OCD Action

Nigel
Member

Hi All,

Please can you share any experience that are similar to what I'm describing below?

I have a fear of losing things and sometimes it takes me ages to check to make sure I haven't dropped anything.

For example I checked the floor today and it was clear. when i walked away i looked back at where i was stood to check and it was mostly clear. there was a bit that i couldnt see because someone was stood in the way so when they moved i looked back. i thought i saw something white but im not convinced whether i did. I mean its because most of the time i check something and then thing i saw something so look again and then when looking away thing i may have seen something but when i check its clear. i think when i thought i saw something it was a white speck. now i think its a white thing about the size of a feather. i think my mind is making it up.

Do you experience false images or memories that make you want to check but there is nothing there? i fear losing something so much!

Thanks

Nigel

Sun Jan 9 2011 17:28:51 #
stus
Member

HI Nigel

Interesting post

yes i have had similar, although my ocd about harming loved ones.

My mind has become so paronoid about the colour red (red = blood) that i think it is expecting to see it everywhere. I think our minds are so hyoed up regarding our fear that it is on overdrive.

I can see this as ocd (your post) and therefore you should say to yourself (this is OCD) my mind is so wound up etc etc.

It easy to help others with ocd but not oneself. i hope this helps a little

stu

Fri Jan 21 2011 12:51:54 #
Unregistered

Dear Nigel, I have experienced this a great deal. The more I checked the more I thought I saw, so for me the only way was to convince myself whatever it is, it simply doesn’t matter.

Naturally, part of my brain tells me it matters very much and it is distressing ignoring the desire to check. The only things I do still check are my credit cards. I double check when I arrive home as well.

Ask yourself what does really matter. I always recall my father saying we can’t take anything with us. I lost one of my most precious possessions, despite my checking. I think that was possibly the turning point.

I now say if my family and animals are accounted for, nothing else matters that much.

It may not work for you, but it’s worth a try.

Fri Jan 21 2011 14:17:51 #
aronralstonismyhero
Member

I think I see things that are not there in my minds eye - what I mean is that my imagination toys with me (what if I hit someone with my car and didn't know it? what if that red stain is blood on the toilet wall, and the toilet paper I just used touched it? What if I didn't clean my hands enough before I touched my face ? What if, What if, What if.....

Strangely, the checking is different. Somehow, even though I can see that the candles are out, the cooker is off, the taps are not running, the door is locked etc, I can't be sure that I am interpreting this fact correctly. It's like a don't trust myself or something.

It's the classic chicken and egg ... did my loss of self esteem result in the OCD or did the OCD decimate my confidence? Am I making any sense to anyone here or have I finally lost it once and for all

Fri Jan 21 2011 20:10:32 #
Truddles
Member

Hi aron. . .
No I don't think that you've finally lost it, far from it. I so agree with you, that last post could have been written by me
I personally think that it was my loss of self esteem because of my epilepsy that caused my OCD - BUT the OCD is further reducing my confidence. It's now a vicious circle that's not that easy to break.

Fri Jan 21 2011 20:37:46 #
aronralstonismyhero
Member

Hey Truddles,

Must be tough dealing with epilepsy too. You are one tough cookie!
Xxx

BTW. Aron isn't my name,I'm a girl! read my user name again and you'll get it lol

Fri Jan 21 2011 20:45:25 #