I think I might be developing OCD

[GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat]

About 18 months ago I was diagnosed with GAD. I’ve worked hard to get help and help myself and though it isn’t gone, I’m managing it rather that it’s managing me.

However, I’ve always had some slight quirks that if I told you, you’d say you do them too (lists, checking etc) but more and more I’ve realised how much of my day they are taking up. How ill and preoccupied I feel when I don’t do them. I’m being generous with myself here.

Has anyone dealt and overcome OCD by themselves? Or do I need to go back to the doctor? I was referred for CBT last time.

I'm sorry to hear that, Georgie. I know everyone's different but I didn't really feel that CBT worked for me. I've been having counselling with hypnotherapy which has definitely helped, as well as the odd Shiatsu treatment. Hope things get better for you soon.

I really think if it’s something that’s worrying you there is no harm in going back to the doctor. They might be able to reassure you, as perhaps having your lists just helps with the GAD, so is not actually a bad thing, just a coping mechanism. Or if they do recognise signs of OCD, they can refer you to get help managing it, as it shouldn’t be making you ill. Either way, it sounds like you need to talk it over with a professional. Wishing you all the best, don’t be afraid to get help x

I had a car accident and then ocd completely took over - it was awful. Before that, with hindsight, I had lots of little quirks which added up to it.
Please get a professional opinion and pointed in the right direction.
There's a really good book called break free from ocd which in the interim might be useful?

I think I developed OCD after a bad 20 week scan (anomalies that could of been caused by me contracting an infection during the pg). Sent me on a spiral of obsessive hand washing, really distressed if I thought some sort of contamination could of occurred. But looking back I'v always been prone to things like triple checking doors are locked etc. Ironically I studied OCD and therefore had 'behind the scenes' knowledge of the psychology surrounding OCD so I was sort of able to get a grip on it by going through the steps with myself. I still do have flare ups, usually if someone in the house is ill.

Definitely go to your GP. It's enough to worry you, so it is a problem.

I have had CBT for OCD and part of the treatment was understanding when I need to flag up if I'm not coping.
Did you do CBT? If you did then they may have given you a discharge letter that gives you a number to call if you are struggling to talk to a duty worker. If not you may be able to self refer online.

I'm pretty sure I have OCD although I have never sought help with transportation even though it has affected me for 16 years now. For me it seems to come and go in cycles although even at its best it is always there and makes me exhibit unusual behaviours. At its worst it is all consuming, impacts me badly on a daily basis with multiple repetitions of checking things and can leave me literally in a cold sweat. Thankfully it hasn't been this bad for a few years.

I used to not talk about it at all as I thought it was pretty embarrassing. I actually found that once I was open about it with friends and family that it started to improve.

Trying to battle it head on doesn't work for me. It seems more effective for me to be accepting of it and allow myself to go through the repetitions and habits that I need to and this in turn lessens my impulse to do the behaviours.

I feel like it's under control at the moment but if it were to get bad again I would definitely talk to my GP about it.

If you're concerned about it it's definitely worth a GP appointment.

Cbt helped with the symptoms but doesn’t fix the cause
It was great to help me free up (by dropping compulsions) some time and brain space though so I could look at other therapies

Emdr was great

Thank you very much, I think I will book an appointment at some point. I don’t feel strong enough to do it just yet but I will

Just realised there's a weird autocorrect to 'transportation' in my post - can't even remember what it should have been!

Anyway, I'm glad you'll consider seeking help OP. You know you're not alone in this at least and there is good help out there.