Is this anxiety (or a form of it)?

[glitzyglow]

In the past few months, I have been paranoid that I've left stuff on/not locked doors/not unplugged items. But even when I do, I worry about it.

Examples:

-I have to mentally tell myself to remember that I locked my work door so I don't go check it again after getting to my car. Yet I will still worry that I didn't lock the door. I have turned my car around and went back to work to check that I locked the door (I always have so far).

-I was out-of-town this weekend and stayed with a friend. I turned off my hair straightener and unplugged it, but before we left for dinner I had the urge that I had to check again even though I KNEW I unplugged it, but I couldn't stop worrying until I checked it again.

-I turned around recently while on my way to work and went home because I was so worried that I left my curling iron on. Not only was it off, I had unplugged it.

-I feel super paranoid today that I didn't turn off the stove burner after using it this morning. I have always turned it off, but I'm so paranoid I didn't. Logically, I know I normally do, but I'm still sitting here worrying about it.

-I will turn off the lights at work, but then worry that I didn't even though I *just* did and I'll check again.

I never used to worry about this stuff. I mean, nothing happened to where I should be super paranoid, but I am constantly am. What is this? Just paranoid or something bigger?

[Deleted]

It sounds like a part of anxiety/ocd where you have checking behaviors. I've never experienced this at part of my anxiety but I know they ask me about these things when being evaluated. I could be nothing, but I don't think it hurts to go talk to someone and see!

[doglove]

It sounds like OCD (which I think can be coupled or caused by anxiety) to me. I have fought these kind of behaviors for most of my life, but know when I feel more anxious/stressed they are more prominent. Anything in particular that may be causing you stress/anxiety lately if you haven't typically worried about this stuff before?

[jigsy]

I think if it is affecting your daily life, it could be something that should be addressed. It's one thing to have a fleeting "did I do that" thought, but if you find yourself needing to check and double check, potentially causing you to be late because you have to turn around to re-check, things like that - you may want to talk to a dr.

[abcdefu]

I have had this issue and discussed it with my counselor. Before I left the house, I would have to check to see if I had my medical supplies with me. Even though I checked, I would have to check again. I would check my purse, my glove compartment, my pockets, everywhere multiple times because the consequences of not having it.

It's like you with your straightener, locking the door, turning around to check. If you aren't sure these things are done, the anxiety of the consequences (someone breaking into your home, your house burning down, etc.) will drive you crazy.

I have gotten better. I make a list of things I need to do and check it before I leave the home. It makes me less worried and anxious.

[glitzyglow]

Apr 1, 2016 15:22:54 GMT -5 abcdefu said:

It's like you with your straightener, locking the door, turning around to check. If you aren't sure these things are done, the anxiety of the consequences (someone breaking into your home, your house burning down, etc.) will drive you crazy.

This really nailed it the anxiety part. Yes, I worry because of the potential consequence of my [possible] error.

[Patsy Stone]

I do this all the time. For me, I think it's from being so distracted and in a hurry. My body goes on autopilot unplugging and turning things off. What I've found helpful is after I unplug my straightener I will say out loud 'I unplugged my straightener', for example. I've also thought about taking a picture of the empty outlet or the switch on off. Saying it out loud has worked really well so I haven't had to do that yet.

[abcdefu]

Apr 1, 2016 15:35:36 GMT -5 glitzyglow said:

Apr 1, 2016 15:22:54 GMT -5 abcdefu said:

It's like you with your straightener, locking the door, turning around to check. If you aren't sure these things are done, the anxiety of the consequences (someone breaking into your home, your house burning down, etc.) will drive you crazy.

This really nailed it the anxiety part. Yes, I worry because of the potential consequence of my [possible] error.

CBT really helped me with this. Is there something else going on where you feel like you aren't in control so you are overcompensating for things you can control?

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, but I do play one on tv. just kidding! I have been using CBT for almost 15 years. While it was not a quick fix, once I learned and was able to recognize certain behaviors, I found myself applying the tools to different aspects of life, which has helped me become a more positive person.

[Deleted]

abcdefu. If you wouldn't mind could you share more about CBT. I've been thinking of trying it as I feel like I've talked myself to death in regular therapy but don't really make huge changes

[abcdefu]

Apr 1, 2016 17:47:39 GMT -5 @pdx18 said:

abcdefu . If you wouldn't mind could you share more about CBT. I've been thinking of trying it as I feel like I've talked myself to death in regular therapy but don't really make huge changes

I don't mind at all! CBT helps you recognize the differences between projections, irrational and rational thoughts, and positive thinking.

I struggled with EDs as part of my SB, so a big part of my CBT was what I thought other people were thinking about me bc you know, I'm a mind reader (lol! I'm not). I was projecting my insecurities onto other people and thinking that people were thinking I was fat, slow, ugly, stupid etc. I had to work a lot on changing my thoughts. So instead of thinking someone was looking at me because I'm fat, I changed my thought to that person is looking at me because they could like my hair, or like my makeup, or surprise! They may have been looking at someone else.

If you want, I think I have some boiler plate worksheets from therapy. If I can find them, I wouldn't mind sharing.

Sorry for being so wordy. I hope it makes sense

[Deleted]

abcdefu that is super helpful! I spoke with doctor today and she is looking into finding me one

[Deleted]

Sorry you're feeling stressed glitzyglow.  I agree that it sounds more like OCD symptoms with anxiety rather than anxiety alone.  Like others have said, if it's effecting daily activities then it should absolutely be addressed.  You shouldn't have to deal with such stressful feelings.

[spedrunner]

Yes def.  anxiety. OCD.  All go hand in hand. 

Is is it causing your dress or distress?