01/14 Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
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Posted by: oneshiflet
Posted on: 2003-01-14 12:06:44
I just read the comment about living in a messy house..well I never thought i'd hear that question asked! I had ocd & for years I kept things spotless to a point of despair!
I felt my life would be over, and what would I do when I had finished everything around the house & in the yard! I even pulled weeds out of my drive (by hand) and finally I got scared because I had almost completed everything on my property that could be done.
I went to bed one night & vowed that it had to stop!!! well it did, I layed around & wouldn't let myself get out of bed for fear that I would continue this cycle. now my problem is I'm still laying around actually "afraid" to do anything for fear of repeating my old cycle!!! my God what has my life become? I dont have the ambition to clean anymore out of fear, my home is a disaster, I feel that my entire life is a "disaster" anyone heard of such ignorance?
Posted by: oneshiflet
Posted on: 2003-01-14 12:06:44
I just read the comment about living in a messy house..well I never thought i'd hear that question asked! I had ocd & for years I kept things spotless to a point of despair!
I felt my life would be over, and what would I do when I had finished everything around the house & in the yard! I even pulled weeds out of my drive (by hand) and finally I got scared because I had almost completed everything on my property that could be done.
I went to bed one night & vowed that it had to stop!!! well it did, I layed around & wouldn't let myself get out of bed for fear that I would continue this cycle. now my problem is I'm still laying around actually "afraid" to do anything for fear of repeating my old cycle!!! my God what has my life become? I dont have the ambition to clean anymore out of fear, my home is a disaster, I feel that my entire life is a "disaster" anyone heard of such ignorance?
Posted by: countryceo
Posted on: 2003-01-14 13:31:21
You might want to do a web search on living in squalor. This may be of help to you.
I feel your pain
Posted by: angeladee
Posted on: 2003-01-14 15:56:14
I completely understand. My house is a disaster because I'm afraid to clean. I don't like the feeling of being dirty,so I don't like to deal with cleaning the house because I feel dirty and have to wash my hands a million times. I don't have the amition either because of my fear,but I also hate my house being a disaster,so I can never win. Hang in there,I know how you feel,and maybe someday we can get past this misery we live in everyday. Good luck!
Posted by: angeladee
Posted on: 2003-01-14 15:56:14
I completely understand. My house is a disaster because I'm afraid to clean. I don't like the feeling of being dirty,so I don't like to deal with cleaning the house because I feel dirty and have to wash my hands a million times. I don't have the amition either because of my fear,but I also hate my house being a disaster,so I can never win. Hang in there,I know how you feel,and maybe someday we can get past this misery we live in everyday. Good luck!
OCD
Posted by: 2hannahs
Posted on: 2003-01-14 16:06:57
Hi,
I have constant thoughts running through my head. When things get bad, my brain just thinks about suicide. I have compusions with spending. I hid these from both my psychologist and psychiatric. I finally spoke up about six weeks ago so I could get help. My psychiatric put me on a new medication to try and help with OCD. I have been on it for three weeks and have seen a small change. It takes about six to eight weeks to really be effective. I know all of this has to do with my horrible childhood and adult life where I was severely abused. And my father did commit suicide four years ago. He shot himself. I would suggest to all of you to get therapy and see if the doctor recommends medication. Like Dr. Phil said, we can't help we have this, but we can learn to control it. May God bless all of us...
Posted by: 2hannahs
Posted on: 2003-01-14 16:06:57
Hi,
I have constant thoughts running through my head. When things get bad, my brain just thinks about suicide. I have compusions with spending. I hid these from both my psychologist and psychiatric. I finally spoke up about six weeks ago so I could get help. My psychiatric put me on a new medication to try and help with OCD. I have been on it for three weeks and have seen a small change. It takes about six to eight weeks to really be effective. I know all of this has to do with my horrible childhood and adult life where I was severely abused. And my father did commit suicide four years ago. He shot himself. I would suggest to all of you to get therapy and see if the doctor recommends medication. Like Dr. Phil said, we can't help we have this, but we can learn to control it. May God bless all of us...
HANNAH YOU DOING THE RIGHT THING
Posted by: magigi
Posted on: 2003-01-15 09:25:27
I TOO HAVE OCD THOUGHTS THEY STARTED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO,I SUFFER FROM PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS ALSO FOR ABOUT 20YRS.BUT WHAT IS EVEN STRANGER IS MY MOTHER & 3 SISTERS,AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS ON MY MOTHERS SIDE SUFFER FROM THIS TOO.WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OCD MINE OR BAD THOUGHTS LIKE YOURS & THEY CAN CHANGE FROM HURTING MYSELF TO HURTING SOMEONE ELSE(BUT I KNOW THAT THESE ARE JUST THOUGHTS & I WILL NEVER EVER ACT ON THEM). I HAVE FOUND THAT WHAT HELPS ME BESIDES MY MEDICINES ARE THINGS LIKE TELLING MYSELF,OK YOU KNOW THIS IS JUST AN OCD THOUGHT & YOU KNOW YOUR NOT GOING TO ACT ON IT OR EVEN WHEN I HAVE A THOUGHT I WILL DO LIKE IN THE CARTOONS AS I'M PICTURING THE THOUGHT I WILL THINK POOF LIKE A PUFF OF SMOKE & IT WILL DISAPPEAR OR I'VE EVEN HEARD OF PEOPLE WEARING A RUBBERBAND ON THEIR WRIST & WHEN THEY HAVE A THOUGHT POP THE RUBBER BAND & IT HELPS.BUT I CAN SAY THAT I KNOW FROM EXPIERENCE THAT THE BEST MEDICINE IS TALKING ABOUT IT TO A FAMILY MEMBER OR A FRIEND & ESPECIALLY YOUR DOCTORS.WE ARE NOT ALONE & PLEASE DON'T EVER FEEL ASHAMED CAUSE IT'S AN ILLNESS THATS ALL & IT IS TREATABLE!HUGS & GOODLUCK!!MAGIGI
Posted by: magigi
Posted on: 2003-01-15 09:25:27
I TOO HAVE OCD THOUGHTS THEY STARTED ABOUT 5 YEARS AGO,I SUFFER FROM PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS ALSO FOR ABOUT 20YRS.BUT WHAT IS EVEN STRANGER IS MY MOTHER & 3 SISTERS,AND OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS ON MY MOTHERS SIDE SUFFER FROM THIS TOO.WE ALL HAVE DIFFERENT TYPES OF OCD MINE OR BAD THOUGHTS LIKE YOURS & THEY CAN CHANGE FROM HURTING MYSELF TO HURTING SOMEONE ELSE(BUT I KNOW THAT THESE ARE JUST THOUGHTS & I WILL NEVER EVER ACT ON THEM). I HAVE FOUND THAT WHAT HELPS ME BESIDES MY MEDICINES ARE THINGS LIKE TELLING MYSELF,OK YOU KNOW THIS IS JUST AN OCD THOUGHT & YOU KNOW YOUR NOT GOING TO ACT ON IT OR EVEN WHEN I HAVE A THOUGHT I WILL DO LIKE IN THE CARTOONS AS I'M PICTURING THE THOUGHT I WILL THINK POOF LIKE A PUFF OF SMOKE & IT WILL DISAPPEAR OR I'VE EVEN HEARD OF PEOPLE WEARING A RUBBERBAND ON THEIR WRIST & WHEN THEY HAVE A THOUGHT POP THE RUBBER BAND & IT HELPS.BUT I CAN SAY THAT I KNOW FROM EXPIERENCE THAT THE BEST MEDICINE IS TALKING ABOUT IT TO A FAMILY MEMBER OR A FRIEND & ESPECIALLY YOUR DOCTORS.WE ARE NOT ALONE & PLEASE DON'T EVER FEEL ASHAMED CAUSE IT'S AN ILLNESS THATS ALL & IT IS TREATABLE!HUGS & GOODLUCK!!MAGIGI
hannah
Posted by: cgaved
Posted on: 2003-01-16 00:28:54
I also have compulsion with spending and eating. I get a thought running through my head and just cannot get rid of it. I obsess over and over and over about something until it drives both me and others around me nuts. I don't know how to deal with this but I am doing my best. I am working on this with a counselor and hopefully it will get better.
Posted by: cgaved
Posted on: 2003-01-16 00:28:54
I also have compulsion with spending and eating. I get a thought running through my head and just cannot get rid of it. I obsess over and over and over about something until it drives both me and others around me nuts. I don't know how to deal with this but I am doing my best. I am working on this with a counselor and hopefully it will get better.
OCD Sufferer
Posted by: ilenej
Posted on: 2003-01-16 14:39:49
I've had OCD for more years than I can count. My problem is constantly cleaning and reorganizing whether something is dirty or not. My family and friends keep saying "slow down" - they just don't understand that this is something I've not been able to control. Now that I've hit the age of 55, I'm finding it harder to keep going at this pace 10 hours a day...but I still keep trying and it's wearing me out. I'm hoping to find a good book that discusses OCD - suggestions? Thanks!
Posted by: ilenej
Posted on: 2003-01-16 14:39:49
I've had OCD for more years than I can count. My problem is constantly cleaning and reorganizing whether something is dirty or not. My family and friends keep saying "slow down" - they just don't understand that this is something I've not been able to control. Now that I've hit the age of 55, I'm finding it harder to keep going at this pace 10 hours a day...but I still keep trying and it's wearing me out. I'm hoping to find a good book that discusses OCD - suggestions? Thanks!
Book Suggestion
Posted by: gazeboop
Posted on: 2003-01-17 21:41:37
In reply to a book suggestion, there was one that came to mind. The Bible. If it had not been for my beliefs, I would not have survived the traumas in my life. I hope I have not offended you or anyone else. God can give us strength when noone else can.
Posted by: gazeboop
Posted on: 2003-01-17 21:41:37
In reply to a book suggestion, there was one that came to mind. The Bible. If it had not been for my beliefs, I would not have survived the traumas in my life. I hope I have not offended you or anyone else. God can give us strength when noone else can.
ocd
Posted by: dianem20
Posted on: 2003-07-29 22:27:33
i know your pain dealing with ocd. it is very hard to live day by day with these careless worries...the way i get over it is when I realized how much I was missing out on living my life as a teenager! just think of all the positive things that can make you seem that life is worth living and dont sweat the small stuff i understand you had a hard life, mine hasnt been all that well off either, a member of my family commited suicide and it still effects me to this day..just please keep strong life is precious and we will get over this one day! take care God bless
Posted by: dianem20
Posted on: 2003-07-29 22:27:33
i know your pain dealing with ocd. it is very hard to live day by day with these careless worries...the way i get over it is when I realized how much I was missing out on living my life as a teenager! just think of all the positive things that can make you seem that life is worth living and dont sweat the small stuff i understand you had a hard life, mine hasnt been all that well off either, a member of my family commited suicide and it still effects me to this day..just please keep strong life is precious and we will get over this one day! take care God bless
U are not alone
Posted by: tinaocd
Posted on: 2003-01-14 18:42:53
Dear angela:
I am just like U.I have ocd .It's so weird for me because all the patients with ocd have very clean houses while I can't clean.I can't clean because just like U i don't want to be dirty.I can't touch things to organize them.Everything is dirty.
people who know that I have ocd ask me how come U can't clean .Because ocders are very neat and clean.
I just wanted to tell U ,U are not the only one. love,Tina
Posted by: tinaocd
Posted on: 2003-01-14 18:42:53
Dear angela:
I am just like U.I have ocd .It's so weird for me because all the patients with ocd have very clean houses while I can't clean.I can't clean because just like U i don't want to be dirty.I can't touch things to organize them.Everything is dirty.
people who know that I have ocd ask me how come U can't clean .Because ocders are very neat and clean.
I just wanted to tell U ,U are not the only one. love,Tina
U are not alone
Posted by: tinaocd
Posted on: 2003-01-14 18:44:39
Dear angela:
I am just like U.I have ocd .It's so weird for me because all the patients with ocd have very clean houses while I can't clean.I can't clean because just like U i don't want to be dirty.I can't touch things to organize them.Everything is dirty.
people who know that I have ocd ask me how come U can't clean .Because ocders are very neat and clean.
I just wanted to tell U ,U are not the only one. love,Tina
Posted by: tinaocd
Posted on: 2003-01-14 18:44:39
Dear angela:
I am just like U.I have ocd .It's so weird for me because all the patients with ocd have very clean houses while I can't clean.I can't clean because just like U i don't want to be dirty.I can't touch things to organize them.Everything is dirty.
people who know that I have ocd ask me how come U can't clean .Because ocders are very neat and clean.
I just wanted to tell U ,U are not the only one. love,Tina
thank-you Tina
Posted by: angeladee
Posted on: 2003-01-15 09:33:42
I am so glad to hear that someone else is like me. I feel so alone and my family doesn't understand. They ask me the same thing-if you don't like germs then why don't you clean? I hate that my house is so unorganized,but everytime I go to touch something I'm going to the bathroom washing my hands. My garage is a disaster and I hate it that way,but I have an anxiety attack everytime I go to clean it.I am going to try what someone suggested to me-do one little thing at a time-clean the kitchen until it shines,then the next day go to the next room. I don't understand my ocd because I bleach everything,and steam clean my carpet a million times,but my house is so cluttered.I am so glad you sent me a message,because it feels so good that someone out there understands. Good luck,Angela
Posted by: angeladee
Posted on: 2003-01-15 09:33:42
I am so glad to hear that someone else is like me. I feel so alone and my family doesn't understand. They ask me the same thing-if you don't like germs then why don't you clean? I hate that my house is so unorganized,but everytime I go to touch something I'm going to the bathroom washing my hands. My garage is a disaster and I hate it that way,but I have an anxiety attack everytime I go to clean it.I am going to try what someone suggested to me-do one little thing at a time-clean the kitchen until it shines,then the next day go to the next room. I don't understand my ocd because I bleach everything,and steam clean my carpet a million times,but my house is so cluttered.I am so glad you sent me a message,because it feels so good that someone out there understands. Good luck,Angela
I have a suggestion
Posted by: colette45
Posted on: 2003-01-15 05:14:29
I also am an OCD sufferer, and I can identify with what you said. However, I have found a way to cope with the aversion to dirt. I use disposable latex gloves for the really dirty cleaning jobs. My rituals are a bit costly (I also buy loads of paper towels and new toilet brushes). These attempts to avoid cross contamination are also time consuming. In spite of all this, I can at least have a house that is not disgusting to me anymore, until I get more help. I wish you the best.
Posted by: colette45
Posted on: 2003-01-15 05:14:29
I also am an OCD sufferer, and I can identify with what you said. However, I have found a way to cope with the aversion to dirt. I use disposable latex gloves for the really dirty cleaning jobs. My rituals are a bit costly (I also buy loads of paper towels and new toilet brushes). These attempts to avoid cross contamination are also time consuming. In spite of all this, I can at least have a house that is not disgusting to me anymore, until I get more help. I wish you the best.
good idea
Posted by: angeladee
Posted on: 2003-01-15 14:13:25
that's a good idea-I also use a ton of paper towels. I feel the same about cross contamination-I think that if someone touches something I feel is dirty then they spread it to everything they touch.So I am always bleaching and Lysoling door knobs,toilets,furniture...it never ends. I am going to get gloves because my hands are so dry from washing them that they crack and bleed.Thank- you for sharing your story with me it makes me feel better that someone else feels this way other than myself. Good luck
Posted by: angeladee
Posted on: 2003-01-15 14:13:25
that's a good idea-I also use a ton of paper towels. I feel the same about cross contamination-I think that if someone touches something I feel is dirty then they spread it to everything they touch.So I am always bleaching and Lysoling door knobs,toilets,furniture...it never ends. I am going to get gloves because my hands are so dry from washing them that they crack and bleed.Thank- you for sharing your story with me it makes me feel better that someone else feels this way other than myself. Good luck
I FEEL YOUR PAIN
Posted by: deeters
Posted on: 2003-01-16 02:11:14
YOU ARE NOT ALONE CLEANING FOR ME IS THE ROOT TO MORE EVILS. THINK ABOUT IT THEN PROCESS THE GOOD THOUGHTS AND WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK LISTEN TO YOUR BODY NOT YOUR MIND DO
WHATS HEALTHY FOR FUNCTIONING THEN BREATHE DEEPLY AND REST
Posted by: deeters
Posted on: 2003-01-16 02:11:14
YOU ARE NOT ALONE CLEANING FOR ME IS THE ROOT TO MORE EVILS. THINK ABOUT IT THEN PROCESS THE GOOD THOUGHTS AND WHISTLE WHILE YOU WORK LISTEN TO YOUR BODY NOT YOUR MIND DO
WHATS HEALTHY FOR FUNCTIONING THEN BREATHE DEEPLY AND REST
Obsessive compulsive foundation
Posted by: janottawa
Posted on: 2003-01-16 13:29:26
Contact the Obsessive Compulsive foundation on the web. They are a great resource. There is an International conference in Nashville July 16,17,18, 2003. You do not have to live this way - 25% of the population have OCD to some degree. OCD is a secretive disease that is losing it's secretive battle as more and more people are learning about it. Often it begins in puberty. Become an expert and this will give you power and knowledge to face the monster.
Posted by: janottawa
Posted on: 2003-01-16 13:29:26
Contact the Obsessive Compulsive foundation on the web. They are a great resource. There is an International conference in Nashville July 16,17,18, 2003. You do not have to live this way - 25% of the population have OCD to some degree. OCD is a secretive disease that is losing it's secretive battle as more and more people are learning about it. Often it begins in puberty. Become an expert and this will give you power and knowledge to face the monster.
There is help!!!
Posted by: buffy1959
Posted on: 2003-01-16 09:46:17
Dear Angeladee,
After many years of cleaning on a daily basis, I asked my family physician to put me on LUVOX and he titrated me to what is a somewhat HIGH dose. I felt comfortable talking with him about my problem. I take 200 mg. every morning and 200 mg. at bedtime and I no longer feel the need to clean! It's a SSRI like Prozac, but has an affinity for OCD according to the research the drug company, Solvay, did with the drug. It isn't prescribed as much as any of the other SSRI's, but I thank GOD daily that it was invented!!! Hang in there!
Posted by: buffy1959
Posted on: 2003-01-16 09:46:17
Dear Angeladee,
After many years of cleaning on a daily basis, I asked my family physician to put me on LUVOX and he titrated me to what is a somewhat HIGH dose. I felt comfortable talking with him about my problem. I take 200 mg. every morning and 200 mg. at bedtime and I no longer feel the need to clean! It's a SSRI like Prozac, but has an affinity for OCD according to the research the drug company, Solvay, did with the drug. It isn't prescribed as much as any of the other SSRI's, but I thank GOD daily that it was invented!!! Hang in there!
Messy House
Posted by: shelly6043
Posted on: 2003-01-14 16:05:55
Messy House - Clean House ... they are both opposite ends of the same problem!
Did you seek professional help for your OCD? Have you tried any medication? A little medication can go a long way in helping you find the determination to face your problems. Living in fear is no way to live.
Trying setting little goals for yourself.Tomorrow, do one thing, like clean the kitchen sink until it shines. The next day, spend a minute touching up the sink, then move on to the kitchen counters. Add tasks slowly, stopping when you meet your goal for the day. Maybe this will help you see that you are in control of your life.
Good Luck!
Posted by: shelly6043
Posted on: 2003-01-14 16:05:55
Messy House - Clean House ... they are both opposite ends of the same problem!
Did you seek professional help for your OCD? Have you tried any medication? A little medication can go a long way in helping you find the determination to face your problems. Living in fear is no way to live.
Trying setting little goals for yourself.Tomorrow, do one thing, like clean the kitchen sink until it shines. The next day, spend a minute touching up the sink, then move on to the kitchen counters. Add tasks slowly, stopping when you meet your goal for the day. Maybe this will help you see that you are in control of your life.
Good Luck!
Messy House
Posted by: naomilady
Posted on: 2003-01-14 17:14:44
Dear Messy, it seems you really answer your question when you said in the beginning of your letter that you feared that your life would be over when you were done with everything you felt you needed to do. Fear was you motivator then for stopping the cleaning believing if you could stop your life would continue, it has but now the motivator has trapped immobolized you. You are accepting the fear's as facts why not put them to the test Dr. Phil has on his show today?
Posted by: naomilady
Posted on: 2003-01-14 17:14:44
Dear Messy, it seems you really answer your question when you said in the beginning of your letter that you feared that your life would be over when you were done with everything you felt you needed to do. Fear was you motivator then for stopping the cleaning believing if you could stop your life would continue, it has but now the motivator has trapped immobolized you. You are accepting the fear's as facts why not put them to the test Dr. Phil has on his show today?
