Hi Scarlet. I used to have a huge problem with checking things, especially between the years of 12-16, but it isn't so much of a problem for me these days. i found that telling myself I had already checked it worked somewhat aswell, although the compulsions and mental thoughts were largely beyond my control. I used to have rituals and so forth that were extremely debiliating. But when I had my braces removed and didn't get filllings anymore, my condition improved about 80% - which is a vast improvement.

These days what I'm left with is more neurological - tics like symptoms and counting symptoms which are largely beyond my control. It's been a lot less since having a my root canal tooth extracted. But if I'm brushing my hair, for example, my mind will sometimes count the amount of strokes - totally involuntarily and in a way that is very hard to suppress. If I'm going up stairs, my mind will count the steps - almost like a backing track. It's totally weird, but I am 100% sure it's neurological disorder caused by the mercury interferring with receptors in my brain etc.

Another huge problem for me is anxiety and panic attacks. They can come out of nowhere in the most unwanted of places. Again this is difficult to control. I just try to get myself out of the threatening situation and then take deep breaths. But it's very disheartening as it can make relationships with others difficult. It depends, really, how understanding the other person is. Some people are not understanding and make me feel really worthless and stupid, others are supportive because they know what it's like.

i found that telling myself God is in control of everything helps aswell in suppressing the need to do a ritual - which I very rarely get these days, unlike when I was a teenager.

Thanks for your reply and sharing your experience <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

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Demi,

I too had OCD since I was about 8 years old. I still have it now. I check locks and doors, and stoves more than once. I have a phobia of fires and thieft. Many times things were stolden from me so that doesn't help with th OCD! Also I check things that I write for fear its not correct. The more important it is, the more I stress over checking it. Its so draining and time consuming. How I wish I could get rid of it. I would feel so much more free if I could. I just wanted to let you know that depression makes it far worse. I remembered that when I was single the loneliness would make me check everything more than once for hours. Now that I have a wonderful and sweet fiance' in my life who took care of me when I was very ill, the OCD would last a few minutes.he is the only good thing in my life right now. Also keeping bussy with a purpose in life always made OCD less magnified. This forum is a great purpose if I can prevent people from suffering with my information! Have you heard of cognitive theraphy? This works for me. To avoid checking things over and over again, I make a concious effort to remember that I already checked something and than this keeps me from checking it again. I'll only check it 1-3 times only. I use to have to do everything in 2s or else I thought something bad was going to happen to me. I don't do it much anymore because I tell myself that it is all in my head. I hope this helps you knowing how draining this can be. If you try some of the cognitive theraphy, let me know if it works! Good luck!