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Feb 25, 2011, 03:13 PM
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Member Since: Feb 2011
Location: under your bed
Posts: 28
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Hello Miles!
First off, thanks for such a good post! I know a lot of OCD people deal with this; me being one of them. I didn't use to count at first, but now that I've gotten older for some reason I feel like I have to. Some examples of when I have to count are:
-Washing hands: I don't do it so much anymore, but I use to have to wash my hands three times for some reason or I didn't feel clean.
-Closing bedroom door: I'm very paranoid that someone may go into my room while I'm gone so I constantly have to tug on the door handle until I'm satisfied. I've actually had to count all the way to 100 before I felt it was alright to let go. Not to mention for some reason I have to stare at the actual door knob for an X amount of seconds (which is really odd I know).
-Lights: When I unplug a light or device I have to stare at the outlet for an X amount of seconds as well. I also have to touch the surface to tell myself the cord is out. It's very time consuming, and very annoying I may add.
I always have to count to an even number. I hate stopping on an odd number since I like things to be equal I suppose. I avoid the number 12 at all cost for personal reasons. Anyway, your definitely not the only one that does this, so don't feel alone My opinion on what you could do to lower your anxiety is to go a day without having to count (or at least try). I am still working on doing this myself, but I've heard that it works very well if you actually accomplish it and see for yourself that nothing bad will happen as a result. My cousin also has OCD tendencies so she often helps me out when I ask things like, 'My door is closed, right?' I know she doesn't mind since she deals with the same issues as well. Having someone to help you along the way is always good too 
I wish you luck!!~
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