Re: OCD in fours

Posted by Laura on April 28, 1998 at 16:50:11:

In Reply to: OCD in fours posted by Kathryn on April 19, 1998 at 13:50:22:

Kathryn,
I have had very strong OCD tendencies since I was a child. Cracks in the sidewalk, as Derf mentioned, touching all of the street light poles on a street, etc... For the most part, I outgrew it when I was out of high school. Even so, I find it manifesting itself in different ways now that I am an adult. I'll vaccuum the whole floor, and be unable to deal with the one speck of dust or one piece of cat hair that is left. Good enough is not good enough. I also find it nearly impossible to stop in the middle of a fruitless search. I have to go through EVERY nook and cranny before I will stop, even if halfway through, I realize where whatever I'm looking for is.

I don't know if this helps, but maybe it will make you feel less alone. I don't think there is anythig wrong with it other than the discomfort that it causes us. Just as another thought, I had an extremely abusive childhood, and grew up with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I've been told that this can account for many OCD tendencies. We do these seemingly compulsive things to make ourselves feel "safe" and "in control", in a world where we know that isn't possible. A defense mechanism of sorts, for an unpredictable world. Anyway, you may have had an idyllic childhood, and this may not apply to you, but it is a thought.

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup