Is this normal? OCD?

Question

A few months ago i was house sitting. With the house not being my own every time I left the house I had to go round checking all the taps, cooker, doors etc. I had to check them about 5/6 times before I could leave the house. I was even so worried one day I had to call back to the house in my lunch hour (bearing in mind it is a 30 minute drive) as i thought I left the window open! I thought that once I got my own house I would calm down.

I have just recently bought my own house and I still cant stop it. I have to hold my hand under the tap to make sure that no water is coming out and recheck things over and over again turning plugs off and checking the cooker is off.

I also do it with dirty laundry. I have to have a seperate washing basket!

My boyfriend made a comment to me about OCD and now I cant stop thinking about it.

Am I just paranoid about the housing going up in flames/flooding or is this not normal ?

Answer 1

hi there, i suffer from a mild form of ocd due to happenings in my past, it doesn't sound as if you have an actual condition so please don't worry too much, if you still feel uneasy you could visit your gp and he/she will be able to put your mind at rest. if you do have a form of the condition there are things you can dov to make your life a bit easier, your gp will be able to help you there too. please don't worry too much

Answer 2

OCD involves obsessive thoughts (did I turn off the heater?) and compulsions to relieve the obsessive thoughts (checking the thermostat six times).

It is also known as the disease of "checking".

My dad and sister have it. My dad says the way he avoids checking the locks ten times is to do his leaving the house rituals slowly, while thinking about each one and mentally noting that he did it.

If that doesn't work for you, print out a bunch of little lists of all the things you need to do upon leaving. As you check that the stove is off, mark a check on your list. Then when you get nervous thinking you didn't do something, look at your list to see that you did.

OCD is the second most common mental diagnosis (after depression). It's really common, and it's no big deal. You just need to figure out how to control it. Reading about it would probably make you feel better.

Oh yeah, and people with OCD also fear contamination. Don't feel like you have to get treatment, unless it is something that you really want. And pleeeeaaase don't go on meds. It's much better to live life as yourself than to be in "prozac land". And all the negative health effects are starting to come out.

Answer 3

Yes it sounds to me like Obsessive Compulsory Disorder...Uhmmm, I would suggest you to see a Cognitive Therapist which could do something better... You have this belief if you dnt check the windows, gas cooker, the tap something very bad would happen. However one little advice i would give you,that is try to have a self confidence in you..for example when u closed ur tap or closed the window make sure its closed. Because in ur sub conscience you know its closed and then forget about it...If the imagination still persists think like this: What's the worst thing that might happen? It's like challenging the wrong belief... But if it continues then better to see your cognitive therapist...

Answer 4

It sounds like OCD and you should seek treatment now before it gets worse.

Cognitive behavior in combo w/ a therapist, medication and hospitalization has worked for me. I went from severe OCD to moderate. Cognitive behavior and the hospitalization has saved my life.

I went in-patient in a mental hospital for a month. (Then, outpatient for a couple weeks.) It might be an option for severe OCD. When I entered the hospital my compulsions were taking 10-12 hours a day and basically preventing me from working (and I have a successful career). Now, after hospitalization, meds, therapy, ect.. on an average day they take 2 hours or less.

Answer 5

Sounds like OCD behaviour.

I've had it at times and stress typically makes it worse.

I suggest speaking to your Dr or find a Cbt or BETTER still an Neuro Linguistic Programming - NLP - practitioner or therapist. NLP seems to be the fastest way to change behavioural patterns out there, and is also used for Phobia cures and other seemingly fixed behaviour and responses.

Good luck! Rob

Answer 6

Sometimes stress can compound OCD. I have OCD a little, and if I'm stressed out, it's much worse. You might not have it to a very severe degree, but if it keeps up for a long period of time, it would be good to see a doctor. The danger is that sometimes OCD habits can be unhealthy, like eating too much, starting to smoke, etc. Those aren't necessarily OCD habits, but having OCD can lead to them.

Answer 7

does sound like ocd although its only when it interferes with daily life that it is classed as a true case of ocd ie when ur late for work repeatedly as u have to return home to check things. its not just checking or cleaning, its anything that becomes a ritual as a result of on obsessive thought, for example 'im a bad person' = self harm, 'im going to die from germs'=wash hands repeatedly etc. there are many forms of ocd and many degrees of it. if it is becoming a true problem in ur life you should see ur gp and request counselling or cbt

Answer 8

Yes it sounds like OCD I do the exact same thing, I don't think it is totally normal, but it is better than having your house burn down!!

Answer 9

OCD is a psychological ailment the place those queer recommendations come to you and it forces it to ensue as quickly as I has a symptom in this ailment the place my innovations advised me to bathe my palms two times! yet i now no longer have it.

Answer 10

Everyone has it to some degree! i have to make sure that plugs are switched off before i go to bed.... it mind sound stupid but it drives me crazy! I also have to rinse plates, cups etc (even when they're clean) before ill use em!!