Question about OCD?

Question

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on what to do when i feel like i need to do a routine. One routine i HATE specifically is when i am getting dressed, i need to keep touching the door to make sure it is closed and locked properly. The whole time im in the shower, i have to look at the door and see if its locked. Also when i am in a bathroom stall even though i see myself lock it, i have to touch the lock again and again.

Another example is when i am doing math equations in math class i have to take out a calculator and repeat the problem like 5 times to make sure its right. And even when i know its right and i have moved on to another problem, ill go back and do that problem over and over and over. My Psychiatrist said to work on trying not to routine. How does everyone else deal with trying not to routine?

i DO take medication and i have been for 3 years now, also for my bipolar. although i take medication, it doesnt help with all of the urges to touch the door knob and do the math problem 4 or 5 times.

Answer 1

try this, after you lock the door put a red ribbon on it so you know that you have locked it. Maybe get a pack of red rubber bands. Make sure to take it off the door when you open it. Do not leave the rubber bands laying around
Let me know later if this works for you, give it some time and don't get frustrated

Answer 2

I used to try the medication, but that makes you crazier then without it most of the time. I have eliminated most of my more annoying routines personally over the last six years, but it has been pretty tough.

For instance, getting ready in the morning I used to have to have everything in its correct place to start, so I would begin by making sure everything was in its 'spot'. To undo this need I started putting in things that were NOT the right spot so that everything was wrong. Drove me insane, but I kept doing it. Then I USED to have to go through the routine in a certain order. So I started forcing myself to do things in a new order. If I panicked or spazzed (depending on the day) I would either cut myself a break and do it normal OR sit down, breathe, and ask myself why it mattered if I did things one way or the other. FOCUS on that question UNTIL you dont have to do it anymore. Listen to the answers your brain gives you, it can surprise you!

Maybe that sounds crazy or like it wont work, but it cured me well enough that even my boyfriend and closest friends have no idea I am or was OCD. Which I assure you, would not have been possible six years ago when I started the non medicated route. Good luck. :)

Answer 3

Just don't do it and see for yourself that things will be okay. Maybe thinking of the worst case scenario would help too. Because things are not really as bad as you imagine them to be. Like whats the worst thing that would likely happen if the lock isn't locked properly?
Are you afraid someone will see you naked or half dressed, or sitting on the toilet? Say that happens, what is the worst thing that would happen to you if someone did see you half dressed, naked, or on the toilet. They would feel worse and even more embarassed than you do most-likely. So try not to obsess on things that are no big deal.
If you write down a math problem wrong the world will not come to an end will it?
I am no expert, but this is what I would try if it were me.

Answer 4

I eventually got over it by just fighting it every step of the way. It will cause you alot of anxiety, but I just turned the anxiety into anger at the rituals. If you need to touch the door, then before you even start getting dressed just be firm with yourself and say I am NOT touching the door AT ALL. And do everything you can to fight the urge, get away from the door, don't look at the door. And fight it everytime until your brain realizes it's stupid and unnecessary.

It took years but I'm free with no medicine and no professional behavior therapy. That never worked.

Answer 5

I have yet to find an answer to that...here is what i do...

I have a routine where i walk up and down my stairs about 5-10 times each morning to check that my curling iron, hair dryer, heater, candles blown out. Even though i might not have used them, i have to check. Each time i have to actually touch the plug and the actual outlet and then step on the plug. I do this about 5-10 times before i leave the house...sometimes i even turn my car around to check again.

It is crazy!!

Sorry this is not an answer...just a re-assurance that you are not alone!!

Answer 6

There are two books that can help: The OCD Workbook by Bruce M Hyman, andCherry Pedrick, and The Feeling Good Handbook, by David D. Burns. Both outline Cognitive Bahavioural Therapy and how it can help with OCD.

You can also visit planetocd.com for more information, or join the yahoo gorup serenitybay.

You are not alone. 1 in every 40 people has OCD.

Answer 7

Well i am OCD about freaking myself out all the time, i will always be walking down the street, see a man, think that he is following me, then for the next couple of days, looking behind my back making sure he isnt there with a gun. My doctor told me, to smile at the person, make sure and no that he is nice. And if i et scared, slap myself, nicely though.

Answer 8

im ocd too, you can just try medicine i mean i know you probably dont want it but prozac helps, my wash my hair seven times cause seven is my lucky number, the do the math problem thing you do too it takes me like two class sessions to finish a quiz cause im sitting there panicking about what will happen if i get an answer wrong. your not alone

Answer 9

when you are doing ur routines just think about what you are doing and just simply walk away. i know someone who has OCD too and they just walk away and think about what they are doing and kind of talk their way through it to stop repeating eveything over and over again. also if people keep telling you to stop what your are doing they are just making it worse because you get nervous and lose track. so tell people to just leave you be and you will get through it yourself. they arent helping you they are making you worse

Answer 10

i think most people have a "little ocd" in them... medication IS probably your best bet. if you don't want to take meds, next best thing would be to try to pinpoint what is making you feel the way you do about some things. what fear is behind the need for reassurance?