Coincidence or paranoia?

[Skipper.]

I'm unsure as to whether or not I have OCD. I had never heard of the disorder until around two months ago, when I first started watching the television show, Monk. I researched it, and it looked like I might have OCD. As far as I know, I've always had what you might call "intrusive thoughts," one being the same, repetitive fear that negative emotions, namely fear, will cause a demon, or some such thing of evil nature, to come into my house (probably because of one particular incident I had several years ago). I think it might just be psychosomatic (just in my head), which is what my family keeps telling me, but at the same time, part of me keeps telling me that the thoughts are real. Somewhat recently, I stumbled upon a show about people who suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Shortly after the elections, my anxiety spiked, and more of the compulsive side of obsessive-compulsive started showing up. I haven't been able to skip any of what some of my friends call "rituals," without feeling unbearably anxious that I've done something wrong, or not done something that I should have done.

It could just be a coincidence that I happened to learn about OCD just before it spiked, but I think it might just be false, self-induced anxiety. I don't really know much about OCD, which is why I thought I'd ask here. I don't know if you can answer, but if you have any thoughts, a reply would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kaykay9.0]

We don't diagnose on this forum or at least we're not supposed to. You really should speak to a doctor or counselor if you suspect you have OCD. I will say that the fact that you say you have rituals which you would be very uncomfortable not doing kinda smacks of OCD, but you really need to get a professional diagnosis if you feel you struggle with this. Whatever the issue is, it sounds like you might benefit from some professional help and/or meds of some type.

 

[Skipper.]

Sorry, I should have read the rules more closely. But thanks for the advice. Again, sorry about that...

 

[RachelZ]

Hey Skipper...not sure if I've missed something here but just wondering why you're feeling you need to apologise for your post? KayKay is absolutely right in that we're not qualified to diagnose here but you've done exactly the right thing in seeking some advice regarding your concerns. Yes what you're describing certainly sounds like OCD so I'd say the next thing would be to hunt out an understanding doctor and get some more help and advice. In the meantime I have learnt that this is a very comforting, compassoinate, safe and helpful place to be and I hope you find the same whether or not you discover you have OCD or not. Hope you get the right help and advice soon and some peace from all this. Take care, Rachel

 

[Jayangel81]

Praying for you

 

[kaykay9.0]

Hey Skipper...not sure if I've missed something here but just wondering why you're feeling you need to apologise for your post? KayKayis absolutely right in that we're not qualified to diagnose here but you've done exactly the right thing in seeking some advice regarding your concerns. Yes what you're describing certainly sounds like OCD so I'd say the next thing would be to hunt out an understanding doctor and get some more help and advice. In the meantime I have learnt that this is a very comforting, compassoinate, safe and helpful place to be and I hope you find the same whether or not you discover you have OCD or not. Hope you get the right help and advice soon and some peace from all this. Take care, Rachel

No need at all to apologize! Ditto to all that Rachel said!

 

[Skipper.]

Sorry for apologizing, then, I guess . I suppose I just misunderstood Kaykay's post (I'm pretty good at that kind of thing. ).

But thanks for all the support . I'll post later if learn anything.

 

[kaykay9.0]

Sorry for apologizing, then, I guess . I suppose I just misunderstood Kaykay's post (I'm pretty good at that kind of thing. ).

But thanks for all the support . I'll post later if learn anything.

Well, hope I didn't come off harsh or something that gave you the impression an apology was needed. I just try to preface anything I say here that even borders telling someone that they might or might not have OCD with my "disclaimer statement" because I do know that as a rule, on the mental health forums, they do not want us substituting our opinion for a professional's on issues like that. A lot of us do have a lot of information and opinions about what likely would constitute OCD, but for your own protection, it's preferred that we stay in the realm of giving support, encouragement etc and not make some kind of "unprofessional diagnosis." It's a fine line to walk sometimes.

Hope you get the insight and help you're looking for regarding this~~