very hard to do it on your own, but a therapist will help you.

I can tell you that I've had almost every OCD type a person can have, and unless you learn to fight the compulsions, they have a good chance on getting worse. It's a daily struggle, but you CAN CAN CAN get better. You will discover that when you resist, the urge will eventually subside, at least to the point of being able to cope. Also you may need to take some medication to help you to settle down a bit and to curb your compulsions. A doctor will help you with this, but again, I so strongly recommend you do find OCD people. They have worked so much with us that they know exactly what you are up against.

On the iocdf.org website, there is an area you can click on to find a therapist in YOUR area. It's very cool....it will ask you for your zipcode and find some within your area.

Let us know how it goes...please don't delay...it's SO WORTH IT!!!!!

[Karalin in reply to 3BirdLover]

I’ve had many types too I’m just so lucky I don’t have existential or scrupulosity or the type where you worry about harming others or the am I sure I turned the stove off one. Omg I can’t imagine what those woolens go through. Was your crack ocd exactly like mine?

[3BirdLover in reply to Karalin]

I don't believe my crack issue was as detailed as yours. It would bother me to step on a crack, and I tried to avoid it, but it didn't develop into more than that. That's the thing about these obessions and compulsions....they can get worse if we don't get them under control.....so hard to do. But using the tools learned in therapy will help greatly!

[Carbon21 in reply to 3BirdLover]

Great advice!

[Vale57]

I really feel for OCD sufferers. It must be so frustrating. I have never had the problem but I had a friend with it and my Mum had it (along with a few other issue)

I hope you are getting support with it. x