Long but my story with OCD

Hi everyone. I never realized I had OCD until I started talking to my therapist last year. I struggle hard with OCD and found that my numbers are 3 and 5. I wash my hands three times but then I check my doors to make sure they’re locked 3 times with 5 turns each time I check to make sure they’re locked. Then I lock my car 5 times. I then struggle with over thinking and forgetting if I locked my doors so I drive all the way back to check and do my routine again. Even with someone home, and I leave and lock the doors, I do my routine. I have repetitive thoughts that I have learned are a form of OCD and those thoughts that I have are on a constant daily basis. It’s hard and exhausting. I also realized I move objects if I feel that they’re not where they’re supposed to be. I also have “paranoid pics”, where I take 5 pictures of a single room or section in my apartment to make sure nothing moves. I also have a huge fear of fires, so I take the pictures to remind myself there are no candles lit or anything blocking the socket. I never thought of this to be a problem or out of the norm until I started talking to my therapist about it and they informed me I have OCD. They recommended this app to connect with others and to see what is offered to help manage OCD. I’m sorry this is a long post and if you read it, I appreciate you reading my story. ♥️

Username: redmuse22

Date posted: 300d ago

Hello! Touching the lock to make sure I *really* locked the door is what I'm bad about. Never considered it could be something more, but turns out some things aren't just weird habits. I've just started seeing a therapist for OCD and hopefully will start winning time back from the OCD. I personally listen to the podcast OCD Stories (it's how i learned about nocd) and find it both comforting and educational. Does your therapist do ERP? That's the biggest thing I've seen recommended. Coming here and seeing your therapist are two great steps!! I hope you continue to make progress against this beast. We can do it :D

Username: Ccgrace

Date posted: 300d ago

Thank you for this recommendation! I will check out that podcast. I am also just trying to win back some time from this. It drives me crazy but then makes me feel so much better. It’s a mixed battle sometimes. My therapist does not do that. We’re working with EMDR right now, and they just recommended this app. They’re going to be doing more training about OCD so they can expand their practice more and help people.