[clj2]

I am a 17 year old male, have anxiety/panic attacks and depression. I need to go to a psychiatrist soon I think. Over the past few years, I have developed these just weird things. I have become obsessed with several things...one in particular, a message board that I don't even want to participate in, but I have no rest until I have and I hate doing it and want to stop, but can't. I check things periodically online daily that I don't want to, but can't stand or be comfortable until I do. I feel obligated. Most of the things I do I don't want to but I just can't help it, I don't feel right if I don't. If I'm out in public, I almost freak if I can't check certain things at times (this is rare). The chair in my room has to be at a certain angle or I freak. I cant stand odd numbers but like certain ones (for example I am obsessed with the 92.5, 97.5, and 102.5 frequencies on my radio and keep thinking about it over and over in my head and how it looks). My DVD's and video tapes have to be organized, labeled, and put in a certain fashion. I can have a bunch of papers on my desk, which is OK, but they have to be straight and not all crooked. My sheets on my bed can't be longer on one side than the other or I can't go to sleep. I will listen to a song for 2 hours straight and not stop. I'll get watching a TV show and no matter how badly I want to quit watching it I keep doing it, out of habit. I can't stand routine changes or I go crazy. I have to shower, shave, and wash my hair before I will go anywhere.
Are these classic signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder??? I have also started going crazy and wash my hands tons of times a day. I have to stop in the grocery store even to do it and my hands are starting to get raw.

thank you

[ADHD1956]

Originally Posted by clj2

I am a 17 year old male, have anxiety/panic attacks and depression. I need to go to a psychiatrist soon I think. Over the past few years, I have developed these just weird things. I have become obsessed with several things...one in particular, a message board that I don't even want to participate in, but I have no rest until I have and I hate doing it and want to stop, but can't. I check things periodically online daily that I don't want to, but can't stand or be comfortable until I do. I feel obligated. Most of the things I do I don't want to but I just can't help it, I don't feel right if I don't. If I'm out in public, I almost freak if I can't check certain things at times (this is rare). The chair in my room has to be at a certain angle or I freak. I cant stand odd numbers but like certain ones (for example I am obsessed with the 92.5, 97.5, and 102.5 frequencies on my radio and keep thinking about it over and over in my head and how it looks). My DVD's and video tapes have to be organized, labeled, and put in a certain fashion. I can have a bunch of papers on my desk, which is OK, but they have to be straight and not all crooked. My sheets on my bed can't be longer on one side than the other or I can't go to sleep. I will listen to a song for 2 hours straight and not stop. I'll get watching a TV show and no matter how badly I want to quit watching it I keep doing it, out of habit. I can't stand routine changes or I go crazy. I have to shower, shave, and wash my hair before I will go anywhere.
Are these classic signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder??? I have also started going crazy and wash my hands tons of times a day. I have to stop in the grocery store even to do it and my hands are starting to get raw.

thank you

Hi!

Yes, very classic signs of O.C.D. It would be a very good idea if you get yourself to a therapist as soon as you can.

I wish you the very Best!

[leahcim]

I am new here but have been on other forums and I'm 54 and been "around the block" a few times as they say. From what you've said in my opinion it is most definitely a sign of OCD. You should see a therapist or speak with some of the professionals here. I'm not sure of the rules yet and who in fact may be a professional at this site.

[Maven]

May I suggest you not refer to yourself as "OCD," rather than saying, "I have OCD"? You are not the disorder, so you are not OCD. I think it helps to see the OCD as a part of you, but not the whole you.

[clj2]

Thank you all for your kind comments, and please forgive me about the topic title.

Another thing I have that I was wondering about.....almost every day I have this "thought" or "sensation" of rubbing my toenails or fingernails against a chalkboard and like I'm walking on a chalkboard. The thought of it sends me chills and I break out in to a sweat and want to just scream. Is this an obsessive-compulsive trait, anxiety, or what? I usually try washing my hands and feet and putting shoes on, that helps somewhat. Just can't get the thought out of my head.

Thanks

I hope you are able to seek help from a psychologist & psychiatrist for this. I, too, have OCD & am in therapy for it (& an eating disorder) & on medication. I will be 33 this month, but remember having OCD rituals I had to perform in 5th & 8th grades, & maybe other grades, too; I don't remember, but I do recall the rituals I had while in those two grades. I have a fear of germs & I hoard things. I wash my hands a lot, too. I am doing better, but some rituals I can't give up, while I have been able to give up some other ones. It's not easy, but you can make it!