a question... - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

agc83 · 06-08-2006, 02:18 PM

Hi, I have some habits that I would like some opinions on. I've not been diagnosed with OCD, but some of the things I do make me wonder...Do any of these things sound familiar to anyone else:

1. List making - I CONSTANTLY make lists. For grocery shopping, what I need to do each day of the week, what to pack for trips, goals, etc. If I don't make these lists I feel so worried and unorganized, so I give in and start the lists. I often repeat the same lists because I feel like I need a fresh one.

2. I have thoughts of getting killed often, mostly while driving, I imagine a car hitting me head on. I think about death all the time.

3. I pray constantly because I feel like I've sinned and if I don't ask for forgiveness, that I might die or the world might end and I'll go to hell.

4. I can't sit down at home because I always have to be doing things - organizing, cleaning, etc.

Please don't think I'm a crazy nut case, I know it probably sounds like it, but I just need some opinions because sometimes I worry about myself...

steveo23 · 06-08-2006, 02:32 PM

agc83

Hey... while no one here can diagnose you for sure, what you describe sounds a lot like OCD. You'll be surprised how common your thoughts/fears are in people with OCD. I used to pray constantly since I was a kid because I thought the world was going to hell. At age 18 I see a doctor, and was I just weird? No, I had OCD. Been five years since then, and with treatment things have improved significantly.

I would suggest you speak to a doctor. No one will think you are a nut case! I think most proffesionals would recognize whats going on the instant you tell them what you have said here. Maybe research the disorder on the net... I think you'll find you'd be surprised at your story and its similarity to OCD sufferers.

You'll be pleased to know if you do have OCD that it is far from any kind of insanity, and that it is very treatable.

Steve

agc83 · 06-08-2006, 02:38 PM

Thanks Steve. That's the reason I didn't want to talk to my doctor because I thought he might think I was schitzophrenic or something and try to commit me. Your reply makes me feel alot better!

agc83 · 06-08-2006, 02:43 PM

Steve, I have another question if you don't mind me asking...I have a problem with picking my lips until they bleed. I never let the wound heal. Would you say that sounds more like self harm than OCD or can OCD cause things like this? You probably think I'm a "real piece of work" now huh? lol. No seriously though, what's your opinion?

steveo23 · 06-08-2006, 04:21 PM

Hey

Nah, thats ok. Compulsive and obsessive picking is related to the OCD spectrum... it also involves things like compulsive hair pulling. It differs from self harm in that self harm is a deliberate harming ritual to release anxiety or depression, or the minds way of releasing mental pain through physical pain. And self harm tends to involve self multilation like cutting and other severe harming like that. Self harm isnt uncommon with OCD, but to me your lip picking sounds OCD related. Nah, I dont think you're a real piece of work. You recognize that something is wrong, and to me that says OCD!

Dont worry about getting commited... honestly, you AND your doctor would know if you were schizophrenic. And others thinking that you are crazy is also a common OCD fear. Dont be afraid about seeing your doctor... OCD is much more recognized these days. No one will lock you away. There are millions of us strange but wonderful obsessives.

Steve