[Gakkari]

One component of OCD i realize is fear. Many people who have OCD have it due to an irrational fear, may it be of germs or forgetting to lock the door and having bad things happen as a result. However, what i've been having isn't anything caused from fear, but i do it obsessively and cannot stop. I tend to feel the need to trace objects, usually i just follow the outline of it with my eyes over and over again. Sometimes i'll even try to trace the sky, as ridiculous as it may sound. My mother even noticed it when I was a kid, i would constantly stare at the ceiling, which i was tracing over and over again. However, i find this activity to be irresistible and in certain circumstances, dangerous. For example, when I am driving, I will feel this insatiable need to trace street signs with my eyes over and over again. It is worrying because such a distraction could lead to some pretty bad accidents.

[Travelinglady]

Hi, Gakkari, and welcome to Psych Central! We aren't able to diagnose here, but there could be an obsessive component to this behavior anyway. Do you think it might relieve anxiety? (Concern about something not so tangible) True, it could be a dangerous behavior, as you say.

[Gakkari]

Originally Posted by Travelinglady

Hi, Gakkari, and welcome to Psych Central! We aren't able to diagnose here, but there could be an obsessive component to this behavior anyway. Do you think it might relieve anxiety? (Concern about something not so tangible) True, it could be a dangerous behavior, as you say.

Thank you, I have just always been confused by this feeling. I do get anxious easily, however I've never really payed attention to what i'm feeling when it happens. It does make sense that it could have to do with anxiety though, i've never really thought about it this way. Thank you for your opinion it is very much appreciated.

[BeaFlower]

Hi Gakkari! I think to have OCD and I follow things and people with the eyes too sometimes. If you feel that you can't resist from doing it even in dangerous situation, I'd really suggest that you talk with a therapist. I know that it can seem scary, but it could really be useful.
Take care!