Fear of harming others - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

cuts84 · 11-30-2008, 11:44 PM

I watched a movie a few nights ago about a guy who hits and kills a child while driving. I hadn't really thought much of it until today, and now I am starting to obsess that I could hit a pedestrian also. I was thinking that sometimes when I turn right at a green light (which means that the walk sign could also be up for pedestrians crossing the street), I might not always be as careful as I should to make sure that there are no pedestrians. I always try to be a safe and cautrious driver, but I am worried that one day I could be in a hurry and drive too fast around the turn and hit someone. Then I start thinking how I could get convicted of vehicular manslaughter and have to go to prison. I know this is OCD but I'm just having trouble getting it off my mind. I don't typically have a lot of obsessions that involve the fear of harming others, but I know it is a fairly common thing with OCD and I have seen similar things posted here before. Anyways, it always makes me feel better to post my obsessions on here. Any comments would be appreciated

breakthecycle · 12-01-2008, 04:26 AM

You are definitely not alone. I too am a very cautious driver but have visions of veering off the road into something. I don't want to hurt myself or anyone else for that matter but I have that thought everyday. I feel like a terrible person if the thought enters my mind when my kids are in the car. Then I start to think about the consequences like well, dying and think that if I go I might as well take my kids with me. No way! Why would I even do that? That's when the thought stops and another one starts.

The movie probably triggered the thought for you but I'm realizing that it doesn't take much for us to obsess on a thought. How about you? Maybe that thought will prevent you from hitting someone because you are a careful driver. How DO we rid our minds of these thoughts? I'm going to talk with someone this Wed. about my OCD and am eager to learn more. Would love to talk more...Take care.

cuts84 · 12-01-2008, 08:33 PM

Thanks for your message. Its always good to speak with people on here who struggle with similar situations. My OCD really hasn't bothered me too much today. It seems that just posting my obsessions/worries/compulsions on here provides a sense of relief in itself. The problem is if I don't have anything to worry about for a few days, my mind will usually come up with something new! Anyway, how are you doing up in Kalamazoo...I always liked the name of that city.

breakthecycle · 12-02-2008, 04:20 AM

84~I'm doing fine in Kalamazoo. I like the name too! I especially love when I type it Kalamazoo Kalamazoo Kalamazoo. OK it's out of my system

I have a habit of typing words in my mind. I've talked to a few other people about this who also do it (coworker and sister) and we've decided kids should not have to take typing class. (or whatever it's called now) We've been doing it since we took the class!

Take care of yourself. Off to work for me.