A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:My friends think I have a mild form of Obsessive Compulisive Disorder (OCD) but i dont think i do so i thought i would see what you guys think.when i leave my house, i will constantly check that i have got everything i need (phone, keys, makeup etc). i make sure im ready at least 15 minutes before i have to leave so i can make sure ive got everything. this is what happens every time i leave the house ....i will go through in my head what i need and lay the items out on my bed before i put them in my bag so i can see whats there. I will then make sure (about 6 times) that this is what i need (i go through what im going to do in the day to see if i have everything) and then i will pack them. untill its time for me to leave the house, i will sit down and go through in my head about every other minute making sure ive thought of everything i need. I will also go through my bag about every 4 mins to make sure its all in there. If i remove an item, say my phone, to use it, i will put it back in my bag but then double check a few times that ive put it back in. in the space of 15 minutes i will have emptied my bag about 4 times.even after ive left the house, i will constantly think about what i need and check my bag a couple of times untill ive reached wherever im going. i know this is slightly obsessive but isnt it just because i am just someone who worries alot as im quite forgetful?thanks x Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Wendyg +, writes (4 March 2007):
 They are classic mild signs of OCD, we all do the odd check now and again but you are taking it a little too far. My dad was a sufferer well still is for many many years... his was a way more severe case and im not going to go into it as its not relevant, but you do show the classic signs.
If its not affecting your everyday life and your happy as you are then thats fine, but if it starts to change and spills out to other parts of your life then you may feel that you want to talk to someone about it.
Apparently 1 in 5 of us will suffer a form of OCD in our lives, some are severe cases, others are just the odd checking thing. Its not a thing to go worrying about as if you do it can make it worse.... but if your happy that its just the checking organised thing then dont worry, if it starts to affect your life on a bigger scale then there are many people you can talk to about it. Its very manageable and all sufferers do lead a normal life.
If you become more anxious or something else changes then you can talk it through with your GP. Alot of sufferers find that it comes and goes, in stressful times of life.. so you could be mild now and then something can happen to make it step up a gear the more anxious you get. And then as things calm down so does the anxiety.
I wouldnt go all out worrying about this as this could make it worse, but maybe try and lessen how many times you do it.. I know I used to find myself actually getting out to the car and then having to come back in case the gas wasnt out... so I made myself not do it.. the more I relaxed with that the more i didnt need to do it, the same could be for you, try and lessen it and see how you go, but try not to put the focus on it as if you do you could find yourself doing it more to see if you are doing it!
This link may help, and remember you can go to your GP they can put you in touch with the right people if you feel you need to, but if your cool with it then thats also fine.
http://www.ocdcentre.com/?gclid=CJOH8uOs24oCFR8iEAodynN4vQ
Take care x x
A
female
reader, Lemonpixie  +, writes (4 March 2007):
 Well, it is quite possible it is the beginnings of it. I've worked with people with OCD and you just have a mild case... most people do actually... some people live there whole life with it and it never really goes beyond 'double checking to see if the oven is on' for example... and sometimes it can develop into more. Usually late 20's to 30's. I would try and stop the habits now... as to not risk it becoming more severe. I'm not saying this to scare you... just try to phase out your routine... First start by instead of 15 minutes before you leave try 10. And if you take out your phone and put it back say this mantra 'I know i just put my phone back there is no need to check again' go and distract yourself with something like TV or something utin you have to leave. Its 'normal' to double check but not every 4 minutes... the fact that you say every 4 minutes... it says to me its a little more severe than most mild cases. "Normal" would be checking it once and thats that... There are also counselors... I don't however recommend group sessions though because with OCD it can almost be contagious in a way and it could strengthen the OCD instead of getting rid of it. Good luck. And if you need anymore advice just message me!
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A
male
reader, eddie  +, writes (4 March 2007):
 I'm familiar with OCD and it sounds to me as if you've got some traits that go with it. Talk to your doctor or a therapist, depending on how much it bothers you or interfers with your life. This type of advice should come from a qualified professional though.
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A
female
reader, cd206 +, writes (4 March 2007):
 No, I think this sounds normal. However I once read we all have an element of OCD in us! I think you only need to worry when something is so overpowering that it's taking over your life and you can't do anything else because you become so obsessed with routines. I think you're just overcautious which neednt be a problem!
CD
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (4 March 2007): It doesn't sound to me like you are forgetful, and you are very organized which is a good thing, not all mild OCD is a bad thing, I bet brain surgeons are sort of the same way, you wouldn't want them to say, oh well that is good enough for government work would you.
The rechecking and rechecking is a bit OCD, but if it does not keep you from living a normal life or keeping you from enjoying your life, then it really is not that big of an issue for you. It may drive your friends nuts, though, who are less organized than you are.
If you are worried about it or feel a lot of anxiety when you leave the house, it may be more that you have an anxiety disorder which can be easily treated with medication....if you are concerned talk this over with your doctor. Your checking all the time is the way to relieve your anxiety over forgetting something you need or being late for instance....You may want to get yourself into yoga and meditation as a way to calm your nerves....
Sometimes finding a creative outlet for your orderliness is very helpful, like knitting or stringing beads for jewelry, or needlework, or any sort of arts and crafts.
Creative people are always a bit different than most, but if you are having a great life, not to worry!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (4 March 2007): I guess you answered your own question of having OCD. It's always good to make sure to have everything you need before you leave the house. What's wrong with that? But from what you've mentioned, you're over doing it.
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