Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)Hi all,
I am a checker amongst my other OCD traits however checking for me has become uncontrolable.
I have found some wonderful people on this forum who are very supportive.
I have found that learning about what other checkers do helps understand your own habits from a different point of view.
I specially check that I haven't dropped or left something behind.
Are you a check and what are your experiences?
Thank you for sharing.
Nigel
Hey Nigel,
I used to have problems checking too. My particular one was to check windows were shut so I would often run around the house before I could leave in the mornings and before bed, it was horrible. In the end I found that CBT was really helpful with this as was meditation. I am really sorry that you are struggling with this mate.
J.
Hi,
In the past I used to check but it hadnt been a particular problem until recently. Someone tried to break into my flat last week and I have been checking doors and windows a lot more than I would normally.
I also have to check that I havnt left the iron or cooker on before I go out, I nearly came back (after Id left the flat) to double check but kept telling myself that Id checked already, so I had to put up with the horrible anxiety that that causes.
Are you getting any CBT Nigel? If not, I think it would help you a lot, you should look into it.
Take Care
Bridget
Unregistered
Hi all
Checking is one of my greatest problems at the moment - door, drains, my hair, my shoes etc. If I keep checking my doors I am going to end up breaking another handle. I have already damaged the bathroom door handle.
Has anyone any good tips for stopping checking?
Anne
Hi Anne,
I suppose the best thing to do is to cut back on how many times you check.
You may check initially say 4 times until you are satisfied, then cut it back to 3 times and so on. It can be a lengthy process and of course there is the high anxiety levels to deal with during the process, but it does work and is worth it in the end.
I had to do this when dealing with my cleaning obsessions, and it was hard, but after several months I managed to cut down considerably.
Bridget
x
Unregistered
Hi Bridget
Thanks, I will give it my best. Some days seem to be easier than others.
I did manage to have a shower just now even though I was genuinely unsure as to whether or not the backdoor was open(the cat is in and out all the time.) So just speaking openly about this and having your support has helped immensely. I remembered that I had to do this every day when I was at The Bethlem as people wandered in and out all day long. I am quite surprised and proud off myself.
Has any one else found some good tips on coping?
Anne
x
Hi all,
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Johnny, did you say you use medication? Have you got any tips on how I could try this?
Trudy, unfortunately I do it indoor and outdoors but maby a little less outdoors. I think I feel that outdoors I can always go back and check. But then thinking about it I do get really bad OCD outdoors too 
Bridget, no I'm not getting CBT yet although I know I should. It's going to the doctor that I'm finding a problem.
Anne, I usually tell people to be careful with door handled incase they break them but now it's actually me that's loosening the handles by constantly checking them.
Nigel
Hi Nigel,
As you find going to your doctor so difficult is there not another doctor in the practise that you would feel more at ease talking to? Also try writing everything down that way you can do it without being interrupted. It's so easy to forget to say what you wanted to say when you see the doctor.
I think a lot of us have experienced the following scenario -
You go to the doctor with what you want to say all planned in your mind and as soon as they ask the first question you forget everything else and turn into a gibbering wreck
Heya Nigel,
It was meditation. My therapist suggested it and I bought a book or 2. When I get the need to check I will sit down in a way that feels comfortable and give myself as long as I need to try and reboot my brain by clearing my thoughts and trying to be as still as I can. When she first suggested this I was totally incredulous and thought it would be a load of old rubbish, but of all the things my therapist suggested this was by far one of the best.
At first it was nigh on impossible to do, but after a week or so I found it helped me a lot.
With regard to going to the doctor mate, I would heartily agree with Truddles advice to you. I would suggest even showing them what you have written down if you find it hard to verbalise.
Be strong mate, you can take that step!
J.
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