Reddit, I need help with my OCD.

Meditation will do wonders for you. Don't think of it as gay or anything. Remember, the zen masters did it, and Darth Vader did it to choke people.

I used to have it really really bad. Like, unable to function bad. I used to not be able to go to bed if my digital clock had 18 segments lit up. Or when my ceiling fan was in a certain orientation. Or I had to walk through doorways a certain way or else I'd have to try it again.

Yeah, I understand exactly what you're going through. Well, no, that's unfair. I honestly don't know what you, personally, are going through. But I've been there. For me, my OCD tricks got harder and harder to achieve. My mind would come up with more complex and difficult OCD rituals.

What eventually happens is the OCD becomes too complex to complete, or rituals start contradicting one another. Once it gets too hard, it's like my mind gives up, and all the puzzles go away, and I can function. Those windows of clarity last a long time if you just allow yourself to stop giving into the rituals. And most importantly, MEDS AND THERAPY REALLY HELP! Some people don't "believe" in talk therapy or meds, but it essentially cured my OCD. I still wash my hands a little longer than most, but that's no big deal at all.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you want to talk about it more.

So you are not making use of counseling or any meds? I'd say talking to someone in person will work better than us yokels here. ;-) Seriously I have a friend who has had some of these problems and a combination of talk therapy and meds have reduced it to a mild irritant level. Unfortunately, depending on the root cause, it may be impossible to totally eliminate it. But you can make it manageable and less intrusive in your life.

I'll help you with your fish if you help me with my dyslexia.

lsd

I have a problem with counting the forks in my cutlery drawer after I do dishes to make sure all the forks i own are in there... In fact all cutlery makes me most OCD of anything i have, that and plates..... I'm wierd.

Get Professional help.

I know, but I can't tell you right now. Check back in 5 minutes. (J/K SSRI's have had positive results with OCD sufferers)

Don't be so quick to dismiss replacing one habit with another. As long as the new habit is better or more beneficial than the previous one, that's a step forward.

Little steps are the key. If you're looking for a quick fix, you'll be disappointed forever, but minor victories keep you moving.

I think I have OCD tendencies, and what I've done to suppress them is more or less force myself to ignore it. Say, for example, if I rub my right leg, and my body feels off balance, I will refuse to rub my left leg in the same manner as I did the right. It's quite mentally challenging, and a very conscience effort; but breaking OCD habits can be done.

If you are counting letters in your head and realize it, stop counting. you have to force yourself to stop, otherwise you never will. Meds can help, but why the fuck should you be putting meds to solve a little problem like this... you just shouldn't. Just put forward an effort mentally, every single time you catch yourself. Just like biting your nails, OCD behaviors can be stopped; although for the time you are going to go through mental anguish.

I can relate, sadly I have found no help other than utterly removing myself from all outward stimuli, which happens... basically never.

I'm so sorry to not be helpful. I do the counting thing, too, and dividing the numbers to see of there are any common factors. I sometimes miss large swaths of what is going on because of this. If the counting thing were the least of my OCD, I'd be happy, but it's not. Be well. :|

realize your thinking isn't magical

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Try turning it into OGC

If you can find the answer, let me know. I think the meditation idea may be useful. For me, as I am a checker, I have been taking an extra second, instead of going back numerous times, to check what ever it is. I think that may be the best I got. I think the best thing is that you can talk about it and not let it bring you down, just keep on keeping on.

Cognitive behavioral therapy and possibly medication. Seek out professionals who specialize in OCD, not just your local shrink.

If you read my responses in my OCD IMA, I think I provide a lot of information -- my original post, not so much, but my responses to questions. I go into questions like the nature of OCD and types of therapy for it, and reading material.

Also, try the OCD Foundation website.

Most of the SSRI's can be effective with OCD. Several places have $4 scripts for the generics (Celexa readily comes to mind.)

You should see a psychiatrist for proper assessment and diagnosis.

I'd be curious how you would feel about doing the exact opposite of what your gut is telling you. Feel the need to count your steps and conclude on an even number? Purposely stop on an odd one while allowing yourself to feel that you've gotten one over on your OCD. Call someone 3 times instead of 4 in a willful display of anti-OCD behavior. Treat it like an unwanted family member who's overstayed their welcome and don't be afraid to personify it and treat it with distain. What would the consequences be? Would you be unable to stand having intentionally walked an odd number of steps?

I think we all have OCD to a certain extent. Obviously some have it worse than others. I had this odd one where I'd randomly decide that I need to get my car's speed up to 60 MPH before the upcoming stop sign. Or when I'm weight lifting I'm not allowed to stop at 7 or 13 reps. I also had to turn my stereo volume to "10" before I got out of my car. There were a few others as well.

I got over those little "ticks" by just realizing that they are irrational behavior.

You aren't protecting yourself or loved ones by doing these things. It's a completely irrational connection between vastly different things.