Lived Experience Forum

[Ingri]

Hi everyone,

I'm in need of advice! I've always been the type of person to worry about things, be prepared for all situations and overthink everything. However, lately it's gotten worse. I'm constantly counting number plates and words in my head. I can't even watch a tv show or movie without counting, let alone have a conversation with someone. I'm constantly tense and cannot relax other than when I'm sleeping. If anyone has had similar symptoms or know what this could be? I've researched it and I personally think it's OCD but I don't know who to go to?

[NikNik]

Hi @Ingri

Welcome to the Forums 

It's great that you recognise that things might not be quite right and looking into it.

Just to clarify and get a bit more info so others can respond with helpful suggestions / advice, are you currently seeing any mental health professionals or have so in the past? 

You might find this discussion helpful - Suzanne shared some really helpful resources. 

Welcome again!

Nik

[utopia]

Hi @Ingri.
I don't know if your symptoms mean OCD. I guess only a qualified professional could answer that.
What I'd say though - is that when any behavior affects or makes big changes to our lives - that's generally a good indication that you may need some help with that issue.
Where to get help?
The best thing to do is go and see your gp. Describe what you have mentioned here & ask for a referral to a psychiatrist - who can then determine if there is a mental health condition or not.
Or you can ask your gp for a mental health care plan. She will ask a few questions and after that she can refer you under the governments medicare scheme, to see a psychologist.
I hope this helps.

[Akash75]

Hi there, its not only you who is going through the anxiety but millions of people out there are having similar encounters. Its just that some do come out and some just keep it to themselves. Lets break the barrier here. I'm diagnosed with Bipolar for the past 8 years and went through hell throughout the years. Only in early 2016, I came out to the world and was able to be myself. I would say that my new visiting psychiatrist was able to diagnose my issues and prescribe with 1 type of mood stabiliser and 1 type anti-depressant. After months taking both the medications prescribed, I was able to live my life happily and without any worries. Until recently in Feb 2017, the anxiety which would be best defined as social anxiety started to haunt me. I was not able to socialise and feel very uncomfortable being in crowd as though like someone out there is watching me or I might get see someone whom I do not want to see in my life forever. I went back to my psychiatrist and psychologist somewhere last week to open up this issue. I was given sleeping pills but told not to get addicted to it. Till today I'm still going through this phobia (anxiety) and my mood has gone down the drain.  I'm looking forward to gain my mood as well as to get rid of the anxiety which just grew like a mushroom. Hopefully, I would get some advice from some professionals who can help me with this.Thank you

Content/trigger warning

[utopia]

@Akash75. That's great that you got help from the anti depressants and the moid stabiliser. Although giving you a sleeping tablet for anxiety - bloody stupid. Just took me months to come off mine. My psychiatrist was happy for me to stay on them. My gp wasn't. Luckily I followed my gp's advice.
The MS' s and AD's will make a big difference. Now though, you may consider adding some therapy to your treatment plan - to help with the social anxiety.
Do you see a psychologist or counselor? Your gp can help you with this. Or your psychiatrist.
I'm glad you have had some good results with medication. And I hope you are able to get some relief from your anxiety soon.

[Former-Member]