Mental Problem...Maybe you can relate. What do I do???!
Question: I worry all the time about whether or not people like me, but it's not low confidence because I think highly of myself...I just worry that other people DON'T. Then it turns out that my worrying is what turns them off. People say "then don't worry" but sometimes, problems seem REALLY real. I worry about my boyfriend a TON and I'm convinced every day that he'll break up with me. I have diagnosed OCD and I'm on medication, but somehow I just can't stop asking for reassurance. Does anyone relate/have advice?
Answers: I worry all the time about whether or not people like me, but it's not low confidence because I think highly of myself...I just worry that other people DON'T. Then it turns out that my worrying is what turns them off. People say "then don't worry" but sometimes, problems seem REALLY real. I worry about my boyfriend a TON and I'm convinced every day that he'll break up with me. I have diagnosed OCD and I'm on medication, but somehow I just can't stop asking for reassurance. Does anyone relate/have advice?
Having a diagnosis of OCD is a very significant thing to have happen to anyone. Now, to me, it seems that the medication has not been as therapeutic for you as your doctor (or psychiatrist) hoped. Go back and show him/her a printout of your question. You may just have to increase the dose a bit (DON'T do this unless it's OK'd by the doc first), or switch to another med, as this one may not work for you. Most people who have this type of diagnosis have to try several meds before they find one that works well. Do you have to control every single aspect of your life? Wanting reassurance is ok. We all want that every so often. Problems that are in daily life are real - it does no good for someone to tell you not to worry. Do you feel like you have been abandoned by others throughout your life (I don't mean to sound weird, but I don't know how old you are)? You need to find a good therapist and communicate honestly with them. That's the best thing to do, as they can monitor how well your meds work, they can help find ways for you to relax and focus, and they can help find ways to diffuse anxiety that comes with OCD when your "triggers" are hit. I know it's hard to live with. There is a member of my family with OCD and depression (severe), as they often go together. Remember that depression could be causing it too. The anxiety is the worst thing,though. It makes you feel like you have no control whatsoever on any aspect of your life. I know firsthand what that is like. Would you mind letting me know how you are, or if you went back to your doctor? I'd like to keep updated. Good luck, hon. I'll say a prayer for you.
whenever you dont worry... live it up- and smile or peck your boyfriend on the cheek during school- it would make me feel better
sounds like you have Aniexty issues which sometimes goes hand in hand with OCD.
well i don't have OCD but i worry wether ppl like me or not also.....i try to deal w/ it as best as i can but sometimes it can be hard..you have to realize that everyone has problems and everyone is at some point worried if ppl like them....i hope it helps
Same problem...Especcially the boyfriend thing. Not reall what people think of me. I have OCD to. But i'm not on any meds. And I don't think I'm worrying as much as you. But its hard to concentrate when doing homework or reading...isn't it?
wow! you and i must be long lost twins or something! i am sooo glad you asked this question because i have the same problem as you do. it goes away and then comes back, goes away and then comes back again. ahh! it drives me crazy. im OCD and i have self-confidence issues. a psychological study showed that (and i wish i had the link for it, sorry) teens from 13-19 years of age tend to blow things out of proportion more than any other age group. since our society today focuses so heavily on looks and appearance and clothes, etc, its easy for us to see someone on tv or a very beautiful person at school and think if only i looked like her i would be more popular. however, believe it or not, people you dont even know know you and like you. its hard for me to just put these things behind me and relax and focus on more important things, per say, but i think in time we will get through this.
I don't have OCD or anything, but i think it is completly normal for someone to be worried about what others think, especially at that age. I worry about what people think of me all the time.
Hi! It's obvious you're really struggling. I'm sorry about that. I'm a 2-year veteran therapist. If you're only taking medication and not receiving therapy, you're only giving yourself a 40% chance of recovery. Add therapy to your medicine and with new "mind tools" you have over a 90% chance of beating this thing for good.
Additionally, I don't know what medicine you're on for OCD, but some are more or less effective for you. The top medicine for OCD is Luvox. If you're not experiencing at least some benefit from the medicine you're using, your doctor will likely increase the dose first, if there's room to do so. That's usually the protocal. Otherwise, I'd talk with him or her about Luvox.
When searching for a therapist, make sure your counselor knows CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). This is the best for OCD in the research.
One last thing... a great book I use all the time with clients is "Brain Lock" by Jeffrey Schwartz. It's an easy read, shows you exactly where you're struggling in your brain and his strategy for ridding yourself of OCD is proven.
Best of luck,
Dave Turo-Shields
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