I have OCD and need some advice?

Question

I've always stuck my head in the sand because when I was younger I didn't understand what I was doing or why. I knew it was an alien part of me but didn't want to talk to anyone. Around Christmas time it got really bad because of stress. I decided to go to my doctor. He suggested this, which was a relief since I thought I might have autism (turns out my primary school thought the same thing but tested me negative).

I've been through counselling, but the problem I have is this:

Because I've always shyed away from social situations, I don't know the normal way to act, and when people tell me my character traits (for instance: I got told this sunday that I have a warm heart) I never know what it feels like to be that. That's because I'm so scared of change that I am what I've always been, so if I am warm hearted then I've never not been. So I don't know if they're telling the truth or just lying to the "OCD guy" to make him feel better.

My question is this: How can I tell what I am without constantly analysing things. Any other advice welcome.

p.s. I started going out for drinks more lately, but still having the same problem.

Answer 1

Just because you analyze things more than others doesn't mean that is a personality flaw. THe thoughts are not you, they are OCD and not your fault since your brain is misfiring. What you have to do is label what is considered an OCD thought: label it OCD, like you would SPAM in your in-box and delete it out. People without OCD are able to filter out the nonsense, realize that it is trash and go on, with OCD the filter mesh is way to close and anything can get trapped, so you get any thought can get trapped. The brain is misfiring and the thoughts get trapped. You just have to say, oh that is OCD. My daughter's therapist suggests making time for OCD, or worry time, and when OCD or worry comes up to tell it: I don't have the time right now, label it what it is and let it go. I've suggested to her to throw those thoughts "OCD" on an imaginary train passing by and let it go.

She is in Cognitive behavioral therapy and taking meds. The meds are helping to not allow the thoughts to get stuck. Many, many professional people have OCD tendencies and can work out to your advantage once you know how to deal. I found a workbook that might be helpful:  "Social Success-workbook for teens: skill-building activities for teens with nonverbal learning disorder, asperger's disorder & oher social-skill problems" then the front copy says -read social clues, -recogize & use your strengths - understand social rules & make friends. By Barbara Cooper, MPS and Nancy Widdows, MS. We haven't started it yet, but It has so many self guided info that is very good, even if you are older than teen, because I found myself thinking it could help me as well.

Consider counseling/cognitive behavior therapy and if you can't break through meds-if it is suggested and you feel confortable. I wish you all the luck.

PS: If someone believes you have a warm heart, that is the way that they view you, so it is true in their eyes, just say thank you and believe it. Maybe some day you could help others.

Answer 2

Hi how are you tonight, well I have some good news for you, I have a son who also has OCD he is 17 and was diagnoed when he was around 5, he also gets very stressed in particular when he has an assignment or exam at school, he is also very shy and tends to like his own company if you like. I use to always worry about him at school for he always seemed to get picked on beause of the way he is. now that he is older and has become more mature he has managed to gain a couple of close friends at school and now quite a few students in his year come to him for help with their work because he is pretty clever and they also tell him what a kind and gentle person he is for helping them. Yes he has a big warm heart too, don't be afraid to accept some good feedback from someone who know's you better than you think, I bet you are a really nice person, just like my son. Take care of yourself and enjoy your life!!!!

Answer 3

the best thing that i found , is when you, have depression is to write

all your thoughts down in your head on a bit of paper , you, will  be so

suprised , at what it does , i recmmened it  to anyone,

get those thoughts out of your head,  or even make a file on your

laotop, and you, can put them all down ,that is what my gp

tol me to do , and it works  

  also, another thing to try, is when you go out,

  just be yourself, and do not worry what others think,

  all they are interested is in is themselves, so, just go out and

enjoy yourself ,   you are very warm hearted person,

and it always affecs those ones , more than others,

you, have more feelings,than you realise, otherwise , you would

not be asking this question,

  let me explain OCD is a clinical depression, not anything else

   if you, are  unsure about it, then  look it up on googlenhsdirect.

  that should help you understand more.

  ok! good luck.