I'm not here to tell you what to think or do, but to give you as much honest, accurate information as possible. If I don't know an answer to a specific question, I'll research it before replying. I won't sugarcoat things; my job is to tell it like it is.
I've got a particular interest in sexual health and sexuality. I know a lot about fertility and pregnancy - and firsthand now, as I've just had twins. I'm also an accredited sexual health worker.
Gender: Female
Occupation: Counsellor, writer, mother of twins.
Age: 31
Member Since: August 9, 2004
Answers: 1493
Last Update: November 5, 2009
Visitors: 172839
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16/f
'Symptoms of stress include, feeling anxious, feeling scared, irritable or moody. Stress affects thoughts. Thoughts of low self-esteem, fear of failure, inability to concentrate, worrying about the future, preoccupation with thoughts/tasks and forgetfulness can be present. Stress affects behavior.'
that pretty much describes how i have been feelin lately. im around 6 months pregnant, and i feel like im in a deep depression.
i feel like no one likes me anymore. i feel very socially awkward in situations that id never feel that way in normally. i feel worried about every single thing people might think about me. i feel like im always on the verge of a panic attack (which ive had one and totally scared of it happenin again).
before, this was never me. i was very out goin, easy to get along with, always the one to calm down others, always laughin and havin a good time. now i feel like no matter where i go im out of place. even chillin with my girl-friends who ive been friends with for 4 years now.
especially when i try to talk to guys, its like i forgot how to talk to them ! its so weird, because i can usually flirt and get along great with guys, but now i cant even talk to them because i feel like theres no point :/
someone please give me some tips or ways to cope with this, i feel like im goin crazy. thanks (link)
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That little blurb you've got about stress? All if those things are symptomatic of pregnancy as well.
Your body is going through huge changes, even if your bump isn't that big. Your baby is taking vitamins and nutrients from your system. You are flooded with hormones that can really mess with your emotions.
As far as your friends go, I'm not sure if anyone else is pregnant, but if not - you are going through something they can't understand. This can create a distance between even the best friends - you've got a lot more to worry about than they do. Try talking to them about this. You are in a constant state of flux, and the changes will only continue once the baby is born. Eventually, though, things will settle down and you'll start to feel like yourself again.
As for the boys, you may be feeling a bit weird about being pregnant and flirting. That's normal. And I hate to say it, but that baby is your priority now. Once they arrive, you'll have even less opportunity to date. But trust me- when your baby smiles at you it'll all be worth it.
You're pregnant. You are allowed to be emotional, insecure, worried, distracted. You're supposed to be. But don't let those feelings get in the way of enjoying your baby already - talk to it, sing to it, rub your tummy. There are lots of good things about pregnancy and motherhood, even though there is no denying your life is different forever.
I wish you the best.
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okay so the last time i had sex was in february. Its now coming to the end of april. Ive missed my period since january or february won or the other dont remember but i think it was february. I havent had it since. Could i be preganent or is it the stressn about it thats making me miss my periods =/ has ne one else been through this? (link)
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If you had sex in February and possibly haven't had a period since, there is a fair chance you could be pregnant. You can buy an accurate, affordable home pregnancy test at any chemist - or possibly get tested for free at a local sexual health clinic.
It is better to find out sooner rather than later. The ealier in your pregnancy you are, the more options you have. If you decide to end the pregnancy, it will be easier on your body to do it sooner rather than later. If you decide to keep the baby, you will need to see a doctor to get detailed medical advice about how to have a healthy pregnancy.
The other option is that your cycles have gone a bit wacky for some reason. The easiest thing to do is rule out pregnancy, and then go see your doctor. Don't put off testing for this, no matter how scary it may seem.
I wish you the best.
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Can someone help me to find steps to help my son who has been housbound for 2 yrs. he is 22 but every doctor says he has to come in. where can i find help or at least steps to help him. he is so desperate. He wants to go out but after being out for 5-10 minutes has to go back and it has to be at night or early morning when no one is there. please someone help. (link)
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If your son cannot leave and stay out of the house without extreme anxiety, he may need help from a mental health professional. There are therapists who specialize in working with people who cannot leave the house. They are used to doing home visits.
If your doctor refuses to provide this service, ask her/him for a referral to a professional who CAN do a home visit. This needs to be someone qualified to assess your son's emotional and physical health. If needed, he may be able to access specialist support.
This isn't just as simple as mind over matter if it's a mental health problem. A structured programme and expert support may be needed to help him have the life he would like.
I wish you both the best.
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i think i may be bipolar. im happy one minute, sad the next, ticked off the next, and then fine the next minute. i saw this commercial, where u can get a packet online, and it will teach you how to treat it and everything. now, should i get that packet, and do whatever it says, or should i get professional help from a doctor?
thanks
-shelby 13/f (link)
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Bipolar disorder does have ups and downs. However, these are usually stretched over weeks or months. So someone would, for example, feel extremely depressed for six months before feeling incredibly manic for another six months.
What you are describing sounds more like something hormonal. You are of an age where your body is producing higher levels of hormones, and this can mess with your emotional state.
Ways to help deal with this are talking with friends, writing in a journal, painting, etc.
However, if you are feeling like you can't cope with it, I would suggest speaking to your doctor. He/she could then recommend if you needed more specialist help.
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I'm a junior in college and i'ts been a month now that I've been attending classes in my major.
I had a hard time picking my major because I was undecided between 2 majors (accounting and business) .
The problem is that when I come home and start to open the material we took in class that day, my mind keeps thinking " What if the other major is better?" " What if this major is really not for me?" "Should I switch to the other major (business administration) ? "
The thing is I don't know how to get rid of these nagging thoughts. Do you think that's a sign of my mind alerting me that I shouldn'
t continue with this major (accounting)since I've begun having second thoughts about it ? What's making these thoughts even more annoying is that I thought this major(accounting) would be easy, but now I see that it's getting difficult and dull somewhat because it's mainly all numbers.
Another problem is that the mid-term exams are only 2 weeks away .
I know that if I switch to the business admnistration department, these thoughts will go away because it WON'T be an option for me to switch back to accounting.
So, my question is :
1. How do I get rid of these nagging thoughts about staying in the accounting department?
2. Should I listen to these nagging thoughts, because they reflect my concerncs and switch to the other major?
(link)
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There are two real possibilities here. One is what you appear to fear: you are having these thoughts because you have made the wrong decision.
The other option is that you would have had this reaction either way. There is a whole school of philosophical/psychological thought about this. Essentially, life is all about making choices. Every choice you make excludes some other possibility.
So whatever major you choose, you are excluding (for now) the possibility of getting a degree in the major you have not chosen. It's pretty natural for this to cause a lot of anxiety.
It might be helpful to consider why you picked Accounting in the first place. Are the reasons still true and valid? Do they make sense for you in terms of what you enjoy and your longterm goals? What, exactly, are the benefits in choosing Accounting? The negatives?
This sort of thinking might remind you that you've made the right choice, and this is just some anxiety stemming from that. Alternatively, these questions might alert you to the fact that you may have made the wrong decision.
Is there an academic adviser you could speak to? Or perhaps people who are in their senior year in each major, who can let you know firsthand what the majors are like? Finally, what sort of career would you like, and does your major support you in achieving it?
Untangling these options can be scary and frustrating, and I wish you the best.
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14/male
Im not sure why, but I am in this odd time where I feel like i dont care about anything. My great grandmother may be dying soon, and I may be close to losing my girlfriend, but the weird thing is, I have not been stressed. Normally I would be. I love them so much, I should be stressing but im not. This has been going on since school let out, when my best friends were fighting. Is this some awkward teen stage or something, or a result of stress? (link)
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You may be used to stress showing itself in other ways - problems sleeping, concentrating, short temper, etc. However, it is a strong reaction to go from a person who cares about things to someone who suddenly does not.
You have a couple of losses that could be coming up - the death of someone you love, and the possibility of losing your girlfriend. A coping mechanism for some people, perhaps yourself included, is to 'stop caring.' This doesn't mean that you don't logically still love people and care about life, but that emotionally you may be close to being overloaded.
Basically, it's a way to protect yourself.
I don't think it's something that will last forever. I would encourage you to find some way of getting these difficult emotions out. As school has ended, and your best friends are fighting - do you have other friends you could spend some time with? People you can talk to? Activities that can get your body moving and your mind focused?
It's okay that you feel you don't care. It's a normal reaction to a stressful situation. You're still a caring guy who loves these two women, even if you temporarily feel differently.
I wish you the best.
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What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist? (link)
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A psychiatrist can prescribe medication. They are medically trained, with special psychiatric training on top of it. Psychiatrists are there to look at illness, symptoms, and ways to alleviate the problem medically.
Psychologists come in many flavours. Some work exclusively in research, while some provide counselling. A Counselling Psychologist would talk with an individual - sometimes called 'talking therapy.'
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Well my mom is 37 she was married twice and had a boyfriend. But all of a sudden she likes this girl. The girl is gay and my mom i dont know if my mom is becoming gay. But i dont like the girl shes with and i dont trust her. I know shes a perve and she wants my mom in ways you should know... She is taking my mom away from me and my mom doesn't really seem that happy. What should i do??? (link)
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Did you feel this way when your mom starting dating men? If so, this might be your reaction to her spending time with anyone else - and it's a perfectly normal and appropriate way to feel.
If you didn't mind her dating men, then your feelings cold be more about the 'gay thing.' I would encourage you to explore how you feel about gay people in general, and then how you feel about the possibility of your mother being a lesbian or bisexual.
It can be a hard thing to adjust to, but it will not change how she feels about you. Nor will it change who she is as a person.
Your mom might seem unhappy because she is unsure how you or other people will react to her dating a female. Coming out, or realising you are gay, is an extraordinarily difficult and confusing time. Rarely does someone express a huge amount of happiness during this time - they may feel relieved and happy to be living in a genuine way, but it doesn't erase the stress of having to tell other people. Particularly if they have been living as straight for a long time.
Having a conversation with your mom might be a really good idea. You can share your feelings with her, and also ask questions about anything you don't understand. If she knows how you feel, perhaps she will be willing to spend more one-to-one time with you.
I wish you the best.
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i am very addicted to pop and i drink around 3-4 cans a day should i quit? or cut back on the pop or what? (link)
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I guess you need to consider the pros and cons of drinking that much pop. What are the reasons you drink it? What possible positive things does it offer you? What are some possible problems from drinking that much pop?
You have several options if you want to cut back on the pop. You can give up one or two cans a day, cut it out totally, switch to a different drink, etc. A major thing to consider is sugar content - if that's a reason you want to cut back, be sure to check out how much sugar is in your new juice/whatever.
Caffiene is also a good reason to cut back on pop, so be aware that drinks like coffee or tea also have it.
Waters, some juices, smoothies - all are excellent alternatives. But if your pop consumption isn't causing you any major problems or you are happy the way you are, you may want to still drink some.
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Well i didn't really brush my teeth when i was younger and now my teeth are hurting very bad.. I didn't lose any teeth. Is it possible to lose all my teeth at this age? I am going to start brushin my teeth 4 times a day now for 2 minutes? will i still lose my teeth at a young age?? (link)
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A dentist is the best person to ask this question to. Why? Because they can inform you of exactly what is wrong, and right, with your teeth. And then they can tell you how to improve the situation.
For the healthiest mouth possible, you should be having check-ups regularly every six months. Your dentist will be able to check for cavities (and fix them), discuss any pain or sensitivity with you, etc.
Brushing your teeth too much can actually hurt your gums and not be the best thing for your teeth. Brushing twice a day, and flossing, are the recommended route to healthy teeth and gums.
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I know everyone has crazy thoughts... but mine are a bit strange. Like "overly crazy" and need the appropriate attention and medication
So here's the deal:
Ever since I was a little girl (I'm 13/f now), I would come up with these weird thoughts that if I did something that looked cool and I wanted to do it again, it wouldn't look cool if I did it again. I don't think that way anymore. But now I think even worse thoughts. As years grew by this thinking has become worse.
Sometimes when I'm up high on like a deck over a hotel looking at the view, I feel like I'm going to lose control and jump off. But then it got even worse. And this is what really scares me. I sleepwalk, so I feel like I'm going to harm someone in my sleep... and it really disturbs me. My brother annoys me a lot and sometimes the rest of my family does to, (because I'm on the computer all day could be why I'm so annoyed because it puts you in a bad mood. But I never used to be I don't think.) and I feel like once I'm older that I'm going to be one of those people with a mental illness that's going to kill somebody because of it.
Also, I think I have O.C.D. (Obsessive Compulsize Disorder) because when I'm on the neopets boards I'll keep looking up to make sure I'm on the right topic, or it's the right username etc. etc. I'm not sure if I'm just anxious or what!
I may also have A.D.D.
So those things may be connected.
I am also going through a minor depression that is becoming more mild, less and less ever since I talked about it with my mom... which is good but may have something to do with it.
Does any of what I've described seem like a disease/illness? Could you send me a link or something or explain what type of mental problem this could be? I'm scared to know the truth... but the later I find out, the worse.
THANK YOU for your time, and thank you for reading this because it was so long.
(link)
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All of this sounds normal. Every single healthy person on the planet has slight obsessional tendencies - we've all got our quirks, habits, and freaky little things. And it's okay.
What ISN'T okay is when you are so worried about your mental health that it starts to have an effect on your life. If you are this concerned, an option for you might be to speak to a counsellor. She/he will be able to listen to your objectively and supportively, and this may make you feel better.
Generally, healthy people do go through periods where they worry they are crazy - or could become crazy. This is actually a sign of health. If you were truly in the throes of illness, you probably wouldn't recognise it or want to change your behaviours.
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how does one get out of an existential crisis? (link)
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It could be argued that all of life was one giant existential crisis. In fact, many philosophers and psychotherapists would say that an existential awareness can actually really motivate people.
That doesn't help with the angst they cause, however. Try to express your feelings in some way - a diary, painting, music. Alternatively, move your body around - dance, running, gardening.
If you are deeply bothered and this crisis is having an effect on your daily life or mental health, you could also consider counselling as a great place to explore your worries, fears, or anxieties.
I wish you the best.
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This is sort of in continuation of my other question.
I have had issues with abandonment, trust, and paranoia in my relationships for a long time. In turn I act in irrational and decietful ways, setting booby traps to try and catch anything dishonest or unfaithful about them. I always seem to look for the bad in people when I don't mean too. These are my desperate attempts to try and keep people around, but in turn it just makes people run from me. I am trying to change because I don't want to be this way anymore.
Anyway my question is how do I show my x-gf substantial evidence that I have changed? How do I prove it to her? She refuses to date me in fear of getting hurt again. No matter how much I apologize and promise to not do it again, she still closes her heart to me. I take responsibility for that.
So, yeah how do I show her my progress? How I show her that I trust her? and have changed? Do you have any ideas?
Thank you.
Emily. (link)
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If you have been deeply hurt in the past, particularly if this was by people who were responsible for you (such as parents, etc), it only makes sense you would react this way. I don't think you need to judge yourself so harshly.
If you were taught that love is something you can't trust, that people will leave you, that people who say they love you will hurt you - of course you would try to test any people that come into your life.
The thing is, when we're kids we develop great coping skills to allow us to survive. Yours might have been being really aware of anything in other people that might hurt you. This might have been a way to keep yourself safe. But many times, the way we cope as children becomes unhelpful as we get older - and sometimes destructive.
It's difficult to break patterns. And if your actions have caused problems with your ex, it is understandable she might feel wary of entering into a relationship with you.
The thing is, we can't force other people to take us back, to understand why we act like we do, to change their minds. After all, other people come with their own patterns and histories. If you have twice hurt this person, and sincerely apologised, there isn't much more you CAN do. (I'm sorry to say.)
Trust is difficult for most people, and perhaps your ex just doesn't want to open herself to a perceived risk again. If she's unwilling, she's unwilling - you can't make her able to open up again, no matter how sincere you know you are.
It might be helpful to work on yourself, whether that means trying to sort out your emotions/behaviour, grieve for the loss of this relationship, or just open yourself to the possibility that you might be better suited to someone else.
Endings are so hard, particularly when you don't want an ending. Right now, all you can do is give your ex time and space - and realise that this is their choice to make.
I wish you the best.
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Hello my name is Emily and I am 22 from Canada. I found your culumn and felt that you were a good person to ask this too.
I have been a sufferer of mental illness for most of my life. I have Borderline Personality Disorder. Lately my paranoia and impulsivity have been ruining my life. All aspects of it. My significant other is deciding whether he wants to stay with me or not because I have hurt him twice due to my extreme paranoia and distrust issues. I was abused when I was young and I have been abandoned, so I have lots of past demons there. Ok onto my question do you have any suggestions how I can relieve or prevent my paranoia from getting in the way of my life as much? Are there any coping skills or techniques that you know of that could help me in times of major worry and/or absent mindedness? I want to be able to trust and prevent these symptoms from further destroying all aspects of my life.
I am on medication which can only help so much. I write in a diary. I am in occasional counseling still waiting for the psychiatrist.
Anything else you can maybe recommend?
Thanks you so much!
Emily (link)
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You're right - medication can only help so much. In fact, most things you try will only help 'so much'...it's unlikely you will find one way that fits your needs so perfectly that you don't need anything else.
In order to try to heal on a deep level, I would suggest regular, long-term counselling (in addition to your medication, not in place of). This means seeing a qualified counsellor (not a social worker, etc) every week for an hour. This could be quite challenging to anyone, particularly if you have issues around trust. Long-term counselling allows you to have a chance to experience a different way of being - no abuse, no abandonment, no judgement. It also allows you to experiene building a healthy relationship, openly discussing your fears, paranoia, and impulsivity with another person.
A psychiatrist will likely be more focused on your illnesses (and therefore medication), while a counsellor is interested in who you are - not what labels you wear.
A diary is also a great thing. Perhaps you could also try other creative therapies - a visual journal (using crayons, collage, painting), painting, gardening, music, etc. Alternative therapies also help some people, as does spirituality. It's really about finding a combination of things suitable for you and your needs.
In terms of immediate things you can do when in a situation that triggers behaviours you don't want to do, it can be more tricky. Something you may want to look into is called 'grounding techniques.' These can be as simple as carrying something small in your pocket to squeeze or help you focus, specific movements a counsellor might be able to teach you (sorry, hard to explain online), tapping parts of your body, etc.
One thing you can do to help ground yourself more in reality is by listing five things you can see, five things you can hear, and five things you can feel. Then do four, three, two, one. This is an excellent way to help ground yourself when you are feeling out of control or uncontainable.
Please let me know if you need any more advice. I wish you the best.
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For those who ever went to anger management or a counciling place of any sort, do they come with those hammer shaped balloon thingies so you can whack whoever you brought with you (like on tv)? (link)
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Probably not. A lot of counselling is just about sitting in a room with your counsellor and talking about whatever it is that is bothering you. It's a great space to vent, to explore yourself, and to be able to fully be yourself with no fear of judgement.
Some counsellors may have sandtrays, paper and crayons/markers/etc, or use other things to help the counselling along. When you first meet with your counsellor, you can ask her/him what techniques they like to use.
It's a pretty old school idea to beat things up in therapy, but not beyond the realm of possible. Just very, very unlikely.
Still, YOU are the boss of counselling. You can bring in whatever would help you - like a photo, toy, etc and then use it to help you speak about how you feel.
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I have a tough life and I sometimes create a better life for myself. I use people I care about or others, and I use them to comfort me. Does that make me crazy because I think about them? I make stories or illusions with them. Do i belong in a mental institute? (link)
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Nope. This is a coping mechanism, which is fancy talk for 'making yourself feel better.' It's actually a really useful skill to have.
Coping mechanisms are great to help you out in the short term. You may want to consider what will help you out in the long term, though.
If you feel you aren't getting enough real life comfort, maybe you can begin to think of ways to allow yourself to get support from other people. Do you let people know when you are upset? Have a good friend you can talk to? A journal you can rant in to your heart's content?
I wish you the very best.
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when i was 9 or 10 my brother molested me. the molestation went so far i would even call it rape. while it was going on i told him no i didnt want to but he made me think i was wrong for not wanting to. afterwards he tried to have these sex talks with me about how to do sexual acts and what happens when guys get excited, i finally told him i didn;t want to talk about this with him. it took alot of courage but i hated it, i hated him. he told me if i told anybody he would tell them that i touched him, and that nobody would believe me. i felt disgusting, and i thought [still think] people will think i am disgusting for letting that happen to me.
now im 15 and it still horrifies me. i have never told anybody because im afraid they will think i am gross. i can never tell my parents, NEVER, because they will not believe me. He hides it so well and soemtiems i even wonder if he remembers doing it. once i braught it up, he acted like he didnt know what i was talking about and i sut up quickly, i didnt want to talk about it. I know it happened... but there is nothing i can do
now it is a huge problem b/c i have been dating this great guy for 3 months and i won't let him touch me. at first i just told him i was prude but when he puts his arms around me i freak, and once i decided to just ignore it and make out with him as uncomfortable as i was, he hand started to go up my shirt and i ran out of the room and started to cry hysterically. this shouldnt still be happening, but it is affecting me now more than ever.
i need this to go away
please help me forget about this and overcome my fear of somebody touching me. my bf is going to dump me if i keep doing this, he doesnt know why, im never going to tell him.
please help im desperate (link)
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This is not your fault. You were a child, and an older person manipulated and abused you. Sexual abuse is really, really toxic stuff - if you truly want to work through it, you will most likely only be able to do that with a professional.
This means seeing a counsellor - your school might be able to recommend one, your community might have a charity that offers counselling to teenagers, or you can ask your doctor. A common effect of sexual abuse is the person (no matter how old they get) feeling dirty and somehow at fault. Even if they logically know it isn't true, their emotions can interfere in them forming successful and healthy relationships, or enjoying sex.
I'm not saying this to scare you, only to inject some reality into the situation. If you are nervous about entering counselling, you could start small - phone a free helpline for sexual abuse/rape (google will give you numbers), or correspond with a professional via email.
You may feel you are gross, but no one who hears your story will think that. When I read your question, my first thought was what a horrible situation someone else had put you in - you said no, you were a child (and even if you had agreed to the sexual activities, you were too young to consent and it would NOT be your fault), and you have been abused.
I send warmest feelings to you, reassurance that at least one person you've told thinks you are SO BRAVE for sharing your story, and very deep hopes that you will speak to a professional about this.
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Earlier today my dad was yelling at me because I forgot to mention my depression at the Doctor's when I was going there mainly for my ear infection. He yelled at me, and I started to cry because I felt horrible, and then he yelled at me saying that I am just a big cry baby and I am always crying over something stupid! But I can't help it.. I seriously can't. If someone yells at me, or scolds me I cry because I feel so guilty. But I don't want to easily cry anymore! I wanna feel stronger than that (since I am NOW 16!! And I should be acting like an adult) As my dad thinks, I really need to grow up!
But it's hard to not cry since I am sensitive and very emotional, and I am really depressed, so when I am in a sad or depressed state I cry over anything. Maybe it's normal for a teenager girl like me, but some times I feel I am just 'over-doing' it. How can I fix this?
Thanks. (link)
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I don't think there's anything wrong with crying. It's an honest response to how you are feeling, and it's not very supportive of your father to yell at you when you are feeling vulnerable.
If being an 'adult' means bottling up emotions and hiding your feelings, then I say DON'T grow up. I think it takes a lot of courage to experience life as you are - whether that's depressed, afraid, or any other emotion a person may feel.
If you would like to look at the reasons for your depression and frequent crying, counselling might be helpful. It will give you a safe, supportive space to let your feelings out, meaning you might feel more stablised and therefore less likely to cry all the time. Counselling might also give you an opportunity to experience crying in front of someone and only getting kindness in return, allowing you to think more carefully about your relationship with your father.
All in all, I think counselling's fabulous. Your doctor might be able to recommend a counsellor, or you might speak to your school to see if they offer counselling.
I wish you the best.
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Hi, I am a 14 year old boy and I'm pretty unsure about my sexuality. I think I'm gay because I have these urges to kiss my best friend, but the thing is when I see a hot girl pass by, I get turned on. So then does that mean I'm a bisexual? I'm really confused and depressed. (link)
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Sexuality is a hard thing to figure out. Whatever else you may think about the subject, know that it's normal to be confused - for many gay or bisexual people, it's not as easy as just 'knowing' instantly. After all, since people are small children, society presents an expectation that people will grow up to be straight. Who WOULDN'T be confused?
The best thing you can do is to just try to be gentle with yourself. You may only like guys, or you may like both. Either way, your happiness is what matters. Why not just allow yourself the time and space to think and feel your way through this?
Keep an open mind and see what happens. You may stumble or make a few wrong turns, but if you try to be true to how you're feeling, you'll eventually end up where you need to be.
I wish you the best.
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I'm not sure but I've been told I have OCD.
I know some things I do seem a bit odd but w/e. I'll give some examples so you can tell me what you think...
- My food cannot touch
- When I'm sitting down, people cannot touch my chair or table
- When I do my hair, it has to be perfect or I redo it
- My spelling has to be correct (caps)
- When I speak french, it has to be with a certain accent even though I'm not from the area where that accent is normal (compicated one)
- etc...
What do you think? What should I do about these things? (link)
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Every single person on the planet has little obsessions or compulsions. It's normal to have these.
These can include things like what you've written, and also many others.
The difference between these small obsessions/compulsions and diagnosed OCD is that OCD will usually have a severe impact on your life. You might not be able to make it to school on time - ever - because you need to carry out an extensive cleaning routine in the mornings, for example.
If what you've described is making it difficult ot impossible for you to carry on with your normal life, then head to a doctor. He/she will be able to refer you to a psychiatrist in your area who will be able to screen you for the disorder and diagnosis it. Treatment usually includes a mixture of prescription drugs and behavioural therapy.
Best of luck.
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