Should I talk to someone about my odd tendencies?

[mollymay1]

Hi, I'm a 15 year old female. I have been noticing compulsive behavior in the way I do things for years now but recently it has been worse. In the beginning of freshman year I started learning sign language. By the end of the year I was quite good at it but I have a problem. I can't control the urge to spell words that I say or hear in sign language. For a few weeks I tried to control myself but the thought of not spelling some things made me nervous and I felt like I HAD to spell certain words. So I stopped trying to not spell things. Now I have noticed more things about myself that make me anxious. For example: when I see the numbers 3:33 on the clock I get very uncomfortable until I either turn off the clock or the numbers change to 3:34. Another thing that makes me anxious is uneven numbers. The volume on the radio or television cannot be an uneven number or I can't stand not to change it. Should I see a professional for these things? I've never been diagnosed with OCD but I found out yesterday that my mother was.

[Dee1956]

Hi there! Welcome! I think if it is bothering you, you should talk to someone.  They say it takes 21 days to create a habit so the longer you go the more it will become a habit and the more it will bother you.  I'm not a doctor or anything, just someone trying to help.  I have read about OCD have a family member with it.  From what I have read it has to do with control. Our lives feel out of control in one way or another so these become habits or coping skills to deal with our lives.
I think it is really cool that you know how to sign language.  I don't think there is anything wrong with it.  Many people talk with their hands, gesturing, waving.
I am sure others will be along soon to offer their help.  Hang in there!
Dee