OCD or not?

Hey everyone! I am new to the group, just signed up today. I've always known I had thoughts that were "weird" or different from other people, but until a few years ago I never considered OCD. I have talked to my doctor about it and based on what I told her she says I do have OCD, but as long as it isnt interfering dramatically with my ability to get through the day then it isnt a big deal. Most of my obsessive tendencies are neatness or hygiene related. Everything has to be clean, I worry a lot about germs (I wash my hands at least once and hour and I have to rewash 3 times in a row) Items like books and movies have to be in alphabetical order, or in its right place.

Some other things I have are strange thoughts. Like whenever I am driving I have weird visions or daydreams of bad car accidents or things like that. For example, when I drive home I always go under some overpasses, and I always vision someone above me jumping off the bridge and landing on my windshield. Those are just an example of weird thoughts. I also have irrational fears about getting in car accidents, planes crashing etc. Does anyone else deal with that? Does it mean I should do anything about it??

I appreciate anyone's opinions

Welcome to PC! I have OCD and I am constantly checking things over and over, I am working on it. I take medication for panic disorder and hypertension (high blood pressure). I worry about car accidents and plane crashes and etc. also. It has gotten so bad that I hardly drive anywhere unless it is a necessity. I am starting to get better. Keep in check with your thoughts. I don't know if I have been any help. Glad to have you join us!

Faylowell, thanks! I appreciate you sharing whats going on with you. It would be really tough to deal with what you do, you are very brave! I am fortunate that my thoughts dont bother me so much that I have panic attacks or am too anxious. How long have you had OCD? How did you realize you needed help?

Thanks! I appreciate you sharing. You are very brave to deal with your fears, I am lucky not to become too anxious about my thoughts. When did you realize you needed some help for your OCD? How old were you when you noticed it?

I have had ocd since I was four. I am almost 42 now. I just admitted that I had it this past year. Everyone knew I had it, but I had to admit it first to be able to be treated. I was in denial for I very long time, but believe or not I have been married for almost 23 years and my husband and I have stuck with the better or for worse.