KarmaJade
11-05-2006, 01:07 AM
I am wondering if I could possibly have OCD. The thing is, I do not have any
"rituals" per se...it is just very disturbing, harmful, persistent, obsessive thoughts. This is something I have struggled with my whole life. I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and depression so I don't know if this could just be part of those diagnoses but I wonder if it could be something more. I am just wondering if anyone can relate to this...it is like my mind will become obsessed with one particular thought (usually a mental image of something hurtful to me - such as my boyfriend with someone else or something bad happening to a loved one) and it will cause me a lot of emotional turmoil because no matter how hard I try I can't get the thought out of my mind. Once one repetitive thought goes away, another repetitive and intrusive thought will take its place. I will literally think about that same thing for days and weeks at a time and hardly be able to concentrate on anything else. I will worry about it or hurt myself so much with these thoughts that I will literally start feeling sick. I am not on any sort of medication right now and the problem is affecting my life in a really negative way. Often times it is hard for me to concentrate at work because of these thoughts. Can anyone offer any advice or tell me if this could be indicative of OCD?
"rituals" per se...it is just very disturbing, harmful, persistent, obsessive thoughts. This is something I have struggled with my whole life. I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder and depression so I don't know if this could just be part of those diagnoses but I wonder if it could be something more. I am just wondering if anyone can relate to this...it is like my mind will become obsessed with one particular thought (usually a mental image of something hurtful to me - such as my boyfriend with someone else or something bad happening to a loved one) and it will cause me a lot of emotional turmoil because no matter how hard I try I can't get the thought out of my mind. Once one repetitive thought goes away, another repetitive and intrusive thought will take its place. I will literally think about that same thing for days and weeks at a time and hardly be able to concentrate on anything else. I will worry about it or hurt myself so much with these thoughts that I will literally start feeling sick. I am not on any sort of medication right now and the problem is affecting my life in a really negative way. Often times it is hard for me to concentrate at work because of these thoughts. Can anyone offer any advice or tell me if this could be indicative of OCD?
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steveo23
11-05-2006, 02:13 AM
Hey KarmaJade
OCD is an anxiety disorder, so I would not be surprised.
Yeah, you're describing pretty typical intrusive thoughts, and while they can occur because of depression/stress, they are very indicative of OCD, especially when they take on an obsessive nature as you describe. Not all forms of OCD have physical compulsions. Pure O is one form that has mental obsessions AND mental compulsions. In your case, if you do have Pure O (if you do, speak to your doc about these thoughts) your mental compulsions would be trying to block the thoughts or getting them out of your head, as you say. Thinking about something for days, weeks and even months in this way is called obsessive rumination, and is quite significant of a Pure O problem. And all forms of OCD can be so exhausting that they make you physically ill.
The trick to dealing with these thoughts is using a bit of reverse psychology on yourself. Dont fight them, or try NOT to think of them. Just let them be. This can be hard, as they usually contain distressing content, but the more you let the thoughts come and go naturally, the more they will decrease and the less turmoil you will suffer. It takes practice, but it's quite effective. Its sounds like this is taking a toll though, so please go and see your doc about this. Its always the best option.
Steve
OCD is an anxiety disorder, so I would not be surprised.
Yeah, you're describing pretty typical intrusive thoughts, and while they can occur because of depression/stress, they are very indicative of OCD, especially when they take on an obsessive nature as you describe. Not all forms of OCD have physical compulsions. Pure O is one form that has mental obsessions AND mental compulsions. In your case, if you do have Pure O (if you do, speak to your doc about these thoughts) your mental compulsions would be trying to block the thoughts or getting them out of your head, as you say. Thinking about something for days, weeks and even months in this way is called obsessive rumination, and is quite significant of a Pure O problem. And all forms of OCD can be so exhausting that they make you physically ill.
The trick to dealing with these thoughts is using a bit of reverse psychology on yourself. Dont fight them, or try NOT to think of them. Just let them be. This can be hard, as they usually contain distressing content, but the more you let the thoughts come and go naturally, the more they will decrease and the less turmoil you will suffer. It takes practice, but it's quite effective. Its sounds like this is taking a toll though, so please go and see your doc about this. Its always the best option.
Steve
GatsbyLuvr1920
11-05-2006, 06:40 PM
KarmaJade- I'm a pure obsessional, so if you have any questions, I'm here! Good luck, and God bless! :angel:
-GatsbyLuvr1920-
-GatsbyLuvr1920-