Friends have mentioned the possibility of me having OCD before but I never thought it was feasible until recently. When carrying out activities I often tell myself I have to carry out a certain task or something bad is going to happen. Some of the tasks include having to step on leaves, twigs, cracks or anything prominent on the floor. As well as touching things especially when I am outside my home. Or having to sit or touch a certain object before I can leave that room. I also use to have to look outside my window every single time I heard a bus go past but I have got better at ignoring that urge now. People around me pick up on it too and often ask what am I doing or why I am taking so long. Some of the bad consequences of not fulfilling this action include failing my exams, someone close to me dying or just something completely unrelated to the action happening. I am open to ANY advice or tips as i have finally accepted that this is not normal. I would say this has been happening for around 2 years. Thanks for reading
Could I have OCD?: Friends have mentioned the... - OCD Support
OCD Support
Could I have OCD?
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This definitely sounds like OCD. I know what you mean about having to do certain things to prevent something “bad” happening. This is a very classic symptom. Please follow up with a Professional if you haven’t already.
Typical OCD. Stepping or not stepping on things, touching or not touching things, doing all sorts of things that others don't understand, these are all symptoms of OCD. As is thinking you'll fail your exams or harm someone, usually in a way quite unrelated, if you don't.
It's best to start with a trip to the doctor. Ask for a referral to a therapist who does cognitive behavioural therapy, often just called CBT. It can be very effective. Ignoring the urge to bus watch means that you are already using CBT techniques! Medication can be helpful, and the SSRI antidepressants are usually used for OCD. They can dampen down the symptoms and also make CBT easier to do.
Read about OCD as well. There are plenty of good self help books. I've found Overcoming Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and The OCD Workbook particularly helpful, but it's a matter of what you find most helpful to you. Here are a couple of downloads which give you an introduction to what OCD is, and how you can start to fight back.
readingagency.org.uk/adults...
selfhelpguides.ntw.nhs.uk/p...
Thank you so much, Sally, for these helps. I will read more this weekend.
This definitely sounds like OCD. I would say speak to your GP to see if you can be referred for some support.
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