I'm almost 17 and suffered from the same problems for most of my life. I have these terrible guilty feelings over the stupidest things. I literally FORCE myself to think bad things in order to feel guilty, and these thoughts just don't go away. For example, if my boyfriend were to say he was stupid, I'll just think stupid stupid stupid. And this causes me to feel terrible about thinking these things. I know it's not my fault but why do I do this? I have been talking to a counselor for a few months now and she says I have anxiety and depression problems. But Lately I've been reading about OCD and I feel like some of the things match up. I always have this huge urge to confess. Like if I did something that, in my mind, was "terrible" I get this compulsive feeling to confess it to whoever I think I hurt, even though I know confessing probably isn't rational. I also worry about things that I know are irrational, like having HIV. I actually get out of the shower before I wash my hair, and wash my hands with alcohol. Does this sound like this could be OCD? Thanks in advance!
It definitely sounds like you could have OCD, or obsessive tendencies, or obsessional anxiety. And it's amazing; the longer I'm here on this board, the more obsessions I keep identifying with. I, too, make myself think horrible thoughts just to make myself feel guilty. And I don't know why I do this. It does work; I feel horrible afterwards, and I also have a need to confess. Not just things I think, but things I think I might have done and also things that are really insignificant. It is a neurotic occupation, to be sure. Don't feel alone!
It definitely sounds like you could have OCD, or obsessive tendencies, or obsessional anxiety. And it's amazing; the longer I'm here on this board, the more obsessions I keep identifying with. I, too, make myself think horrible thoughts just to make myself feel guilty. And I don't know why I do this. It does work; I feel horrible afterwards, and I also have a need to confess. Not just things I think, but things I think I might have done and also things that are really insignificant. It is a neurotic occupation, to be sure. Don't feel alone!
gosh thank you so much. I have done this all of my life I really thought I was insane or something. What do you do to make yourself feel better? When I get it in my head that I need to confess something it just doesn't go away. I have to tell that person. Even if it is senseless, and may hurt them. Will medication help? Anyway thank you so much!
You're welcome!!! It may sound strange, but I've always had an incredibly close relationship with both of my parents (my dad's a psychologist) and I've always gone and told them instead of others when I feel the need to confess something. They just reassure me everything's okay, and then I go on with my business. The horrible thoughts are the "O, Obsessive" part of OCD and the need to confess is the "C, Compulsive" part. I've never been on medication, so I don't really know if it would help, but I imagine it might, if you get the right stuff from a doctor. Also, going to a therapist, a GOOD therapist with a LOT of experience with OCD, will help you a lot! Take care!!!!
Last edited by eleanor_rigby; 07-18-2004 at 11:17 PM.
