Should I go to the doctor? - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

believeinme · 11-05-2006, 08:11 AM

I have been OCD since elementary school but have never seen a doctor about it. I didn't know what it was until I read an article about it in a magazine when I was about 12. I tried to tell my mother but she said that I didn't have it and shouldn't worry about it. I realy want to do something to stop the obsessions and compulsions, but i do not want to see a therapist on a regular schedule because I really do not like people and I dont feel that I would be able to talk to him about those kinds of things. What do you think I should do?

steveo23 · 11-05-2006, 09:22 PM

Hey

Yeah, you should see a doctor. OCD is something that needs to be taken seriously... if you brush it to one side, it probably WILL come back to haunt you one day when you really dont need it.

You dont have to see a therapist, but talking to your doc might make you feel better. I can understand, OCD is quite personal and I think it's something that many of us dont like to open up about. Maybe it would help as well if you felt comfortable enough talking about it here.

But I do recommend you speak to your general doc... I had OCD all the way through school and told nobody. My biggest regret is keeping it to myself, because in the end it became impossible for me to manage and it had some pretty serious consequences. As with most things, if you catch it early enough it's easier to deal with.

Steve

believeinme · 11-05-2006, 10:19 PM

I was not sure if I would be able to go to a general practitioner. I know that my friend went to one to get xanax for anxiety but I didn't know if i would be able to. Thanks for your advice.

sdc1213 · 11-05-2006, 11:09 PM

As an anxiety sufferer (Panic, OCD and GAD) I would highly recommend talking to a close friend or general doctor if you don't want to talk to a therapist. I believe that taking a pill without receiving the direct help you need leads to dependency and masking. I tried to go on for so long by just taking Cymbalta, but now with all the stress that's heightened in my life at this point (Parent w/ cancer, career changes, ect) I look back and wished I received the 1-on-1 help a while ago.

Talking is the number one prescription for most people. I hope this helps.

daftthing · 11-06-2006, 02:47 PM

I definately think you should go to see your GP at least. He/She will at the very least be able to give you a list of your options. I know you said you don't think you'd be able to do therapy because of people-problems - but don't you think it would be at least worth a shot? It's not something you HAVE to commit to. I am not a people person at all, and avoid all kinds of situations that puts me into unnecessary contact with people - so I understand how you feel. I have huge problems opening up to anyone, but therapy definately does have it's benefits.

Let us know what you decide and how it goes.

Karen.