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age
36-40,
anonymous
writes: When i was a child i used to have pretty bad OCD. Certain things had to be done a number of times e.g. switching a light switch on and off. I know i probably sound like a complete nut but if you don't have it you really can't understand what's it's like.Now i'm 23 and i thought i'd out grown it because i haven't done any of those behaviours for a long time. Recently i have been under quite a bit of stress with regards to my personal life and i have noticed the OCD creeping back in. For example i've noticed that if i don't do things a specific number of times, it has to be in 3's, i get really anxious and am convinced something bad will happen if i don't do something a certain way.I'm really quite upset about this because i thought i had out grown this thing but it seems to be coming back and i really don't want or need it in my life. Reply to this Question
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reader, anonymous, writes (7 November 2010): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionI've recently been very hurt by somebody who i thought was a friend, turns out he just wants to get in my pants while he's still with his girlfriend. I've got some other stress in my life too but i think that's what's set it off. I didnt have much self esteem to begin with but now it's hit an all time low. Whe n he talks to me all it's about is sex or flirting. I decided a few weeks ago that i can't talk to him anymore.
I find it very hard to talk about my problems with people because i either end up bursting into tears, which i absolutly hate crying in front of people, or i don't know what to say. I try over riding things with facts when i think bad things are going to happen and sometimes ona "good" day that will work but other times i feel like i'm kidding myself.
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female
reader, Anonymous 123  +, writes (7 November 2010):
 First of all, its not weird. Everyone has little quirks. But if you think its bothering you, try this. Next time when you want to do something more than once, resist yourself from doing it. Tell yourself nothing bad will happen. Everything is fine...I dont need this to give me the security that I'm FINE.Dont over-analyze it...with time it will get ok
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female
reader, maverick494  +, writes (7 November 2010):
I replied to a thread with a similar situation (http://www.dearcupid.org/question/how-can-i-stop-overthinking-things.html). There might be advice there that can also be helpful.
And I have some questions for you:
- Have you had any recent big changes in your life? Like a new home, a new job/education, etc.? Lack of structure in your life could be the cause. Even tiny ripples in your routine could make this act up again.
- Do you usually keep your worries to yourself? Not just about OCD but things in general? Mice can take on the size of an elephant in your mind, so whenever you have an irrational thought about someone dying or bad things about to happen, talk to someone about that. Overload yourself with facts that stack up against your fear.
- How is your sense of self worth and confidence? Feeling low or hitting a rough patch in your life is a common cause for OCD to resurface. Try to find things that make you feel better about yourself and your accomplishments. Write them down so you can look at it when you're sad.
That's all I can think of now. I did post some more stuff in that thread I just mentioned. Anyway hope to see a follow up from you!
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female
reader, maverick494 +, writes (7 November 2010):
I replied to a thread with a similar situation (http://www.dearcupid.org/question/how-can-i-stop-overthinking-things.html). There might be advice there that can also be helpful.
And I have some questions for you:
- Have you had any recent big changes in your life? Like a new home, a new job/education, etc.? Lack of structure in your life could be the cause. Even tiny ripples in your routine could make this act up again.
- Do you usually keep your worries to yourself? Not just about OCD but things in general? Mice can take on the size of an elephant in your mind, so whenever you have an irrational thought about someone dying or bad things about to happen, talk to someone about that. Overload yourself with facts that stack up against your fear.
- How is your sense of self worth and confidence? Feeling low or hitting a rough patch in your life is a common cause for OCD to resurface. Try to find things that make you feel better about yourself and your accomplishments. Write them down so you can look at it when you're sad.
That's all I can think of now. I did post some more stuff in that thread I just mentioned. Anyway hope to see a follow up from you!
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reader, anonymous, writes (6 November 2010): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionThe thing is i've managed to hide it quite well so nobody really knows about it. I'm just trying to control it myself because i don't like people thinking i'm weird.
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reader, anonymous, writes (6 November 2010): The OCD you've described sounds like a VERY mild case of it. I however as a young child up until early teens suffered with it terribly (with out any help) and I can't begin to describe the things I used to do! And you call yourself a nut? Also on top of the OCD I had tourettes (the un swearing kind) which made things a lot worse and hell for my parents.On the other hand as I got a little older it did tone down a lot but I have always had it. To be honest you always will have it it comes and goes. Some have worse cases than others and some get it that bad they need professional help. You can get medication for it.Remember once you start it's incredibly hard to get out of again, so train your brain to stop now before it gets worse.
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female
reader, shania  +, writes (6 November 2010):
 I dont think you are ever cured of OCD entirely...you just learn to live with it.You can have periods of not having any symptoms at all and then all of a sudden they come back...and usually when you are under stress or you have too much time on your hands so therefore you are constantly thinking and having to do rituals.You need to go to your GP and he can refer you to a pyschologist who will help you with your condition.In the mean time there is plenty of self help books on OCD and cd's to listen too which will help you to relax.
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female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (6 November 2010):
 Off course you are not a nut sweetie and dont think that anyone thinks that way of you and if they do then they are ignorant and should be just ignored.
It is hard probably for you to understand what is happening it sounds like the stress has brought it back on and even though your brain is telling you that its silly to think these things you have no choice in the matter but to follow them through it sounds like you need to repeatedly check things because you associate these things with harm or danger. Just remember that it is not your fault you are feeling these things.
the best cure for ocd is to get cognitive-behavioral therapy, go to your doctor and ask to be referred for this before things can get any worse. it has two parts in it exposure and response prevention and cognitive therapy.
There is not much self help on this issue, whenever you feel yourself thinking these things try and change your behavior on to another thought and keep doing this.
I advice you go to your doctor soon, good luck hun.
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (6 November 2010): i currently have ocd and it never honestly goes away just like alergies you may grow mostly out of them but u still have sensitivities. i think that your stress it taking these sensitivities and magnifiying them so try to find some way to relax mabey yoga 10 min a day thats how i deal with it. when you start to looose this stress you ocd tendencies will be less noticable they may evn stop happening untill the nxt tme you become ovry stressed like you re nowHope it works :)
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