OCD Loop (Please Help)

[Rick7348]

Among my many problems, I have OCD. I can't even get out of bed without first thinking of something like a line from a movie, or an image of a person's face or a line from a song. If I think of something violent whether doing harm to myself or someone else, I have to clear that thought with what I just mentioned. If I scratch my nose I then have to touch the side of my face so I feel balanced. I think of violent things. It'll hit me and then I have to think of something non-violent. I get caught in loops of thinking the same things over and over again. It's like six degrees of separation. I can link certain numbers to certain things even when there is no coralation and that causes panic in a sense. I'm sorry if I'm being confusing but it's hard to explain. I told myself that in the month of February, I would not allow any OCD ritual interfere with my life and so far it's been a disaster. I had to drive back to the grocery store just to drive out of the grocery store parking lot with a clean thought in my head because I felt like I didn't get it right the first time. These thoughts effect me when I'm putting my clothes on, in the shower, or just sitting and doing nothing. Can anybody give me any advice on how to deal with this continuous loop of OCD thoughts?

 

[Krista]

I also just wrote about my OCD, but mine I feel, is not in the same category as yours. I feel awful that you're hurting yourself, your thoughts..it's confusing but I think I understand it. Unfortunately no one here can give you any good advice for this except the following, you should speak with a doctor or psychiatrist. When your OCD begins to become this severe, where you're having violent, irrational thoughts and hurting yourself with the chance of hurting others, you can't let it escalate farther. If you do choose to go this route, which I sincerely hope you do, I'd like to hear more about how treatment is going for you and how you've progressed from it. If you're willing to share that is, no pressure

I hope all goes better for you, dear.

 

[curmudgeon64]

Wow, I used to have ocd stream of conciousness like that! 'Twas many years ago. And I DID see a psychiatrist for it, about once a week for several years; and I did find our sessions helpful. Now, in those days they did not have the SSRI's (selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors, drugs used to treat ocd among other things) that exist today. I did not have their benefit, so it took me a long time to learn/grow/age my way out of constantly thinking in loops like that.

I, too, would be happy to read about your coping, managment, or progress!

 

[jbeenthere]

I think if you can't get to a doc you need to just find someone you can tell. you don't have to go into great specifics but if you know someone else knows what is going on and can hang out with you it will help. It helps to see the irrationality through someone else's eyes. OCD compulsions seem so rational when you're alone - at least for me.

 

[vydelia]

hello, i have the same problem, not to the same extent however. when my thoughts just keep repeating themselves, either something ive said, heard or am going to say. i just try to think of something else but often that starts repeating itself, so i turn on the radio or tv or try to read a book, or start a conversation with someone. i hope this helps.