[justbu]

I had so many misconceptions about OCD i never really knew what it really was. But i read something about it the other day and decided to find out more. Anyways, now i'm 99% sure that i have it. I've looked n acted "normal" all my life, but that was only on the outside. Inside i've always known that something was seriously wrong w/ me. Never in my wildest dreams would my condition be an actual disorder that millions of people have. I thought i was the only one who had to do things in a strange way in order to fell ok, i really thought i was alone... Well it's good to know that i'm not the only one and it feels even better to know that i have an actual disorder that's "treatable". I'm going to find a psychiatrist n get a diagnosis and go from there, but since i just found out, i haven't gotten around to it yet. I'm still feeling a lil overwhelmed from finding out, b/c I know it's a life changing thing. No one has ever suspected me of having this disorder b/c my case of it isn't obvious. I haven't told anyone, so no one knows. Anyways, I don't know what I'm asking for through writing all this, but I would really really appreciate some input, any input. Please. By the way my obsessions are perfection, sometimes symmetry, doubting, checking, and being attacked by someone or "something". I also experience severe depression and I scored a 16 on the OCD test on this site (12 + means you most likely have it).

[Parker10]

First - let me say welcome to PC ! Glad you found this site, and hope you will fine it helpful. Being diagnosed is sometimes such a blessing, because as you state, you now know you are not alone, and OCD is treatable. I think you are fortunate that your case isnt one that causes you a great deal of distress, or show outwardly, but at the same time, the turmoil is going on inside, and that's where it is most important - especially to treat so you will feel better ! As for your stated obsessions - perfection is one of those that can and will cause you much distress, because there is no such thing, so when you strive for it - you are always going to fail. Sometimes it can help to change the way you think - or word - things - like instead of saying perfection, think, say, write - "I like to do the best I can at things I do". THAT is attainable. As for the doubting - I dont really know what you mean, but typically that has more to do with self esteem , rather than OCD. IF you are speaking of doubting things that are said, or doubting your abilities, things like that.

Anyway - good luck with finding the right PDoc and getting help for what you may have (OCD) and the depression you state you have. Again, welcome !

welcome.......and boy oh boy....i remember feeling just as you do now when i realized that i have ocd.....that was many years ago....i just want you to know that there are excellent ways to help it whether it be therapy meds or a combo of both....i was on prozac for over ten years and about 90% of my symptoms went away.....about six months ago i decided to wean myself off the med cause some of the side affects were really bothering me....some symptoms have returned so right now i am trying to weigh my options to medicate again or live with the ocd....i'd be glad to chat with you about this and help you in any way that i can.....

[Myzen]

Hi justbu,

Welcome to PC. It's not so bad having OCD, depending on the level of course. I think that once you know you've got it the situation gets better.

Stay with us, this is a good place to talk and share.

Cheers, M

[SpazKatt]

Hi and welcome... I was diagnosed recently and wow like you said!

Parker hit the nail on the head...sometimes getting the diagnosis makes a lot of difference. good for you. i was recently DXed as bipolarian II and after years of being told that i had clinical depression, my life has changed dramatically.....i'm glad that you're seeing a Pdoc......good luck, xoxoxo, pat