It began with a little voice in my head that wouldn’t go away, one of the classic symptoms of OCD. “Did I close the door?” I’d look at it once, twice, or five times. Then I had to wash my hands, scrubbing them until they split, scared of germs I couldn’t see. My mind was filled with hypothetical scenarios, and no amount of logic could soothe my fear.
It began with a little voice in my head that wouldn’t go away. “Did I close the door?” I’d look at it once, twice, or five times. Then I had to wash my hands, scrubbing them until they split, scared of germs I couldn’t see. My mind was filled with hypothetical scenarios, and no amount of logic could soothe my fear.
I believed I was simply “quirky” for years. But when I missed a ceremony and started to hyperventilate, I realized something was wrong. The signs of OCD were overwhelming me, and I needed treatment.
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What Are the Signs of OCD?
OCD isn’t just about being neat or organized. It’s a never-ending loop of obsessions (thoughts that won’t go away) and compulsions (rituals to calm the worry). Here’s how my OCD symptoms came up:
1. Obsessions: The “What Ifs” that Never End
Fear of becoming sick: germs were everywhere. A handshake might make me anxious.
I often experienced violent or taboo thoughts, such as wondering, “What if I hurt someone?” (But I never would.)
I needed to line up the books properly; otherwise, I felt sick.
“Did I turn off the stove?” is a sign of doubt. “Did I say something wrong?”
2. Urges: The Trapping Rituals: symptoms of ocd
Too Much Cleaning and Washing My hands were sore, but I couldn’t stop.
I repeatedly examined locks, switches, and emails, despite my knowledge of their safety.
Counting and tapping: If I didn’t tap the doorframe seven times, something horrible would happen.
Mental Reassurance: I reviewed our discussions again to ensure that I hadn’t hurt anyone’s feelings.
What was the worst part? The reprieve from the compulsions only lasted a few seconds before the cycle began again.
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How to Tell if You Have OCD: Was It Really Me?
For years, I didn’t believe it. “I’m just being careful.” Everyone checks everything twice! However, when routines consumed hours of my day, avoidance took control of my life, and anxiety became an inseparable part of my existence, I was unable to ignore it any longer.
Key symptoms that it’s OCD and not simply habits:
✔ Thoughts keep coming back and won’t go away.
✔ Rituals are something you have to do; they’re obsessive.
✔ It messes up your life, your health, or your relationships.
What woke me up? I missed my best friend’s wedding because I couldn’t stop packing my luggage. That’s when I looked up OCD symptoms on Google and cried. Finally, I had an answer.
What to Do If You See These Signs – symptoms of ocd
1. Accept It (The Hardest Step)
Saying I had OCD seemed like giving up. However, acknowledging my OCD was truly my first victory, as it allowed me to stop blaming myself.
2. Talk to a Professional
My therapist told me, “OCD is a medical condition, not a weakness.”
3. Keep an eye on what sets you off
I wrote in a journal. In some locations, things that stressed me out or even times of day made my OCD symptoms worse. Being aware helped me become ready.
4. Put an end to shame right now
I often questioned, “Why am I unable to simply stop?” But you can’t choose to have OCD. I used self-compassion as armor.
My Ways of Coping with OCD
1. Therapy (ERP made a big difference)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) treatment changed the way my brain works. For example, touching a doorknob without washing my hands. It was hard at first, but the tension went away with time.
2. Medicine: A Tool, Not a Cure
SSRIs, such as fluoxetine, reduced the intensity of the mental cacophony to a level that allowed treatment to be effective. What are the side effects? Yes. Is it worth it? Of course.
3. Mindfulness: Watching, Not Following
I learned to monitor OCD thoughts like clouds passing by: “There goes that fear again.” It’s simply OCD.
4. Systems of Support and symptoms of ocd
Being a part of an OCD group rescued me. When I heard other people say, “Me too,” I felt less alone.
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My Plan of Action: Things That Worked
Learn More—Learning how OCD works took away its power.
Begin by addressing one instance of unclean hands. One lock that isn’t locked. Small victories boost confidence.
Don’t deny your feelings; just delay acting on them—I learned that I could resist temptation by postponing a routine.
Celebrate Progress—Even on days when you feel like you’re going backwards, I’d remark, “You’re trying.” That matters.
The Turning Point: symptoms of ocd
What was the most significant transformation in my life? Realizing that OCD was incorrect was a turning point. That “must wash” feeling, which can be overwhelming, is actually a false alarm. A false alarm was triggered. What would have happened if I hadn’t checked the stove? The situation never materialized.
One night, I was so tired of my compulsions that I shouted into a pillow and then laughed. “This is crazy.” That moment of understanding was my act of defiance.
What I Learned: Hope for Your Journey
OCD is not your personality; it’s a disorder.
Recovery isn’t a straight line; bad days don’t erase progress.
Silence makes OCD worse. Talk about it. Shame fades with the sun.
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Where I Am Right Now – symptoms of ocd
While OCD remains, its intensity has significantly decreased. There are days when I forget about it. Some are tougher. But I have tools now. I have evidence that it gets better.
If you experience these OCD symptoms, rest assured: your condition is not irreversible. You’re courageous. And there is aid.
It’s your turn: Have you ever had OCD symptoms? What helped you get through it?
Please share your experience here. It might help someone else. 💙
