does anyone else do this? - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

Enkidu · 10-06-2003, 02:07 PM

hello
I'm 18 and really stressed with college. My problem is that i delay certain things in fear that my day will go wrong. For example i got a letter from my friend yesterday. i heard a voice in my head that said don't open it because your day won't go well, or you'll fail your next exam. currently i still can't open it.I've read several things about ocd and people are scared that bad things will happen to others however with me i feel like something bad will happen to me. is this normal? i also go through moods of depression. another thing is that i never think i close the doors so i have to constatntly check. Also i have to keep checking my alarm clock. i never think i set it right. so i have an extra alarm clock now to set along with the fisrt one.eventhough they both work every morning at night i feel i haven't set it right. i know that some are characteristics of o.c.d, but as anyone delay certain actions in fear that something bad will happen to them?
Thanks to all who reply.

scaredbuthopeful · 10-06-2003, 03:51 PM

I had a therapist who once told me that being superstitious about things tied into my OCD. There are still things that I will avoid doing because I stop and think about all the things that could go wrong if I do do it. Are you seeking therapy or on any meds right now for the OCD? If so talk to your doctor about all of it. He will have a bettter idea. Good Luck.

redbaron · 10-07-2003, 05:47 AM

Your actions and thoughts are classic OCD symptoms. You ask if these actions are normal, well for somebody with OCD they are. As far as I'm concerned the first step in controlling OCD is to recognise that the actions that you are describing are part of the disorder, then you can figure out the best way to control them.

quik · 10-14-2003, 10:47 PM

Hi Enkidu,

I do the same thing with the alarm clock. I have to check it over and over again, and after confirming that it's ok, I can't touch it (or else it might turn the alarm off, of course). Same with the stove and door locks. I also have to check everything in a certain order before I go to bed. Sometimes if my symptoms are especially strong, I get afraid that something "bad" will happen if I check things in the wrong order.

I have not personally experienced the type of feelings you're describing, where you delay certain actions for fear of bad things happening to yourself. But it definitely sounds like the type of thing someone with OCD might feel.