[Burning Aroma]

All my life I've had Obsessive–compulsive disorder to a certain degree. When I was a bit younger, I always had to wash my hands if I had touched anything, or something unfortunate will happen. I also counted, the resulting number absolutely having to be an even number. A while later, I started forming imaginary triangles by using certain objects. With time, my habits have lessened noticeably, but there are still faint remains.

Anyway, I've been wondering if there's someone on here who has/had similar problems. If so, what are some habits you have formed? And did you overcome them?


Peace out

[Maven]

I have severe OCD, although I've made some improvements over time. I am a handwasher and a counter. I have to look at certain things a certain number of times or in a specific way. For instance, I have to look at my bedside phone's screen to check the time, turn away, and then look again before I can lay down and go to sleep.

I don't generally think anything bad will happen, although I admit to having those thoughts on occasion. My problem is that I just can't have stuff on me, like other people's body oils, or I can't touch other people and their things, or go to certain places. My OCD is much better than it used to be, but it's still hell for me.

[DePressMe]

Burning Aroma,

my brother was a severe OCD guy. When I went to his house for a visit I saw that the rubbish bin needed to be taken out and he just let it sit there. I just about fell over because that and the dishes were the focus of his OCD. The only thing he started doing was exercising. He replaced the OCD with exercise.

[madisgram]

welcome to pc. great forum here for you to get suggestions or support re OCD. hope this helps.
http://forums.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=72

My OCD used to be relatively severe, but it's lessened as I got older, as well. I've always been big on symmetry, counting, & I had a couple superstitious habits when I was little. Most of my OCD is pure obsession though.
Habits that still remain: When I clean & organize, everything needs to be symmetrical & placed perfectly so everything looks somewhat even (though there are rules about artistic asymmetry that can sldie, just so long as I place everything there & even it out). I make shapes between objects as well. For some reason, when I talk sometimes, I need to move my hands as if I am typing my words out & get frustrated when they can't move as fast (RA does that). When I am in the car, for some reason, I feel the need to find the exact distance between passing cars on the road. And I always feel the need to find connections between numbers, like on isbn numbers or the time/date, etc.
Luckily, it doesn't so much interfere with my regular functioning anymore. It used to be really oppressive, but if I'm distracted or REALLY ridiculously relaxed, I can even ignore these things sometimes. But carrying out the obsessions/compulsions doesn't make my life hell anymore & it doesn't clutter my mind like it used to.