anonymous12345
01-04-2008, 03:48 PM
I'm not sure if this is the category to post in but it sounds like this is my problem but I'm not totally sure.
Firstly I have a habit of keeping things always in their place; whenever something goes out of place I always put it back (without actually getting frustrated or angry). When organizing things I always tend to keep them, depending on what it is, perfectly at 90º or pefectly parallel; for instance, if I have to keep two cards, or two bottles, or two books, or two CD cases on top of or next to each other I will make sure they go perfectly on top. Another thing I have an issue with is organizing or sequencing; if I have a range of bottles (like deodrant, perfume....) I will always keep it from small to big; the same goes with colour (of socks), from lightest to darkest.
In many things I organize or do I always tend to look for simmetry or sequences. The same goes for folders on my PC; if one file starts with a capital letter, all files start with capital letters (unlike many other people's computer I've seen); if some files belong to a category, I have the habit of keeping all files in their categories, and so forth (I'm not sure if this has anything to do with what I mentioned before but I'm trying to explain my problem).
Lastly washing my hands is also a case but compared to what some people on here have, I wouldn't consider it too important. Basically I always want to be clean whenever I touch shoes, feet, socks, floor or any thing that has dust or some kind of dirt in it.
Do I really have OCD? Or is it just me trying to look for perfection?
Any opinion is accepted.
Thanks.
Firstly I have a habit of keeping things always in their place; whenever something goes out of place I always put it back (without actually getting frustrated or angry). When organizing things I always tend to keep them, depending on what it is, perfectly at 90º or pefectly parallel; for instance, if I have to keep two cards, or two bottles, or two books, or two CD cases on top of or next to each other I will make sure they go perfectly on top. Another thing I have an issue with is organizing or sequencing; if I have a range of bottles (like deodrant, perfume....) I will always keep it from small to big; the same goes with colour (of socks), from lightest to darkest.
In many things I organize or do I always tend to look for simmetry or sequences. The same goes for folders on my PC; if one file starts with a capital letter, all files start with capital letters (unlike many other people's computer I've seen); if some files belong to a category, I have the habit of keeping all files in their categories, and so forth (I'm not sure if this has anything to do with what I mentioned before but I'm trying to explain my problem).
Lastly washing my hands is also a case but compared to what some people on here have, I wouldn't consider it too important. Basically I always want to be clean whenever I touch shoes, feet, socks, floor or any thing that has dust or some kind of dirt in it.
Do I really have OCD? Or is it just me trying to look for perfection?
Any opinion is accepted.
Thanks.
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Sari05
01-07-2008, 11:09 PM
I'm not sure if this is the category to post in but it sounds like this is my problem but I'm not totally sure.
Firstly I have a habit of keeping things always in their place; whenever something goes out of place I always put it back (without actually getting frustrated or angry). When organizing things I always tend to keep them, depending on what it is, perfectly at 90ΒΊ or pefectly parallel; for instance, if I have to keep two cards, or two bottles, or two books, or two CD cases on top of or next to each other I will make sure they go perfectly on top. Another thing I have an issue with is organizing or sequencing; if I have a range of bottles (like deodrant, perfume....) I will always keep it from small to big; the same goes with colour (of socks), from lightest to darkest.
In many things I organize or do I always tend to look for simmetry or sequences. The same goes for folders on my PC; if one file starts with a capital letter, all files start with capital letters (unlike many other people's computer I've seen); if some files belong to a category, I have the habit of keeping all files in their categories, and so forth (I'm not sure if this has anything to do with what I mentioned before but I'm trying to explain my problem).
Lastly washing my hands is also a case but compared to what some people on here have, I wouldn't consider it too important. Basically I always want to be clean whenever I touch shoes, feet, socks, floor or any thing that has dust or some kind of dirt in it.
Do I really have OCD? Or is it just me trying to look for perfection?
Any opinion is accepted.
Thanks.
Hi Anonymous,
It does sound like you have OCD. Feeling the need to be clean and keep things organized are symptoms of OCD. The best thing to do is get some professional help like go see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist. You need therapy and medication for your OCD. You want to get your OCD under control, and get help for your OCD before it's get worse.
Also there is alot of good books on OCD that can help you with your OCD, like
"Brain Lock" By Jeffrey M. Schwartz, and Beverly Beyette.
That's what I would do. I hope that this post is helpful to you.
Good luck on your OCD, and keep us posted on how you are doing with your OCD. ;)
Firstly I have a habit of keeping things always in their place; whenever something goes out of place I always put it back (without actually getting frustrated or angry). When organizing things I always tend to keep them, depending on what it is, perfectly at 90ΒΊ or pefectly parallel; for instance, if I have to keep two cards, or two bottles, or two books, or two CD cases on top of or next to each other I will make sure they go perfectly on top. Another thing I have an issue with is organizing or sequencing; if I have a range of bottles (like deodrant, perfume....) I will always keep it from small to big; the same goes with colour (of socks), from lightest to darkest.
In many things I organize or do I always tend to look for simmetry or sequences. The same goes for folders on my PC; if one file starts with a capital letter, all files start with capital letters (unlike many other people's computer I've seen); if some files belong to a category, I have the habit of keeping all files in their categories, and so forth (I'm not sure if this has anything to do with what I mentioned before but I'm trying to explain my problem).
Lastly washing my hands is also a case but compared to what some people on here have, I wouldn't consider it too important. Basically I always want to be clean whenever I touch shoes, feet, socks, floor or any thing that has dust or some kind of dirt in it.
Do I really have OCD? Or is it just me trying to look for perfection?
Any opinion is accepted.
Thanks.
Hi Anonymous,
It does sound like you have OCD. Feeling the need to be clean and keep things organized are symptoms of OCD. The best thing to do is get some professional help like go see a Psychiatrist or Psychologist. You need therapy and medication for your OCD. You want to get your OCD under control, and get help for your OCD before it's get worse.
Also there is alot of good books on OCD that can help you with your OCD, like
"Brain Lock" By Jeffrey M. Schwartz, and Beverly Beyette.
That's what I would do. I hope that this post is helpful to you.
Good luck on your OCD, and keep us posted on how you are doing with your OCD. ;)
Benjamin01
01-08-2008, 09:52 PM
Hi anonymous12345.
As Sari05 said, what you are describing certainly sounds like symptoms of OCD (in fact, I have OCD and organizing computer files is one of my obsessions!). However, it is your response that is important. For example, you said you want to be clean whenever you touch something dirty, but do you want to be clean or do you need to be clean? What will happen (emotionally or physically) if you do not clean after touching something dirty? What will happen (again emotionally or physically) if your computer files are not organized?
Everybody is obsessive-compulsive to some extent; it is only if it really bothers you (i.e. produces anxiety) that it becomes obsessive-compulsive-disorder which requires treatment (usually CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy) with one-on-one sessions with a therapist.
Hope this helps.
As Sari05 said, what you are describing certainly sounds like symptoms of OCD (in fact, I have OCD and organizing computer files is one of my obsessions!). However, it is your response that is important. For example, you said you want to be clean whenever you touch something dirty, but do you want to be clean or do you need to be clean? What will happen (emotionally or physically) if you do not clean after touching something dirty? What will happen (again emotionally or physically) if your computer files are not organized?
Everybody is obsessive-compulsive to some extent; it is only if it really bothers you (i.e. produces anxiety) that it becomes obsessive-compulsive-disorder which requires treatment (usually CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy) with one-on-one sessions with a therapist.
Hope this helps.
CatGirl1975
01-09-2008, 09:06 PM
I agree with Ben-
I want my home and myself clean..I am afraid of germs, and diseases..
It's hard for me to relax, sleep, watch tv or even read a book if my house is messy..I used to clean till I dropped..But for some reason that has lightened up for me over the last 6 months..
But my hands have to be clean..Before I eat I scrub up to my elbows..Any public place has to have a bathroom so I can wash up..When Im in my home, I can't leave a room without washing up..For instance, if I pass through my kitchen I have to stop at the sink..If I leave my bedroom I have to go into our master bath and wash...If I don't do these things my mind will obsess about it , then I will go into a small anxiety attack, my body will get warm and my heart will pace till I do it...
I want my home and myself clean..I am afraid of germs, and diseases..
It's hard for me to relax, sleep, watch tv or even read a book if my house is messy..I used to clean till I dropped..But for some reason that has lightened up for me over the last 6 months..
But my hands have to be clean..Before I eat I scrub up to my elbows..Any public place has to have a bathroom so I can wash up..When Im in my home, I can't leave a room without washing up..For instance, if I pass through my kitchen I have to stop at the sink..If I leave my bedroom I have to go into our master bath and wash...If I don't do these things my mind will obsess about it , then I will go into a small anxiety attack, my body will get warm and my heart will pace till I do it...
seaturtle
01-09-2008, 11:16 PM
Hi,
Sounds like OCD to me. Do get some treatment, see a therapist and maybe a psychiatrist, too. When our behaviour is out of our control, then it's not just perfectionism.
Welcome here.
Sounds like OCD to me. Do get some treatment, see a therapist and maybe a psychiatrist, too. When our behaviour is out of our control, then it's not just perfectionism.
Welcome here.
JESSERS1968
01-10-2008, 02:15 PM
I agree with Benjmin01. If your need or want for exactness does not interfere with your ability to function at work or at home, and does not cause you any distress, or take up enormous amounts of time during your day, and does not have an effect on the people around you, then typically it wouldn't meet the criteria for OCD. There is also OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder) which may be a better fit for what you describe. Many people with OCPD are perfectly content, and can actually use their perfectionist traits to their advantage in business or at work. Sometimes OCD doesn't become a problem until you have to share a living space with some one else. I would be curious to know if you live alone, and if you don't - how to the people around you respond to your need or want for symmetry, etc.? And, as it was already mentioned, the truth of whether or not it is a problem, lies in your reaction to being stopped from performing the rituals.
anonymous12345
01-10-2008, 04:11 PM
Well just to give a little more information, I'm 18 years of age and I don't really know if consulting a psychiatrist or therepy would be the best idea especially having to convince my parents that I do really have this.
In reponse to some of the posts below, I would like to say that I do all those things mentioned because it just makes me, in some way, content that I have everything in order. Not getting it done doesn't necessarily mean getting angry or frustrated....it just means that I will do it when I get time.
What are the actual short/long term consequences of having OCD? Are there any severe problems that could occur in middle age?
These things I describe I can actually control without getting angry/frustrated/upset. Like I can stop organizing my files, eating with dirty hands (and I have done this sometimes without thinking about it), etc...
Is there any other non-therapeutical or non-medical treatment other than trying to control actions?
I appreciate the advice of all you guys. Thank you.
In reponse to some of the posts below, I would like to say that I do all those things mentioned because it just makes me, in some way, content that I have everything in order. Not getting it done doesn't necessarily mean getting angry or frustrated....it just means that I will do it when I get time.
What are the actual short/long term consequences of having OCD? Are there any severe problems that could occur in middle age?
These things I describe I can actually control without getting angry/frustrated/upset. Like I can stop organizing my files, eating with dirty hands (and I have done this sometimes without thinking about it), etc...
Is there any other non-therapeutical or non-medical treatment other than trying to control actions?
I appreciate the advice of all you guys. Thank you.
Benjamin01
01-10-2008, 08:51 PM
As I alluded to in my initial post, if you can easily put of doing your 'rituals' then I do not believe you have OCD; people with OCD generally become very anxious/nervous if they are prevented from performing our rituals.
In response to your first question, OCD does not generally cause any other mental problems in later life, however, OCD (being an anxiety disorder) usually appears in conjuction with other anxiety disorders (i.e. social anxiety, etc).
In response to your second question, the only effective treatment for OCD (personally-speaking) is anti-anxiety medication used in conjunction with CBT, however everyone has their own opinion.
Sounds to me that you are perfectionist which is certainly not a bad thing! That said, I am not a professional and would definitely urge you to consult one. As many people have said, if your 'problem' does not bother you in any way (or others for that matter) there is no need to 'fix' it.
In response to your first question, OCD does not generally cause any other mental problems in later life, however, OCD (being an anxiety disorder) usually appears in conjuction with other anxiety disorders (i.e. social anxiety, etc).
In response to your second question, the only effective treatment for OCD (personally-speaking) is anti-anxiety medication used in conjunction with CBT, however everyone has their own opinion.
Sounds to me that you are perfectionist which is certainly not a bad thing! That said, I am not a professional and would definitely urge you to consult one. As many people have said, if your 'problem' does not bother you in any way (or others for that matter) there is no need to 'fix' it.