Does anyone's OCD affect their work and driving? I work in health care, dealing daily with patients and my OCD makes me extra checky with all my tasks to ensure I'm happy even though my final answer hardly ever changes from my initial thought....even though it never felt right in the first place. It's so frustrating why it never feels right until it sort of does and then you can let it go only once all the checking has been fulfilled. I find myself re-reading my records to ensure I didn't accidentally write down the opposite to what I wanted to write even though I never have. My OCD makes it feel like it's hard to concentrate like something is obscuring my vision yet it isn't?! I'm just trying to be careful so I think anyway. I can't seem to do stuff in a relaxed manner- I hold so much importance to everything I do in work that it takes me longer to fulfil tasks compared to my colleagues. Even then I feel terrible at my job because I'm not like them. Part of the length of time it takes to do my tasks is also because I have to get over the anxiety which makes me avoidant of said tasks as well. My OCD also affects my driving it sounds so stupid to say out loud but any bump in the road or even just a 'feeling' makes me think I have hit someone and then I drive around just to check I haven't which makes it ten times worse as I'm on tender hooks when I'm checking and getting home is all I want to do yet it's not that simple. I don't know what to call my OCD but it's affecting my work and my relationship with my husband. Saying that it used to be worse and has improved from me suffering from panic attacks and not even going to work. I do see a psychologist regularly and we are trying ERP but I just don't ever seem to be able to do it fully as my OCD seems so confusing,so intricate, so natural when you're in the moment?! Can anyone help ?

Thanks for sharing more about your story and “OCD experience” with us.. as I’m sure others in the group can relate, what you wrote sounds pretty normal to me. Have you tried other methods of therapy besides just ERP? I’ve used ACT and Mindfulness and they both have had a major positive effect on my recovery. You’re lucky to be seeing a psychologist regularly!

You’ve practically described me to a T. This is extremely hard to deal with... as it’s both perfectionism and overwhelming fear rolled into one. The only thing that’s really helped me here is accepting your work pace (I am slow and deliberate too; which, I think can definitely be better than fast paced and careless) and training yourself to not have a damn to give when it comes to what others can and cannot do. If they tell you you’re too slow, walk away. If you feel like you need to speed up, ask yourself this: “why would I want to fix the quality of my work just to be like almost everyone else in terms of speed?” Contrary to popular belief held today, speed is NOT always key. In times like these, I have to continuously remind myself to not let fear rule my life. OCD is an extension of who we are... once we learn to accept that, we begin to see what benefits it gives us (yes, benefits). OCD is a nightmare to live with, but it makes us more aware, understanding, careful and deliberate than more than half of humans out there. Every good thing has a bad thing, and Vice versa. ALWAYS remember that <3 As hard as it may be, when it comes to work and everything else “mandatory” in life, you just have to take a deep breath, jump in and hope the water isn’t shallow. As corny as it may sound, faith (not necessarily religious) is a big component in every ill or struggling person’s life. Without having faith in yourself and your road to happiness, you won’t move. Faith is magick, have faith in good things and watch the magick sparkle before your weary eyes. It’s going to take patience, determination and willpower... but never give up. Good things come to those who are patient. I hope my advice works for you, I’ve got plenty more if this doesn’t sound like something you’re up for. Blessed Be <3

I’m so sorry you have gone through all of that. Thank you for sharing your story! Is your psychologist an “ERP specialist,” or someone who is trying ERP and is learning it on the go?

You don't sound pathetic at all! Thanks for coming to the group and sharing more of your story/experiences with everyone. Dr. Grayson actually put together a great document on incorporating ACT into OCD Treatment if you'd like to check it out: https://adaa.org/sites/default/files/Grayson_157C.pdf

I’m a nurse and I have the same problems at work! It’s so hard. Keep working with your therapist. I’m also on medications that help me get through the work day successfully

Cjx: I’m so glad I’ve helped you! Just remember, what you’re feeling or thinking has been felt by someone before you. You’re never the only one, nor are you alone. And also, mindfulness is a great technique! Practicing meditation really helps you release stress and live in the now; as does yoga.

Also, Cjx, you’re not pathetic. Trust me, I also have ADHD/ADD (combination type)... so I can’t focus well either. It’s completely alright that you feel that way... and if it isn’t okay (which it is), then I am pathetic too. We can be pathetic together hahaha :’D but seriously, it’s completely okay. Sometimes people unintentionally make things sound easier than they actually are. Trust me, it happens way more than anyone realizes.

Mjs110160 my psychologist is a specialist in ERP- but she has said my OCD is particularly hard to keep up the ERP with as it's based in my work and my work does require myself to be careful and accurate etc. Samantha 20 can you talk me through how ACT works? Mindfulness is very helpful and I am trying to keep that a habit but at the moment it doesn't seem to calm me enough to stay focussed or in the moment. I still can't fight the feeling of avoidance...I sound so pathetic. Thank you Skatlettrose you've made me feel less lonely! And dare I say it 'normal?!' I definitely agree I have let fear rule my life and boy is it horrible ?keep the advice coming I love your insight!

I work in healthcare and dealing with patients all day! I am having the exact problems you described! It makes getting through a day at work so hard!