Obsessive Compulsive Disorder..?

Question

I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I haven't yet been diagnosed with it by a doctor, but I bought a book on it and the symptoms they list in the book are pretty much the symptoms I have. I struggle the most with getting trying to have everything I do be "just right." Lately, it's been controlling my entire life, to the point where I sort of "evaluate" every thing I do, seeing if it's "perfect enough," and if I feel that it's not, I "start over" and try to do everything better. When I make a mistake, I have to "start everything all over again." I know it sounds ridiculous, but can anyone relate to this or give me some helpful advice? I'd really appreciate it. :)

I just wanted all who answered so far. Your answers have been great, and they've really helped a lot.

Answer 1

I am sorry that you have OCD, if in fact, you do. I agree that it sounds as if you do, but, I would feel much better is you were diagnosed and treated. My family has OCD. Because of this, I stay away from alcohol all together. I know many OCD people who cannot have just one drink, and I'm not wanting to become an alcoholic. Gambling can be hard, if there are casinos all around your area, as well! (When you are old enough). The most important thing, I believe, for you to learn is that it is imperitive for you NOT to do anything that would be bad for you to do, if you did it a LOT. Are you an 'A' student? I know that I had a seriously horrible time, when I received a "B' once. That is not meant as funny..........I HAD to get 'A's'.............I HAD to. I'm curious as to when you decided that you were too hard on your self, when it comes to things you do. (the starting over and doing it better) Are you able to talk to a counselor about this? What I would fear, is that you might decide that everyone else should do everything perfectly, as well.............and they won't. Did anything happen to you that seems to be about the same time that being 'perfect' seems to have become SO important? I am really interested. Can you pin point the age this happened? You sound as though you think you are getting 'worse'. Help yourself out, get some help. This is not a fun way to live your life. It is overly hard, and too demanding for anyone.

Answer 2

Having lived with one for years, I understand the problem. There are supposed to be treatments for this sort of thing, but don't buy it. The standard treatment is a combination of "behavioral therapy" and drugs, but it doesn't work and your life will be totally miserable while you are trying to stick with the program. They don't yet have truly effective drugs for this condition, what they have now merely mask the problem. And meanwhile you'll have an insufferably bossy "life coach" telling you what to do with every little thing.

What to do? Well, for you to recognize that you have a serious problem is already a solid first step. Many OCD sufferers simply refuse to believe there is a problem, or that they need to change. Your brain has the capability of "meta-thinking", or "meta-awareness", which you can develop with practice, and right now that's probably your best chance to bring your condition under control. Imagine that you are outside of yourself, and you can see what you are doing and what you are thinking, and why are you are doing and thinking these things. Pay close attention to these things, as an objective scientist would, even to the point of taking notes if you have to, for later review. You are already doing this to some degree because you've described your problem. Pay particular attention to those times you find yourself getting distressed over some imperfection, and catch yourself in the act of trying to do something about it to correct it. This is the best time for you to get into some kind of a meditation: Instead of mindlessly going ahead to "correct" the problem, meditate and study WHY you are feeling so compelled to do something about it. It's almost like trying to will away an itch instead of trying to scratch it to make it go away.

It takes a lot of practice to make this work, because you are literally retraining your brain. You're changing its physical function, just like what happens when people try to excel at subjects or activities. But it is possible. Your OCD tendencies will never go away, it's like being a former alcoholic, but you can control it to a manageable level, so that you can have a somewhat normal life. You might even be good enough at it to fool other people.

Addendum: I like nyxcat1999's good answer to this.

Answer 3

as one of the previous posts indicates their is no real treatment for OCD. my grandfather was a prime case since before I was born right up till just before he passed away. the only reason he stopped was because he suffered from dimentia and lost most of his memory. the god news is that you can actually focus this disorder with time and practice towards a specific ends. In my grandfathers case he was a wood crafter. Over the years he became so focused on his work that he was able to keep things under control, and this is in a time before anyone even knew what OCD was. Everything in the house had to be perfect, right down to the placement of each plate on the table, and how his pipes where set in the pipe stand. When things started getting out of control for him he simply went into his workshop and started carving. it was something he could do at his leisure and took his focus off everything else. For you maybe you just need a hobby or outlet that you can focus on and perfect. something that by nature you would strive to get "just right" every time. this could be your outlet and when you are feeling that you have to redo everything do to a flaw or imperfection you could step back, move to your outlet, and then come back and try to resume what you where doing without starting from ground zero.

just a thought I guess. try art, any kind, including knitting, or sewing.good luck.

Answer 4

i have ocd also only mine is a different kind. I only make everything perfect if i believe it could cause harm or a sickness to myself. I also get annoyed at messy disastorous places and i get headaches when im around messy places, people, smells. I figured this out when i was about 10 or 12 and my mom told me i might have allergies to dust so i spent the next 8hours cleaning my house.

Answer 5

It doesnt sound like you have OCD...it just sounds like you are a major perfectionist. If you feel like it is controlling your life when you do something just say to yourself "there is no such thing as perfect." Try and just relax and act really laid back, but still yourself! GOOD LUCK!

Answer 6

It's a treatable condition. I would suggest talking to your family physician about it. He/she may refer you to a psychiatrist and or cognitive therapist for treatment.