How do I decide when OCD makes me second-guess everything?

Everyone overanalyzes a decision now and then. But when you’re living with OCD, it can be more difficult to tell where reasonable consideration ends and compulsive rumination begins—especially because OCD can latch onto things that genuinely deserve attention, like your health or a valued relationship. Is that symptom you’ve been noticing something that should be mentioned to a doctor? Or is OCD asking you to bring it up to try to get certainty? What level of concern is reasonable if your partner seems distant this week? Do you say something to them, or would that be reassurance-seeking? This grey area can be exhausting to navigate on your own. But there's a more useful framework than trying to define what’s “normal.” We’re breaking down: • Why OCD can make everyday decisions feel incredibly challenging • The difference between asking for assurance and compulsive reassurance-seeking • Non-compulsive ways to evaluate when a situation warrants action • How to set decision-making guidelines for yourself before you’re in the middle of a spiral Read more: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/how-much-am-i-supposed-to-think-about-my-choices/

onabee

Date posted: Yesterday

Does anyone else experience this with shopping or buying? Before buying something as simple as a shirt I debate if it’s worth the money. If I have to decide between two colors I literally cannot and sometimes just don’t get anything at all even if I like it. If I buy something I walk out debating if I made the right decision, questioning returning it, even if it wasn’t that expensive and I like it. Then when I do not get something I spend the next few hours wondering if I should’ve gotten it. This sounds like such a first world problem and so insignificant but it occupies my whole mind and I have to ask my mom or friends multiple times if they think I made the right decision. Same thing applies to getting food or picking what to eat.

Kim27

Date posted: Yesterday

I hate shopping because I have such a hard time making decisions. What do I need? What looks good together? What's fashionable? I was very distressed over deciding which planner to buy at office store. It's also very difficult for me to decide what to get rid of. Ugh

Ozymandias

Date posted: Yesterday

@onabee I call it analysis paralysis. I’ll do hours of research on things then in the end I say F it and not buy it or do it and end up depressed because I can’t decide on what to do and the easiest thing seems to do nothing.

Michael N

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: Yesterday

We should never be in the same mall at the same time — I spin out over making purchasing decisions all the time. Worsens when I get caught up in the fear that I could miss out on a better offer or I could end up with a lemon — paralyzing. Often my husband just walks away to another area of the store!

chiapuddingw...

Date posted: 18h

I once spent two or three hours trying on a set of pajamas. The salesperson was so done with me. Ended up buying it but when I did I thought it was out of guilt for wasting there time and not sure if I made the right decision. Ended up wearing those pajamas quit a bit. There’s no moral of the story here lol.

KrisC.

Date posted: Yesterday

I've been there and done all that... I've done it like this... If you need it,get it... If not,then don't... Bottom line everything you do that way your not banging your head thinking about it... Has worked for me for a looonnnngggg time...

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