Hard to socialize

[Catlady27]

Does anyone else feel that your ocd keeps you from socializing and forming any kind of close relationships with other people in your world? You spend a lot of time alone and don't share much about yourself personally with others because it is uncomfortable to do so.

[OCDneedshelp]

Yes I do feel that way. Or I find that I interact on a superficial level only.

[BlackOnyx]

Yes, I feel that a bit but I think its because I also have social anxiety and depression. Except I'm really close to my partner.

[LionsTigersBearsOmy]

Yes. Yes I do. And I’m not proud of it. I have a diabolic way of turning fun into fear or sabotaging a good friendship or the beginning of a friendship due to fear of judgement and distrust. I don’t get too close bc I have been burned a lot. I stop it before it gets to a level of caring which is sad. I didn’t used to be like this but this recurring theme of OCD I have makes social situations almost repulsive. I go anyway but I am constantly waiting to hear something that is negative ab me. OCD has stunted my growth socially and I have two children and one on the way and I am a coach/trainer so I am constantly put in exposure situations bc my greatest OCD fear rt now is that everyone knows something ab me that I don’t. That there is a rumor going in ab me that everyone knows ab but no one will tell me. And they just let it cycle on and on. It’s disturbing and I have physical stomach reactions when I think I hear someone talking bad ab me. It’s most likely delusions but i am not convinced even tho I know it’s most likely my OCD. It can make me really awkward and weird when really I’m a fun and outgoing person. The awkwardness just fuels the anxiety/OCD caused my anxiety/OCD LOL. (That will only make sense to someone that has OCD) I am in ERP therapy rt now and making med adjustments to take the edge off. I have done years of therapy not knowing what was going on with me but just got officially diagnosed by a psych 2 years ago with OCD so I’m still processing and learning how to live with this terrible disorder. Ok I rambled but your post resonated. I hope me sharing my story will help you feel less alone in this battle. I have mostly good days now but it does take work and commitment! Best wishes!