OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

[Jensen]

Does anyone either suffer with this or know anybody that does ?
By suffering I mean real interuption with ones lifestyle which is very debilitating.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Does anyone either suffer with this or know anybody that does ?
By suffering I mean real interuption with ones lifestyle which is very debilitating.

No but I've seen news stories and documentaries on the condition and while it's sometimes seen as funny and often joked about for those featured it was a nightmare and has a real affect on their life and those of their loved ones. Wouldn't wish it on anyone

 

[Hobbit]

It'll come to me in a minute... Wait, it's nearly there... No, I can't quite see it.... It's on the tip of my tongue....


Bigger holes and clocks going forward seem to come up regularly but I can't quite remember....

 

[jusme]

I would to an extent - hard to quantify to how much it affects my life. I never really noticed it setting in till it was too late. My OCD tendencies center around 'preparation' and things in it's place. Leaving the house and/or preparing for things will take a little longer than they should as I would need to do a mental check over and over. It can get frustrating as 'you know' that you have all you need, but your brain doesn't quite believe you and must go through the checks several times before it settles.

The 'things in its place' is not as debilitating, however my stress levels reduce when it's 'as it should' TBH - always difficult to try and explain anything like this to those who don't have it. Just sounds bizarre to them. Took my missus a while to stop laughing at me as she watched me check my pockets a 'dozen' (estimate) or so times. She watched me get more stressed as I did it and realised eventually to leave me alone for a moment to get on with it. The process moved more speedy that way.

OP- out of interest why you asking?

 

[Bunkermagnet]

I would to an extent - hard to quantify to how much it affects my life. I never really noticed it setting in till it was too late. My OCD tendencies center around 'preparation' and things in it's place. Leaving the house and/or preparing for things will take a little longer than they should as I would need to do a mental check over and over. It can get frustrating as 'you know' that you have all you need, but your brain doesn't quite believe you and must go through the checks several times before it settles.

The 'things in its place' is not as debilitating, however my stress levels reduce when it's 'as it should' TBH - always difficult to try and explain anything like this to those who don't have it. Just sounds bizarre to them. Took my missus a while to stop laughing at me as she watched me check my pockets a 'dozen' (estimate) or so times. She watched me get more stressed as I did it and realised eventually to leave me alone for a moment to get on with it. The process moved more speedy that way.

OP- out of interest why you asking?

Very similar to the above.
Not proud of it, and find it very frustrating to know you have done something, but still need to recheck itagain and again.

 

[Hobbit]

For me, it's simple things like always putting on the left shoe first. If I pick up the right one by mistake I'll put it down and pick up the left one.

 

[Jensen]

OP- out of interest why you asking?[/QUOTE

Because I suffer severely with it so much that I lost my job through it.
Wondered if anybody else suffered and what people's understanding of it was.
It's clear from some of the replies that these people don't suffer with ocd, but are mere querks.

 

[seochris]

OP- out of interest why you asking?[/QUOTE

Because I suffer severely with it so much that I lost my job through it.
Wondered if anybody else suffered and what people's understanding of it was.
It's clear from some of the replies that these people don't suffer with ocd, but are mere querks.

Is there not a law against that? Did they try or offer you help first?

 

[MashieNiblick]

Because I suffer severely with it so much that I lost my job through it.
Wondered if anybody else suffered and what people's understanding of it was.
It's clear from some of the replies that these people don't suffer with ocd, but are mere querks.

I am really sorry to hear that. I do know someone who as part of a range of mental ill health issues suffers from what the Consultant termed Obsessive Compulsive traits rather than OCD. In themselves these are very debilitating and life limiting but do not have the same impact as full blown OCD.

If you haven't already tried these sites there is good info here and Mind have a helpline as well

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Obsessive-compulsive-disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx

http://www.mind.org.uk/information-...sessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/#.VvjlJvkrLct

 

[jusme]

OP- out of interest why you asking?[/QUOTE

Because I suffer severely with it so much that I lost my job through it.
Wondered if anybody else suffered and what people's understanding of it was.
It's clear from some of the replies that these people don't suffer with ocd, but are mere querks.

Sorry to hear that. I wouldn't disagree with your last point. I certainly am not debilitated to any significant extent. More annoying and, at worst I imagine through stress and frustration with my 'traits' my blood pressure is rising.

I am a health and social care professional and spent many a year working within the mental health sector, among many others. It gives me but a glimpse into many debilitating conditions.

 

[Karl102]

Does anyone either suffer with this or know anybody that does ?
By suffering I mean real interuption with ones lifestyle which is very debilitating.

I know somebody who suffers with it.
In its worst form it is a terrible condition and I certainly advise professional help. Your GP can refer you.
It is very hard to confront and deal with and it is worse in pressurised and stressful situations. It is not unknown to link quite closely to anxiety and depression.
You shouldn't blame yourself and definitely get help. I really hope you recover quickly and get everything sorted.

 

[palindromicbob]

OP- out of interest why you asking?[/QUOTE

Because I suffer severely with it so much that I lost my job through it.
Wondered if anybody else suffered and what people's understanding of it was.
It's clear from some of the replies that these people don't suffer with ocd, but are mere querks.

By it's very nature OCD and anxiety go hand in hand. It is an anxiety disorder. I know people that have developed over time and others that have had a more spontaneous development of OCD following trauma. Becomes extremely debilitating and cyclical thinking that is difficult to challenge causing increased anxiety and a vicious cycle. Leaves the body in a constant "fight or flight" state.

From what you have briefly stated it sounds like this was something that previously you were able to cope with in your everyday life but has now developed to the point it is no longer controlled by you but is controlling you.


CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) most likely with Exposure Response Prevention (which challenges your thoughts and beliefs) should be first line treatment although it does sound like your symptoms are quiet severe. Self-guided help may work but group or individual work with a therapist may be more beneficial.

http://get.gg/ocd.htm is a horrible layout of a website but does offer some great self-help materials. I would recommend that you speak with a G.P. for referral to services though and maybe try and use some of the self-help stuff initially while waiting for services to come through.

Antidepressants (specifically SSRI's) such as Sertraline may help you reduce some of the anxiety and symptoms and help you engage more effectively with CBT options but DO NOT get fobbed off with medication alone. No medication can change your way of thinking on it's own.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Isn't it covered by the DDA and so would give employers a degree of protection?