[Citrine]

Hi....For some reason my anxiety is increasing. I find myself worrying alot and thinking that I didnt do something. I have twice had to go back home positive I havent locked the windows. Once I was in a big rush for work. I totally forget important things that could cause harm (like today I couldnt remember if Id put a sewing needle away in a jar of others or if Id left a knife out -I lock knives away) and worry that I didnt do these things when actually I did just 5/10 mins before.

I am also becoming a little paranoid about my safety. I keep thinking Im being watched and sometimes followed. I feel `creepy' often. I do have neighbours at the back that have lots of trees and holes in the fence and Ive heard them out there a few times and twigs snap when Im in the garden (so this may explain my creepy feeling) and then Im very guarded about my personal life and details with people I dont know well so maybe Im worrying that being followed is possibly going to compromise the only place I feel safe?..home?

Im ok, coping with it just wondering...

[Cyran0]

Sorry to hear your anxiety is increasing. I can relate to the need to check to make sure you did something, even though you know you took care of it. That's rough and for the most part, I just live with that need. In most cases it doesn't put me out of my way to double check. If I can't check I try to reassure myself or distract myself with something else.

The safety thing I can't relate to too much save for when it comes to taking pills like Zoloft. Did I remember to take them? Did I think I forgot and took them again? Should I take them now even though I might have before? That sort of thing.

If you know what you're going to worry you did or did not do, you could always take a picture with your phone. I'll do that sometimes but obviously it only works if you know you're going to wonder about it later.

Hey Sorry you're going through this but it does sound like anxiety and maybe a touch of OCD. Hope it gets better soon. FWIW my solution was just to tell myself that if I was unsure the first time then I might be unsure the second, third, and fourth time.
Not sure about the safety thing but it doesn't sound as if you are unsafe. There is really only a certain amount of precautions we can take to help keep ourselves safe. There really is no guaranty for any of us where safety is concerned.

[Citrine]

Thanks Cyrano and George. Taking a pic with my phone is a good idea, thx. Yeah Ive had anxiety issues about different things before but this forgetting and checking is very bad. I have absolutely zero recollection of doing the task that makes me fret. I guess for those seconds im very anxious and it affects my memory?

I dont think I am unsafe when I have moments of clarity but my thoughts go out of control often. Tonight I wouldnt go in the garden alone and didnt take my kitty out for a walk. I felt fine when I was talking to the guy next door though. Oh lordy, its exhausting!

Yeah Ive had anxiety issues about different things before but this forgetting and checking is very bad. I have absolutely zero recollection of doing the task that makes me fret.

But can you imagine trying to store memories of all the trivial things we do in a typical day? Another trick I tried was to look at my watch at the exact moment I locked the door, turned off the oven etc. It sort of worked but then I realized how small c crazy that was and where it was leading if I let it go on.

[Citrine]

Yeah I get you George, we arent suppose to remember the little auto pilot stuff so no wonder it is so bothersome when we try to recall it. Good thinking. thx.