I'm freaking out! - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

chryslynn · 05-10-2004, 12:57 PM

I'm new here, and I really need help. What do you do when you can't physically act on your OCD? Part of my OCD is that my footsteps have to be equal in distance, if I step on a crack with one foot, I must step on one with the other foot: that goes for stepping on leaves, in puddles, etc; and when I reach my destination I have to end up on an even number (I count my footsteps). The problem is that I have a condition that is making walking more and more difficult, I use a cane now. I feel completely out of whack and ...uneven. I can't find anything that will make me feel balanced. Medication isn't a possibility because I'm on so much for my neuropathy all ready, including amitriptyline and depakote. Any advice would be great. Thanks for listening.

amyocd · 06-12-2004, 09:59 PM

Dont freak, stay calm. Are you in any sort of therapy that is helping you with OCD?

Things I have learned in my cognitive behavior therapy was that a fear "such as not stepping in the right spot, or not landing on even number of footsteps is just a made up fear. There is nothing scary about your wrong foot stepping in a puddle, People with ocd just think there is. I mean, what is going to happen if you take your wrong foot and stomp in the puddle! You might feel nervous or funny, but it will go away. You might feel and think something bad is going to happen, but thats just superstition.
To get over ocd, you need to take control,and by taking control you show your brain who is boss. You are boss!

QUILTGIRL · 06-16-2004, 04:14 PM

I have to do this walking counting thing too!! I actually fell once because I was trying to end on an even number. It is a crazy feeling. I wish I had some advice for you, but all I can do is offer that I understand this feeling and you are not alone.