How do I know if I have OCD, or if its depress... - OCD Support

OCD Support

1,363 posts

How do I know if I have OCD, or if its depression, anxiety or overthinking?

LouieSax profile image
1 Reply

Basically, as the title says above, it may sound strange but I'm honestly not sure if I have OCD or whether I'm just anxious, depressed or even if I'm just overthinking things. I know I should go to a GP if I have any concerns, but what if I am just overthinking? The reason I'm concerned is I always have this horrible feeling inside me, which I interprete as anxiety but then I also have quite dark and depressive thoughts (so maybe that's just depression? I'm not sure) The reason I'm curious as to whether its OCD is because since my GCSEs in secondary school, when I have exams on or even coming up in the next couple of months, it makes me anxious and for months on end I will spend all day everyday doing work and checking my work to make sure its right, even when I've written my assignments I will continue to check them constantly, taking up my whole day of just checking my assignments, the rest of my life pretty much goes to poop, I stop cleaning my room, I stop going out, I stop doing everything. I'm not sure.

Written by
LouieSax profile image
LouieSax
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .

The ability to reply to this post has been turned off.

1 Reply
Sallyskins profile image
Sallyskins

It sounds as though it is OCD - constant checking and rechecking is a typical symptom. Being anxious about exams can be a trigger for such behaviour. Do get help for it - exams can be stressful enough without OCD rituals interfering and making it worse. Generalized anxiety and depression often go with OCD. CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) can help, but in the short term at least don't be afraid of taking medication. SSRI antidepressants can help with OCD and depression together, and if you are then prescribed a course of CBT can help you to carry out the exercises far more effectively. Please do get help - but ask your GP to make a referral to your local mental health services.

You may also like...

New here & just discovered that I have OCD

and depression over the years, probably undiagnosed post natal depression too. At the moment I'm in...

OCD and loss of too much weight, very anxious and depressed

antidepressants to which none worked , just made me worse and loose weight, I am under weight, have...

Light at the end of the tunnel!

Hi I have suffered with OCD for 32 yrs of my life. I'm 45 in a month. I just wanted to write to say...

Hello from a newbie!

I do have checking issues that I have under fairly good control. I also suffer from depression...

From bad...to worse! :S

2 months ago. need this for my OCD and anxiety. but now the depression has crept in massively! my...