I think I am losing my mind

**Rhiamon** · 09-07-2009, 10:11 PM

Ok I have mental health issues and have for a very long time, I have several diagnoses one of my issues is OCD. It used to be thought OCD with some mild cleaning issues. In the last month and a half it has become more about cleaning and germs than anything else. I have been cleaning for two days DD was at her fathers. I can't seem to stop cleaning. To the point if I touch something I have to clean it again. In my Kitchen alone I have gone through a thing of Lysol wipes. OK please don't think I am to off the wall but the only way I am able to use my computer right now is by wearing medical gloves. I know it has been getting worse and my dr is going to try changing my medications this week. But I can't study; I can't sleep without thinking about cleaning. I try to stop but I panic if I don't do it. I feel crazy

**Debbie-cat** · 09-07-2009, 10:16 PM

You aren't losing your mind. What you are going through is very common for people with OCD. I just hope you get to your doctor soon and get new meds as it is something that can be horrible to live with. Keep us posted and good luck.

**Palooka** · 09-07-2009, 11:31 PM

You are not losing your mind and this is common with OCD. I hope you and your doc can find something that works. *hug* Sometimes people can just grow out of this too.

I dealt with OCD when I was in my twenties and my big thing was always checking the lock on the door(it was my first apartment)

**mauimagic** · 09-07-2009, 11:47 PM

Poor baby (even though you're not, I want to hug you) - you are going through a rough time. It is not going to last. Your doctor will adjust your meds. Please hang in there, you are definitely not losing your mind. OCD is a disability. Mahalo for posting - you may be helping someone with similar challenges who hasn't been able to go for help yet. You are a very courageous person.

**frugalfranny** · 09-08-2009, 03:44 AM

Hang in there...be sure to tell your dr. what has been going on this week when you see him for the med. change. Keep working with him...you will get it under control.

The very best to you.......take care of yourself!

**Missourimom** · 09-08-2009, 10:35 AM

I've dealt with a mild form of OCD ever since I was a child (back when this problem didn't have a medical name and I thought I was crazy at the age of 9.) My problem was and still is, number related. I've handled it without medication simply because I'm unable to afford it. I understand what you're talking about when you say you panic. I just fight it too and I think I have a good handle on it because I reason with myself.

You know what you're doing isn't rational. You're not crazy at all, but you have to emotionally get a grip on your urges. You have to make yourself take the gloves off and tell yourself, while you're panicking, that you'll be ok. You're not going to get sick if you use your computer without gloves...millions of people do it everyday. Leave a dirty dish in the sink before you go somewhere and tell yourself, IT WILL BE OK. Put it in the sink and leave right away! When you come back home, you'll see the house didn't fall in, the cleaning police didn't hall you off to jail and you survived it. You took control of that urge. Baby steps.....just take baby steps and deep breaths. I know how hard the urges can be.

Sending hugs.

**perSue** · 09-08-2009, 10:46 AM

Rhiamon, I dont know what to say because I don't think I've got ocd, but i do know from knowing some ppl with it, you're not going to go crazy.

I hope your Dr can help you, but I think what MissouriMom said is best... _try_ to think rationally. You can always try... don't worry if you don't succeed this time... or next time... but keep trying. I know a couple friends who manage by trying to control an urge.

Anyway, lotsa hugs to you!!

**Michelle** · 09-08-2009, 11:06 AM

I'm sorry you're going through this. I hope your Dr. finds the right meds and that you get some "relief" soon.

**Cricket1** · 09-08-2009, 11:18 AM

I'm sure the doctor will be able to help you. BIg hugs coming your way. BTW, do NOT watch the news--that will only make it worse.

**Rebookie** · 09-08-2009, 11:26 AM

Sounds like your chemicals are wonky... You need to have your meds evaluated.

**Rhiamon** · 09-09-2009, 02:16 PM

Thank you for all the support. My Dr just upped my sedatives for right now and is going to talk to another Dr. about chaning my medications. We are also going to start working on my OCD a little more then we have been.
I am so glad that I have a place like Frugal Village to go for support and know that I am not being judged.