Who do I need to see about my OCD/Anxiety?

Question

I am 15...I have been OCD all my life (I remember doing OCD type things even in kindergarten). It really was not an issue until about a year or two ago...I just gradually starting doing more and more things...right now I have to double, triple, quadruple check things like if the doors locked, lights off, etc., I have to make sure things are placed "right" (this is my biggest problem), things not in order make me distressed, sometimes irrational thoughts will pop into my head like "tell that lady shes a fat, lazy, idiotic *****", or I'll think "what if I fell in front of that car".

I also dwell and obsess and the littlest of things like spending an hour deciding on what shirt to buy.

I also have anxiety (no panic attacks though), and always worry about what-ifs...I am afraid to try anything new out of my comfort zone or "bubble", even though I would like to do them.

So who do I need to see?...my parents are worried about me, but I don't think they compeltely inderstand.

My dad I would say is borderline OCD...I don't think his actions are compulsive, just obsessive...he needs everything completely clean and like a museum. My mom also has anxiety and was on medication and still does when she has panic attacks. My grandma also worries about absolutly everything and fabricates these "what-if" scenarios. Recently I have been having some physical problems, and the doctor is unable to pin-point the exact problem...and I just feel these mental problems are making it worse...and I am dwelling on the problem.

Answer 1

The issues you describe are common in people who feel a need to try and control every minute aspect of their lives in order to feel secure. You need specific diagnosis by a Psychiatrist which can be arranged through your GP or Physician. You are correct in identifying similiar traits in close family members as often these tendancies are inherited. A Psychotherapist should be able to help you identify the root cause of your anxieties and behaviours and help you devise acceptable coping strategies. Your question is very insightful, mature and intelligent and I have no doubt you will be able to manage the condition successfully.

Answer 2

Hello Ryan,

I want to see a Psychologist with my thoughts. She confirmed after I told her what I am going through that I had OCD. She prescribed meds. After 3 weeks we will meet again. I have been diagnosed with OCD for about 3 days, but come to realize that I had it all my life.

Try to get the help or even call the info center at 608-836-8070. Log onto the website www.ocfoundation.org or phone [phone]. That is what my psychologist gave me, so I can get mor familiar with OCD. They had lots of good stuff there and you will find out that you are not alone in this.

Good Luck,
Sandy

Answer 3

See anxiety treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net. (.net.nz/~shaneris) on page 6. Set yourself a fixed limit for worrying about any particular subject, (say; 15 minutes) after which, resolve firmly to refuse to even consider that subject again on that day: realise and accept that to do otherwise would be counterproductive to your mental health, and enjoyment of life. Use the technique for reprogramming negative thoughts, on page 2, to help you in these things, and consider carrying a wide rubber band in your pocket, as a means of reinforcing it. OCD is on page 7 (seek therapy, if it gets any worse, or it can take over your life), and panic attacks on page 8. Print/refer the others, or show them.

Answer 4

Go see a psychiatrist, so you can get properly diagnosed,..it is a lack of serotonin in your brain..and there are meds that will help replace that for you..take LUVOX, it is fantastic, for OCD...there is no need to suffer, when yu can get a pill, that will help relieve the symptoms.