[Moose72]

I have been noticing today that I do this. I am constantly checking to see if everything is okay. I check to see if my keys are in my purse multiple times a day even if I just put them in my purse, I still check. I just got something for an early dinner and had some milk and was worrying I'd had too much milk. (I use it for my protein shakes.) I do it with things that aren't physical too- like if friends might be mad at me, I have to check in my mind if they are over and over until I am certain that they are not and if they ARE mad at me, then I get upset. Is this a bipolar thing or just a weird me thing? I'm trying to think of other examples. I invited two friends to do something with me today, and both cancelled and I told myself "I knew they would". (They don't know each other.) I'm supposed to see a third later tonight, but I don't expect he will cancel- at least I hope not. I park my car and I'm rehearsing where I put it over and and over again in my head because I'm terrified of not finding it again.

[JustJace2u]

I have a tendency to do similar things, especially when at work. I've been known many times to forget my cellphone at work and have to turn around and get it. Now I'm constantly checking my purse as I'm walking out the door to make sure I have everything I need before I walk out. Also, I lock my drawers at work every day when I leave and check them at least 3-4 times before I walk out, just to make sure they're locked. I'm constantly checking my wallet to make sure my debit card is in there. The list could go on and on I'm sure.

[Moose72]

Now my new thing is checking to see if my headlights are out before I leave the car because I left them on for 3 hours last week killing my battery.

[wiretwister]

same here ... I was always checking all my tools over and over ... then I found a premoulded tool pouch and every tool has a spot ... now a quick glance and I am ok ... my keys ... wallet ... phone all have a specific spot in the house and truck ... again a quick glance and I am ok ... these "tricks" work for me ... is it bp ... idk ... but I doubt it ...

[scatterbrained04]

I do similar things. Not to a huge extent. I think it's anxiety related?? Lately I've had keep looking out the window to make sure my car is ok. Always checking to make sure my door is locked (even if I just checked 5 min ago). Having to check multiple times my alarm is set right. Those are just a few.

I think it's anxiety related too. I do re-check a lot, especially when out. Phone, debit card etc. Just got done at check out and even if I remember putting it in its place ? (Like with wiretwister, everything has a place it should be). Check it again anyway. Likely more than once.

I do it because I know how badly I can melt down if I can't find something important. There have been some very embarrassing precedents that I SO do not wish to repeat.

I've also got GAD and rather obsessive tendencies, which I think are more likely culprits. That, and considerable forgetfulness.

[franz kafka]

This sounds more like obsessive-compulsive tendencies than bipolar, just coming from experience (not a doctor, obvi).

[bioChE]

I'm with Franz, it sounds like OCD symptoms.

[xRavenx]

During one episode, I checked keys a lot, made multiple ones as if it was so urgent. I found myself fixated on an item in my room. I was already late to work, and I drove home 15 minutes into the ride just to check if I had a specific bottle of perfume in my room. I felt paranoid that if it was not in my room, my family would abandon me, although there was no basis for this.

My thoughts were racing really bad, where I'd finish fixating on one thing, and then my attention would move on to something else that would worry me. I had a lot of ideas that would not make sense to others. Once my meds were straightened out and I was treated for that particular episode, I never experienced issues with excessive checking behaviors ever again. The cause of mine was that it was stress brought on from mania, and it turned into paranoia/psychosis when things got worse. Two pdocs confirmed I did not have OCD. Mania brought on these signs during this particular episode.

A lot of times, it's just anxiety that's related to checking things. That's the way it sounds in your case. Hopefully this will just pass, but if it becomes more bothersome and you find it is getting in the way of your day and well being, make sure to tell your pdoc.

[Travelinglady]

I agree that it's not a bipolar thing. It does sound more than OCD, but I can't officially diagnose. Do you feel anxious if you can't do these actions?