Has anyone else struggled with OCD when it comes to obsessing over things like social injustice and finding solutions to societal problems? I haven’t met anyone who shares this with me. It really messed me up bad the last year and a half. Then I started to obsess over my own morality and finding a perfect answer for all of the worlds problems. It’s been much better since joining NOCD though and I’ve learned to manage it.

I feel so safe hearing this. I’ve suffered from many forms of OCD throughout my whole life and this one really messed me up. It’s not too common but I think I was susceptible because I have been involved in working and studying in this realm and I’m an empath. How have you managed? Does it still bother you? Social media made mine so bad and since leaving it has helped. Mine got triggered by an argument I had with someone who told me I was a bad person. I became obsessed with seeing all sides to everyone’s opinion but also being afraid that I was a bad person for not having a black or white answer.

@Kat I was always a kid who would risk himself getting into arguments to defend someone who I believe was wronged. I used to spend insane amounts thinking that I could one day help erase worlds problems (I am told I'm a highly intelligent and quick witted person, I also think I am) I would quickly put myself in the shoes of other people and I would feel so bad when I saw other people suffering and thought like I could end their suffering if only I work hard enough. I still remember moments of deep sadness and relatedness I remember from my childhood when I watched something. Overall I had and still have a huge problem with justice when it's not applied to everyone. Dunno if these makes sense to you. Tbh I never realized this might be an obsession as well. Now that I think about it I would burden myself more than I could take for a little kid. The feeling sort of became curbed but if I then don't do enough to ease suffering then I blame myself for not empathizijg enough.. Major world events too, like if I watch or see something on the news something bad happening like wars or murder or genocide I would weirdly feel guilty like I have a responsibility to make it right and that I as if I can sense myself the pain those are having.

@Auerbach93 Wow I relate to this so much. I was the same. As a child I would sob thinking about homelessness and poverty and I grew up financially stable in a sheltered community. It was almsot intrinsic. I still care about these issues so much but I now recognize that I can only do my part and my best. I realized caring too much without setting boundaries to care for myself just made my ocd bad and in turn prevented me from living life in a positive way. But I still have a deep fear of saying an incorrect thing or thinking a thought that may one day be considered wrong.

@Auerbach93 I’m going into social work and I’m nervous about my ocd resurfacing in the future but I think I have tools to help if it does. It’s still here though.

@Auerbach93 I also was always told I was very smart and excelled in school so maybe that’s why we felt we had to get the right answer?

@Kat Tbh t3hse days I'm in a severe depression and feel like my life is lost. I don't think anything can mend it and that I can ever live a satisfying life. I believe my brain is gone beyond repair cuz I was able to understand what I had really late in life after years of struggling and fighting. That feeling of dread knowing nothing you know can help you when extreme ocd struck with an embarrassing thing is still in my heart. I don't think that kid can ever recover. Life beat me up and down too much and I'm just tired. I seriously ask for death often.

@Kat Yes. I mean I was born into a good middle class household above average in my country to highly moral honest and hardworking people. But I think I developed these grandoise feelings and thoughts that I must attain to the utmost. I was always told I'm very sensitive and highly intelligent person that I could have the world if I wanted. Dad and mom never best me hard. Maybe once they beat me. I went into literature and got an MA from American studies but I can neither hold a work now nor plan for future. I'm depleted.

@Auerbach93 I’m so sorry and I hear your struggles. I didn’t get help or even a diagnosis for 21 years. I never thought I could change but I’m grateful that therapy has helped me. Even thought I don’t know you are stories seem so similar. I got my BA in American ethnic studies and now am getting my MSW. I pray I am able to work in this field even with my ocd. Please know I am thinking of you and truly believe that there is hope for your life. It is valuable and you are valuable. But I truly understand your feelings.

@Kat Yes. When I finally learnt that I had ocd I was 25... Though my mom took me to a psychiatrist when I was 5 cuz that's when I believe I had my first bout of ocd it was very early.... I can't even process the grief I have for that kid who suffered in silence. Thank you for your kind words. You seem to have deep insight into it and gathered the necessary tools to tackle it. Know that I understand you too. And that you're not alone.