I'm scard.

Submitted by Lala12 Wed 11/30/2011

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I've had OCD since i was a child when my nan passed away, i never told anyone about it because i was young and had no idea what it was, thought i was going insane. I would hate things in 3's and had to check plugs many times and if i didn't do this i would think someone in my family would die or even myself. It went away after a while (because i ignored it) and thought it would never come back!

A few months ago my OCD came back, at that time i still didn't know what it was till i searched it up on google. I started to get the three thing and the plugs but didn't think someone was going to die. Then it got worse, when my OCD came back my ex wouldn't leave me alone and i started to obsess over him (even though i don't even like him no more) I have a boyfriend i've been going out with for 10 months and he is supporting me :) my parent's don't understand. I also obsess over boy's down the street, i would instantly think i fancy them and obsess over it for about an hour. I also think ' what if i have done this without noticing? ' a few of the things i thought was ' what if i've cheated on my boyfriend without noticing? ' what if i have done something bad to a child without noticing? ' i started thinking i was a pervert and was imaging kids naked in my head and also image boy's naked too. I hate it so much. I also question if i love my boyfriend a lot, even though he is amazing... he makes me so happy and i'm always smiling when i'm with him but i still question it :/ is this relationship OCD? This only started when my OCD kicked in.

I'm really scard to go to the doctors about it, i'm afraid there going to say there is nothing wrong with me.

Thank you for reading and hopefully get some great comments!

Hi Lala, It certainly sounds

Submitted by Dr. Lane on Wed, 11/30/2011 - 5:29pm.

Hi Lala,

It certainly sounds like you may have OCD - or at least symptoms of OCD. Whether you meet the criteria for a diagnosis depends on things like how much time this takes up and whether or not it is significantly interfering with your life, although I suspect with a thorough assessment you would be diagnosed with OCD.

The issue with things in 3s and checking plugs, and fearing someone would die if you don't - those are classic OCD symptoms. Also, the obsessive anxiety about whether or not you might have done something - also a common OCD symptom.

The issue with your boyfriend may or may not be related - or it could be anxiety in general. It's hard to say without more information.

You didn't say how old you are but I got the impression you are in your teens and still live at home. You said your parents don't understand, which is frustrating. I encourage you to talk to them about how distressing this is for you (particularly if it is affecting your sleep, your ability to concentrate, or causing suicidal thoughts) and ask them to set up an appointment for you with a psychologist or other mental health professional for an evaluation.

Your regular doctor should be aware of OCD symptoms and make the appropriate referral, but it would be best to see a mental health professional - particularly someone (if possible) who specializes in the treatment of OCD.

OCD symptoms like you describe can be treated effectively. Cognitive behavioral therapy (which focuses on the irrational thought patterns that cause the anxiety you are experiencing) is generally considered the best treatment for OCD. Ideally, you would work with a therapist who is trained in CBT and practices it, and has successfully treated people with OCD.

If your parents aren't willing to take you in for an evaluation, you might talk to a school counselor if one is available, and he or she can talk to your parents and provide appropriate referrals.

You're not insane - you struggle with a type of anxiety that affects millions of people and can be treated.

I wish you the best and hope you are able to get the treatment you need.

—

Dr. Lane