how bad do you think OCD should get before you need help?

Question

i have ocd. its not that bad at all compared to other people...i mean if you've seen that episode of true life about ocd i'm am nothing like that but i can see that its there. for example, when i go out to eat, everything on the table has to be in a row....not in one necessarily but you know gridded almost? and i hate it when food touches...and i can't brush my teeth without having my hands being wet up to my wrists...its been getting worse though...like things i have to touch before i go one...or when i write i have to have every question take up the same amount of lines....

i mean all of this isn't getting in my way of everything...not slowing me down..i can leave somethings behind...well, sometimes...but they do bug me afterward if i haven't done something...i think its getting worse because of stress though...

do you think i should wait and see what happens or get help?

Answer 1

If you feel like your OCD is interfering with your life in any way, then it is time to get help. It's okay to be OCD about some things as long as they don't interfere with your life. For example, I often have to check locks twice before I am certain they are really locked, and if I spin around in one direction I have to spin in the other as well to "unwind" myself. I don't really do those things in front of other people, though, so it doesn't interfere with my social life, and if I can't do those things I am not so bothered that I am still thinking about them ten minutes later.

If you feel like any of your compulsions are getting in the way of your ability to socialize with friends or if you feel like not giving into your compulsions is still bugging you a long time afterwards, then you should talk with someone. You said that you have been under a lot of stress recently -- that could be a reason in and of itself to go talk with a counselor. I would encourage you to arrange at least one session with a counselor or psychologist. He or she would be better qualified to determine how much help you need with your OCD and could also help you come up with ways of reducing the stress in your life.

Best wishes!