I have funny OCD tendencies but they don't interfer with my life, maybe you're the same?
62I am actually on tablet for depression, panic and OCD. I did not realise what it was but felt my 'compulsions' were not normal behaviour and so decided to go and see my doctor. I have often found myself counting the number of cats eyes on the road, I must reach 100 before my destination or before they run out but why I do not know, the same with the cut lines in the road. I do not drive - luckily, but am worried I may still do this when I am learning or when I pass my test. I also have to check and sweep my bed and feet every night because there might be some bugs in the bed, I cannot ever see any but I must sweep it because if I don't I know I will wake in the middle of the night (sometimes after a nightmare) to get out of bed and sweep it! It's just my side of the bed, not my fiance's. I have tried to hide it away from everyone as it is odd. I have to do this 'ritual' before I can sleep in any bed, whether it's my own, a bed in a hotel, at my parents - every bed I sleep in I feel compiled to act in the same way. I have never had a bug or anything in my bed that I can remember, so I guess this is slightly odd and to a point does interfere with my life somewhat. I also have to check twice that I have turned the oven off, closed the door and locked it, unplugged items if I'm away overnight or longer, got my keys and anything I need. This has been so bad in the past that I have missed trains, got off buses and went home to check and at the worst point was happening several times a day and I had to check about 6 or 7 times! Luckily, with medication and support I have got through it, slowly. I don't actually think I will ever be free from doing certain behaviours as it does not feel like me doing them, rather that my body and mind have taken over. I try to think how to cope if I haven't got my keys, switched the plug off or accidentally forgot I left the oven on (even after checking) and I tell myself I would cope somehow, I could wait for my fiance or sleep at a friends. I just wish I didn't have to count, sweep, check and double check because there are days when it spoils things or makes me run late. I am me, however unique and quirky, I have to learn to like me and continue with my daily routines as best as I can
alphawave 2 years ago
I had similar symptoms from an early age where I would walk on paving slabs and not touch the edges. I'm not sure if something like this could be considered normal behavior for a child yet I still invented 'challenges' like this in my 30's. I never counted cats eyes, I used to avoid driving over them (at night when no cars where around)! When I was bored driving home and using the motorway I would drive accross each lane, timing it so good I could change lanes about 20 times without touching the cats eyes. I also used to count lamp posts and had to reach a figure before a road sign for example. I am late for everything, no matter what I do. If I prepare earlier I will start doing something else to fill spare time :/ When driving I would try to reach check points at certain times and would get anxious if someone blocked me. It was frequent yet I would usually only get it if I was alone. Oddly I used to check the oven and sockets twice too, I would even turn back to go home after driving 60 miles to make sure the oven was off. I'm also on medication but has been a great help, particuarly when going to bed. I don't think it has affected my ability to do things and was never irresponsible while driving. Then again, any responsible person could have a moments loss of concentration which is something to consider. Avoiding shift work / long work hours with a regular sleep pattern usually helped, otherwise I'd feel more anxiety which only makes things alot worse. :/