I often experience the uncomfortable feeling especially in a meeting room or cafe or something similar where I catch sight of somebody out of the corner of my eye. I then find I can't stop being aware of that person's presence even though I don't want to look at them but can't help it. It makes me feel really uncomfortable especially as I'm trying not to get into thinking about it. Its usually a stranger or somebody I don't know very well and its not sexual or anything like that. As I say I do not want to look at them but its like they're just there and it distracts me to the point wher after a while I actually start feeling unwell with a headache and very tensed up. I'm pretty sure this is OCD. Does anybody else experience something like this? I've had this for years but have never known how to get over it.
Is this an OCD symptom?: I often experience the... - OCD Support
OCD Support
Is this an OCD symptom?
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Not sure if it's OCD, but the avoidance tactics do sound similar to OCD. It could be worth going to your GP about it if it is really bothering you, but perhaps there are things you could try first.
The more you try to avoid being distracted by other people, the more you will notice that they are there. Try not to avoid it. Everyone notices people around them, and as long as you don't make other people uncomfortable by giving them too much concentrated attention, it's all right to notice and to watch.
It's normal to notice and watch what's going on around you. Taking an interest in others in healthy, as long as, as I say, you don't make someone uncomfortable or behave in a creepy way. It sounds as though you are overly conscious of this.
Try taking an interest in everything that goes on around you, and get engrossed in that. If it doesn't work and it is still giving you headaches, do go to your GP.
OCD sufferer for many years
I think I have OCD
OCD in the elderly