OCD. (need an experienced answer!!)?

Question

I have OCD. Self diagnosed tho! Here's some reasons why....
When I walk on sidewalks, I don't step on the cracks. If I do, I take two steps back over it, and walk over it again.
When I close my bedroom door, I open it all the way to the wall twice, close it, open about a foot four times, close it, and then turn the doorknob 6 times.
When I leave my bedroom, my hip must touch the doorknob.
When I close my bathroom door, I must turn & touch my hip on it.
I constantly rearrange stacks of papers, bottles on the bathroom counter, etc etc.
When I'm about to go meet a friend somewhere, or talk to someone at all, I worry & obsess over how it's gonna go- I play & replay the entire thing in my head, how it's gonna go, over and over again.
Things MUST have an even number- no odds over. (volume, iPod, etc.)
I know it's OCD. Isn't it???????
And how do I get treatment for it?
My problems are it needs to be free, no parents involved... I live in CA if that makes a difference.

Answer 1

I work for a Mental Health facility and think you'd be an excellent candidate for some good ole fashion therapy. What you described certainly falls into the category of interferring with daily functioning - that's a big hint that you need to get help for it with an experienced person. Since you are aware of your behaviors being abnormal, you may be open to various styles that could help you in therapy. Most Community Mental Health providers charge according to the income you bring in so a regular session could cost only $5-$20 or even be free. Community mental health providers usually have a mission statement that says they will help others regardless of their ability to pay. (a private therapist will charge HIGH dollar and has the same credentials as the other providers.)
Below is a link to locate a CMH near you in CA: You can contact them directly.

Answer 2

Well, lets just say I've been diagnosed with OCD and you sound very similar to me. Now you have several options. The first is some form of SSRI, which will help reduce some of the symptoms associated with OCD. Unfortunately, it has it's limits to how much it can help. The other options is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, which is a form of counselling, specifically designed to look at your behaviour and change the way you approach your obsessions/compulsions.

I also recommend picking up 'Brain Lock' by Jeffrey Schwarz at your local book store or you can order from Amazon. It's a very helpful read and gives you ways in which to deal with the obsessions/compulsions.

Take care : )

Answer 3

It sounds like it - although not really the extreme sort because those acts dont actually interfere with your day, or take up immense amounts of time. Treatment for it - well if you cant get to a psychologist then you're somewhat limited. Buy or loan some books on it from the local library or book store and read up on it, OCD usually has roots deeper than you think - in fears and other personality issues.

Answer 4

It does sound like you have OCD and need treatment

Although there are many places, particularly in and around larger cities, that offer reduced cost treatment, it's going to be hard to find free treatment. If you are over 18, I would suggest finding a hospital near you that's conducting research on OCD because research participants are often given treatment at no cost if they agree to the research process and fit the criteria the research team is looking for. If you're in college, I would suggest going to your school's counseling center because they might be able to help you or refer you to an appropriate agency near by. If you're in high school, you may be able to talk to your guidance counselor. Because you're not a danger to yourself, he or she would probably not have an obligation to tell your parents about the problem.

In many areas, though, you will be able to find a therapist willing to work with you on a sliding fee basis, meaning that they charge what you can afford to pay (this can be anywhere from $10-$100 depending on your age, employment status, condition, need of treatment, etc.)

Answer 5

It sounds like you do have ocd, if you are currently in school speak to a teacher or someother adult in the school that you feel comfortable with. They should be able to point you in the right direction for help. If you are not in school see if your county or township has a community health center. This may not be free but will go on a sliding scale based on your income. As for your parents knowing there is nothing wrong with telling them I'm sure they see your behavoir and are starting to worry, you should tell them they will be able to help get you treatment.

Answer 6

Find a good doctor ocd can be treated with medication.

Ocd can be a living hell I had it for 30 yrs then was able to treat it with medication 1995
in the older days 70's 80's there was nothing i dont know how these people dfelt with it

Answer 7

it is only considered OCD if it majorily affects your daily life. Insome states (including PA) if you are 14 or older you have the right to seek medical treatment without parental consent. You also have the right to refuse medical treatment including treatment of mental health concerns. If this behavior is bothering you then definetly seek help. Call the numbers on the back of your medical card and go from there. If you are in school seek help from teh school nurse.

Answer 8

I do many of the same things as you, I also wish I could get treatment for it, but there is a money problem so I can't. Medicine is not the answer for OCD, talk to a therapist.

Answer 9

Shy people tend to be good observers because they are always anxious in social situations. Thus they want every detail to be right in order for them to feel secure. You are probably generalizing to other extremes like your private events as you mentioned. What can I tell you? No one cares if you step on the lines. It's good to have a Persona in order to fit in with such a style over substance society, as long as you feel comfortable with it.

Answer 10

Since you are minor most counties in CA will provide services at no charge depending on what county you are in i know fresno,tulare,madera, merced and alot of other counities do it as well. Just contact your counties mental health division