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Avatar universal

I redo things because of bad thoughts. Anyone do this or heard of it?

I get bad thoughts in my head A LOT during the day. They usually come when I am doing something. Like putting on clothes, opening a door, hitting a button or typing on the computer to name a few. For instance that last sentence I started and erased 4 times cause of a bad thought. This effects me at work and makes things I do there take twice as long as it would anyone else. This occasionally makes me run late for work. These thoughts are bad things happening to me or someone I care about and if I don't redo them, then it's like the bad thing is going to happen that I thought. I have to rehit the button or whatever having a good thought to replace that bad thought I previously had to fix my thought. I know nothing bad will actually happen and that it's all in my head but I redo it anyway. I just retyped half of that about 5 times.

Sometimes I can forget about about it for an hour or more especially when I am hanging out with people. Somedays are better than others. Lately it has been more frequent though. I've tried tricking my thought process saying if I actually redo it, then the bad thing will happen. That only worked for a bit.

When I was a kid, I'd always have to turn my bicycle around and make sure I locked the door 3 or 4 times. That is hardly an issue anymore although I still check a few times everyonce in awhile.

I can control it when I around people for the most part. If I can get away with redoing something without them asking questions than I will. But if I think I will look nuts, I can refrain from redoing it. When I am drunk I still do it and when I am rolling around at night to get comfortable I still do it. So I can't even relax when I drink. If I remember correctly my OCD went away completely during high school. Does anyone else have this kind of OCD? I've tried medication which helped some, but made me feel like crap everyday so I quit taking it.
Best Answer
720609 tn?1328779596
Yep, I have this exact compulsion. Typical OCD stuff: you're not alone.

11 Responses
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6519114 tn?1382034049
same here! i might put my shirt on then take it back off and redo! i am 14 and i redo! i will work on it though! i used to think that some numbers were good like i would do things five or eight times. i think i redo daily! anyway, i sometims step out of a room and then go back then step in the room again.
Helpful - 1
1699033 tn?1514113133
Hi there....all I can say is you need to find a way to stop this behavior.  The more you give into it, the worse it is going to get until your day is filled up with repetitive behaviors.  Nothing bad will happen if you don't go back into the room.  That is what you need to realize.  When you get the urge to "redo" things...don't.  Say to yourself "NO, I AM NOT DOING THAT AGAIN!"  and keep on going.  You will see that nothing bad happens and that your repetition is not necessary.  It is your own brain messing with you and you need to take back the control.  Let me know how it goes for you.  Take care.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the exact same thing! Finally someone else who understands how frustrating this actually is.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am suffering from the same exact **** !!! OCD is Hell , and it is DEFINITELY Mentally & Physically Draining...No Lie !!! I am suffering right now from it just trying to finish this post...but I am seriously glad that You are all hear to help one another pull together !!! I often think of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as a superstition-type deal , doing rituals over , and over again to shake a bad feeling !!! I take meds for it...Lexapro , as well as meds for Manic-Depression (yeah...it's Bipolar Disorder now) Haha...and I am scheduled to see a therapist next month cause I hope to be able to face my fears naturally , and not w/ pills !!!  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same kind of OCD. When I read Sometimes I have to start reading from the beginning. It is hard for me to read a paragaraph without bad thoughts. I am going through it every moment of my life. I cannot walk I fear some thing is going to poke me. I cannot sit, run or do any regular activity. I keep washing my hands as I am sacred that my ahnds are dirty.

I have started taking medication and waiting for my appointment to see a counsellor. You are not alone. There are many ppl like us, we need to overcome with medication and counselling.

Please see a doctor and a counsellor. Everything will work out

God Bless!!!
Helpful - 0
2099875 tn?1333425364
Yep i go through the exact same thing although can only sometimes think if over rationally as is is so bloody convincing! sometimes i just want to cry because i am so sick of having to repeat things and it can get physically and mentaly exhausting. but it is a relief to know that someone out there is going through the same thing. i have weeks/months where i feel pretty much in control and can get away with doing the small things, and then i have weeks (recently) where it just seems to be getting a hold on me and i hate it. it's kind of like a cancer of the mind its toxic and it just spreads throughout your life and causes you pain and distress. But there are some psychologists out there who are really good and can help you to overcome it. i went through that many since the age of 15 (am now 24) and it was only 2 years ago that i got put in contact with a genuis. But it's alot of work to overcome it and you won't unless you have complete and utter dedication and a strong mind and will. My will waxes and wanes just like my excercise regime lol but it is still important to keep going and not let it win.
best of luck, xx OCDC lol
Helpful - 0
720609 tn?1328779596
I have never successfully eliminated the compulsions. They get much worse during times of high stress. I do remember though that I have gotten away from them a couple times by quitting cold turkey. I felt very anxious for a couple hours, and then I'd realize they were pointless from a rational standpoint.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My mom mentioned a counseler. I would think it would be hard to fix it just by talking to someone, but I guess it's worth another shot. Last time I went to see a counseler we talked about my relationship issues, not my OCD. So I quit going.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Do you have anything that helps you?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Sounds like you are seeking that "just right" feeling that is so tell-tale of OCD. And it seems you realize the thoughts are illogical, which is also common. If it is really interfering with your daily activities you should seek out a counselor or a doctor. Maybe a different medicine could help.
Helpful - 0
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