Are there any OCD sufferers out there?!

Are there any OCD sufferers out there?

I am pretty sure that I am suffering with OCD. I am so paranoid about people and that they are out to hurt me. Even when I go to the doctors. Is this normal?? I also have all the other signs such as checking things over and over, washing hands.............

2 weeks ago
Its so good to hear from people who understand what I mean. Sometimes I think Im going mad having to check if the iron is off at least 4 times every time im going out - even if I didnt use it! Sometimes I think im just overcautious and its all normal but other times I think 'No - this isnt normal, I know it isnt'. I worry about things which I know are unreasonable but lately, thinking people ie even doctors are out to get me has added to it and I dont know if this is cus it has worsened since i became pregnant!

2 weeks ago
So many of you are saying that your number is 4, thats wierd cus I have a thing about the number 4 too!

I suffer from OCD. There are all kinds of obsessions (fear of germs- washing hands over and over, checking things, fear of just about anything, counting things). I'm a checker - I check to make sure things are off before leaving the house. I have turned the car around many, many times to go back and check things that I KNOW for a fact are off. It isn't fun. When I was younger, I had to do things a certain number of times (my number was 4). Walk through a entry way 4 times. Get 4 paper towels to wipe my hands. Tap something 4 times. You name it - 4 times. It gets to where it takes over every second of your life. Your brain knows that it doesn't make sense, but the compulsion to do it is so strong you finally give in just for peace of mind. But the more you give in, the worse it gets. I also started having anxiety attacks (also not fun). My best advice would be to go see your doctor. He/she can lead you in the right direction. I take Zoloft for the anxiety and OCD and it helps tremendously. If you don't take control of OCD, it will take control of you. Also, get on the Internet and research OCD - learn all you can. Knowledge is powerful. Some people also benefit from counseling. Some people will not talk about it because they are embarrassed, but that doesn't make it any better. But remember- you are not alone - there are thousands of OCD sufferers out there. Good luck and God bless.