I have to check my windows and doors to make sure they're locked at night about 6 times every night?

Question

I know i checked it the first time i did, but then about an hour later something in my mind tells me that its unlocked and i should check it again, and so i do. Then it repeats every hour until i fall asleep. Is something wrong with me?? if so, what is it and can it be treated.

I do have a home alarm system but i just have this feeling that one day its just not going to work. I have a piece of paper on the wall in the hallway leading to the front and garage doors, everytime i check the doors and windows i write down the date and time i check them. Even with this after looking at the paper i ask myself, "what if i thought i checked it but i really didnt", so i go back and check them again..... and again...... and again. Even now that im typing this im thinking "what if the front door is open"........

Answer 1

you probably have OCD, This can be cured u have to go to a doctor or whatever, but it an be fixed...
my sister had this and thank god she is cured now...coz it keeps getting worse and worse and worse.
best of luck to you.
-Dee

Answer 2

heres some info I found....

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder, first and foremost. It is not a thought disorder. Although the thoughts associated with OCD are bizarre, they are not at all the focal point of the therapeutic objective. The essential features of OCD are recurrent obsessions (thoughts) that create an awareness of alarm or threat.
The most common and well-studied branch of OCD involves the OC where the undoing response generally involves some overt behavior. The most commonly thought of form of OCD involves contamination. Here an awareness of germs, disease, or the mere presence of dirt evokes a sense of threat and an incredible inspiration to reduce the presence of these contaminants. Most commonly the escape ritual involves a cleaning response (e.g., hand washing, chronic cleaning). The next most common form of OCD involves checking. Typically checking involves door locks, light switches, faucets, stoves or items that left unchecked might pose a risk to either one's well-being or the well-being of others. It is not at all uncommon for persons with this manifestation to check items between 10 to 100 times. The overwhelming impulse to recheck remains until the person experiences a reduction in tension despite the realization that the item is secure.

You should see a doctor if it is altering your personality or getting in the way of your everyday life.
It can definitely be treated..
You can go see a psychiatrist, and if they diagnose you, you can take medication, get behavioral therapy, and talk to people about it and you can cure it.
If you aren't diagnosed, you could probably see a therapist anyway, to work through your need to lock the windows and doors excessively.
At least talking to someone like your family about it would probably help too. Try to stop worrying and ignore the impulse to check anything. Maybe watch t.v. or have a friend over to get your mind off of it. Distraction is the best method in my opinion. Don't let yourself think about it.
Make it a habit to do it once and look around the room at something memorable, say it, and tell yourself that you will not check again. Remind yourself later when you feel nervous that you already checked because you remember your dog was sitting there and you petted him for a half hour after locking the door or something.
I'd also try rationalizing to myself that "the door can't just blow open and besides, who would steal from me? I have an alarm system, and a dog. I trust both of these things and I know they work so theres no problem." Telling yourself this will help you alter your fears. Just make sure your making an effort to not check more than once too...
Good luck!

Answer 3

Ok, lol don't worry this is not a "smart-***" remark.. But I cant believe I've finally found someone else with the same "issue".. I only call it an "issue" because a lot of people look at me funny when I go to ask them if I am being strange. I actually do the same thing with doors in general. I mean its like I go to check it and I know its locked but in my mind whether is paranoia or something I go to re-check it and I will repeat that numerous times. I started looking up information on it and it was considered as a form of OCD (over compulsive disorder) and so I went to go talk to a doctor about it and he told me that although I do have the signs for it, its not that. I guess my whole point is to all this is that your not the only one and no there is nothing wrong with you. Some people just have routines that there mind cant get out've its not abnormal at all.

Answer 4

Yes, this is horrible I know. When you lock your door, do something significant, like yell and tell your partner "I'm locking the door now." or something silly, anything, so you remember the additional action as well as locking the door, so when you look back and try to remember, 'did I lock the door?' you'll think, 'oh yes, i yelled and told so and so that I locked it while I was doing it.'

Also, try to think about why this compulsive behaviour has started. What is really worrying you and what is really behind this and try to deal with this problem.

I like Taurus's rubber band technique as well. This may help you in the mean time.

Answer 5

Sounds like OCD -Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
I know exactly how you feel.. when you lock the door, and you know you've locked it, but for some reason you MUST check again!
If it isnt interferring with your everyday life, than it's nothing to worry about, it's only mild. However if it seems like it's taking up your life, you might want to consider therapy or something, to try and get rid of it...

Answer 6

sounds like a minor form of OCD. but what can i say i check my alarm like 500 times b4 i can finally go to sleep bc im scared it wont go off. i think you will be ok. maybe you are just scared of somebody coming in in the middle of the night i know i am i lock my doors alll the time also. my advice to you would be to be aware of the "ritual(s)" that you do if they increase or you develop more things that you have to do maybe you should contact someone professional to help you maybe ask a friend to go with you if you get to this point sometimes its hard to go by yourself. sorry if i didnt help have a good day

Answer 7

I actually had a friend that did this. It is called OCD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It is hard to overcome but it can be handled. Talk to your Family Dr. Don't hold back info in fear of someone thinking your crazy.. You're not!!!! There is medication. Check out the webMD.com web site and look at the term and definition of OCD.

Answer 8

I am no psychiartrist but I do know something about mental health...it sounds like you might have a disorder called "obsessive-compulsive" disorder...and maybe a touch of paranoia....maybe....and then there's the fact that in today's world, the crime rate, violence and all...it would make one want to check their doorlocks twice...but six times and the constant worry you seem to be experiencing might indicate the disorders listed above....yes, there are many medications for this...usually you need to see a therapist/psychiartrist for treatment....it is confidental and can be very helpful....good luck...hope this has helped you out...Thanks

Answer 9

Obbsesive Compulsive Disorder or OCD for short.
If it's just checking the windows doors try and live with it. If it goes further or your are bothered by it or it starts interfering with your day to day life get some medical help.

Answer 10

You need a reminder that you actually checked the doors. You might try slipping a rubber band on your wrist when you check the locks. Then next time you check them slip on another rubber band. After you check your wrist to see if you locked the doors a few times and keep seeing more and more rubber bands you will finally believe that you actualy locked the doors.

Answer 11

Obsessive Compulsive Behavior? Seek some help. They have medication and therapy for that. I have a friend that has the same fears you have. She checked her doors and locks compulsively, now she is aware that she is doing it. Good Luck!