I didn't want to go off topic, so I thought I should start a new thread.

Lbien6 Re: having conversations in my head
"if you don't think it is a big deal then you probably are not ocd.

Like any illness, it is not an illness unless it is distressing. or if it is interfering in your functioning. or both.

if it is keeping you from sleeping, i would say that is distressing."

I guess the definition of OCD hangs on what ppl perceive as "distressing", which will differ. I actually spent 3 hrs last night, after doing my guided relaxation to go to sleep, 'rehearsing' this post and other conversations I will have in the near future. Is that 'distressing'?? It's frustrating, but I wouldn't say distressing per say. It's just something I've done for as long as I can remember.

Now my depressive episode, I find VERY distressing, but then I can remember a time when I wasnt depressed that I can compare this too. But I've always been really picky about order, and I've always worried about running someone over when I drive or the handbrake going and the car running down the hill etc etc. I like having the lightswitches in a certain way and will put them 'right' when my housemates move them, but not if someone is around as I dont want anyone to think I'm wierd, so I guess I have some control over these obsessions/compulsions. I check I have my keys 3-4 times before I go out, even tho I know I have them. Distressing?? No and it means that I've never locked myself out of the house. I suppose my skin picking is the closest I'd come to saying a compulsion was distressing as my fingers are very sore most of the time.

I know some ppl are very debilitated by their OCD, but I also know that there is a spectrum. I'm not saying that, if I had OCD, it is severe in any way, but still I wonder about whether I have this label. So am I in denial about OCD??? Or should I just ignore my peculiarities as they dont "distress" me?? And does the 'diagnosis' really matter???

Any input would be gratefully received

*Willow*

[Junerain]

I would say 'no,' you are not in denial- you have a great understanding of yourself and your tendencies. And a diagnosis matters AS MUCH AS YOU FEEL AND OR NEED IT TO MATTER. You may have a mild case, and it is a definate good sign, that these things you do not find distressing- I rehearse things I express here late at night, too

P.S. If you have never locked yourself out of the house, you are farther along than I am as far as life problems/details

[Berries]

Originally Posted by Junerain

I would say 'no,' you are not in denial- you have a great understanding of yourself and your tendencies. And a diagnosis matters AS MUCH AS YOU FEEL AND OR NEED IT TO MATTER. You may have a mild case, and it is a definate good sign, that these things you do not find distressing- I rehearse things I express here late at night, too

P.S. If you have never locked yourself out of the house, you are farther along than I am as far as life problems/details

I agree with Junerain! A diagnosis or lable matters if it matters to you.

I was not trying to invalidate you or brush you off, I apologize if it sounded that way.
I was trying to make you not worry. I'm sorry if it came out wrong.

Originally Posted by Lbien6

I was not trying to invalidate you or brush you off, I apologize if it sounded that way.
I was trying to make you not worry. I'm sorry if it came out wrong.

Don't worry at all! I didnt feel invalidated by what you said. It just made me question the definition of the word 'distressing' to see if it bothered me.
I spoke to my mum about it yesterday and she wants to mention it to my pdoc 2day when I see him cos, tho it doesnt 'bother/distress' me it does affect me in that I feel uncomfortable if things aren't 'right' and I feel silly checking things even tho I know they're locked/off etc. And my poor thumbs are red raw from my picking
I guess I see 'distress' as meaning I'm upset by my behaviour, which I'm not, which then made me wonder if I was just being silly thinking about it when others out there really are upset by their OCD.

Anyway, thanks for posting guys

*Willow*

[Junerain]

May your poor thumbs heal soon.......