Do I have OCD?

Question:

I just watched a show today (Tyra) and she had people on that described the things that they do or think about. Now I think I have OCD. I have always done things like, only eat things in even numbers (ie. cheerios) I can only chew things on certain sides of my mouth. I also thought that I had some postpartum depression issues, but now I think that it was OCD. I would get horrible images in my head of something bad that could happen to my daughter, like I would watch the Texas Chainsaw Massacre and I couldn't stop picturing someone sawing her in half. That night I layed in bed crying, I had to say the alphabet in my head to get the image out. (I don't say the alphabet ritualisticly, it's just the only thing I could think of to get it out) I also have horrible sexual thoughts about completely innapropriate people like my pastor! I also have to constantly have lotion on my hands and feet, if they get dry, i cringe until they have lotion again, I have had a foot thing since I was little.

Answers:
Hi Sara,
I watched the Tyra show too. The
girls on the show had extreme cases.
OCD symptoms can range from mild to
extreme. Many people suffer from OCD. There are
treatments though. The first step is admitting you have
this disorder. You have taken the first step. Now go to
a local counselor for behavior therapy. You may or may
not need medication. If you do, don't panic. Life is much
nicer without acute anxiety. Medication helps regulate
the serotonin in our brains thus allowing us to lead
a more normal life. I have just started a Yahoo group for
teens with OCD. I am not a teen. You are welcome
to join. Together we can help others. Thanks.
I wish you all the best. Cheryl~

It is possible that you do have OCD -- I would discuss your concerns with your doctor.

I have OCD and some of the things I do are:

I also have to eat even numbers of food (like your Cheerios)

When I am driving, I have to add up all of the numbers on the license plate in front of me until I can break it down to 1 number.

If I drink out of a paper cup and it has a seam on it, I have to make sure that when I pick up the cup, that my fingers touch the seam

I've got more - but you get the idea

omg i have ocd and i think you do my problems are i have to have labels facing me the tv volume has to b on any even number if my hands are dirty like i just touch a dirty door knob are something i cant touch anything else until my hands are clean and if i dont clean my hands i have to like hold them out and make sure they dont touch anything

I had the same exact symptoms and went to see a phychiatrist. I would suggest not getting advice from others than a professional.

You may or may not have OCD. The question of whether these compulsion interfere enough with your life to qualify OCD will have to be decided by you and your doctor.

you sit there and count your cheerios? wow.

my husband has to do the lotion thing (everything feels dry if he doesn't).

as far as the bad thoughts about your daughter, you saw a horror movie, and you love your daughter. you don't want her killed.

sexual thoughts are not OCD. that's just bad thoughts.

i don't think you have OCD. you have a few quirks. everyone has them. me, i need things to be even (same ingredients, furniture has to be in the center, etc.) but it doesn't control my life.

if you feel you need to see a doctor, do so.

yes you do have OCD..i always had rituals like that than i had obsessive thoughts that i couldn't get out of my head so i would try to say a little phrase in my head to make it go away but it always came back..I'm 16 and OCD runs in my dads side of the family..my mom took me to the doctor for this but at first i didn't want to go because i didn't want ppl to think i was weird.but its just like going to the doctor for any other type of illness...i am now on medication and my uncle is also....i feel so much better now words cant even describe and same with him..the thoughts have st oped along with the rituals....so i highly recommend seeing a professional its very very very helpful.i hope you seek help and feel better soon =)

Do I have OCD?

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