Do I need to get help because I think I have OCD

[Guest Lulu88]

Hi,

I am 17 years old and have suffered from anxiety for a long time and am constantly worried about just about everything and anything eg. someone breaking into my house, travelling abroad. Sometimes that this anxiety gets so much that I end up breaking down and has meant in the past that I have struggled to sleep and have got very upset at sixth form. As well as this I feel the need for things to be done in a particular way and get very upset when things are out of my normal routine.

I also have horrible thoughts about members of my family dying and the need to (usually just before I am about to go to sleep) make a detailed plan of what I would do in each situation. This is something that I struggle to avoid doing despite the fact that it really upsets me.

I haven't really talked to anyone about this before, however it has been suggested quite a while ago that I maybe should talk to the college counseller, but this just makes me more anxious! There is one teacher at college that I am very close to and feel that I can talk to, and I did go through a stage of having to walk past her classroom everyday in order to make me feel less worried about everything even though I wasn't actually speaking to her, I got very distressed if I didn't do this. I find it hard to talk to people because I find myself snappy and grumpy most of the time and I think that this is pulling me away from my friends.

I really don't know what to do and would appreciate any suggestions, thank you

[PolarBear]

I think you should talk to someone. Anxiety is terrible. It can be crippling and have a very negative affect on your life. It's difficult to deal with on your own, though some people are able to do that.

You're young. You shouldn't be saddled with anxiety. You should be out having fun and living life. All good reasons to talk to someone about your problem and see if some help is available.

[taurean]

Check the how we can help you tabs on the main OCD-Uk website. It will tell you how to get help here in the UK.

[dksea]

It can be scary to open up about anxieties and worries but the potential benefits and improvements that can come on your life by getting help are definitely worth the risk in my experience. I encourage you to follow Taureans advice and check out the resources for getting help, I think you'll be glad you did!