I can't stop

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I have horrible OCD, I can't stop counting everything. I have to count everything, and must do everything at least twice, sometimes more.

Also I am turning into a hypochondriac. For instance the lymph nodes under my jaw are swollen, it's probably from the cold I had or from the tooth infection, but I automatically assume it's cancer. I know in my head that i am being silly but because they have only been swollen for a little over a week. But this is not the first time. I get an innocuous symptom, then spend hours researching it. I can't keep going into the doctor for every little thing.

My insurance is very limited and will not pay for mental health coverage, what can be done about this. It's consuming my mind.

[sare765]

Hello, i deeply understand how you are feeling, i have to count and do thing three times even when its just looking at something nothing can be twice only once 3 times,5 or 7 if not anxiety rages and i become very aggitated...This sometimes comes from reasurance of thought you want to assure yourself you are secure so you do these things..i found what helps me is meditation,yoga even just taking a few momments and drinking some chamomile tea or having a little bit of wine at night... i know how you feel but just try not to worry and try your best just to relax..if this is extreme visit a physcologist they may help very well...
wish you the best,
Sarr.

[Ted A Grossbart, Ph.D.]

So you know you need help with the OCD, anxiety, and unrealistic medical concerns, how do you get it?  Doublecheck that your insurance has no mental health coverage.  With the new parity legislation that may not be true anymore.  Most teaching hospitals and other clinics that do training offer low fee/no fee treatment.  The students are typically advanced and well-supervised ( I supervise at a couple of them) so the treatment is solid. In this economy private practitioners are sometimes willing to make special financial arrangements for people who need treatment and have financial constraints.

Keep pushing, asking, and researching and you can probably come up with the help you need.

tg

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Also sometimes I have a hard time breathing, but when I stop thinking about breathing I am fine.