Checking by asking the same questions over and over

[Guest WorrierJo]

I'm having a problem at the moment where I feel compelled to ask the same question even though I've had an answer to it before, it's like if I don't ask I get anxious about it and can't stop thinking about it, does anyone else experience this and how do you deal with it? For example my boyfriend has decided to give up smoking and I keep asking him over and over if he really wants to and has he changed his mind....

[Symps07]

You may be ruminating, looking for an answer but never satisfied with the one's you get, or are not certain you believe the answer you have been given.

[Guest WorrierJo]

It's like I know the answer and it's not like I don't believe the answer, I think it is more the ruminating you mention.

[taurean]

Compulsive urges as part of rumination.

Set yourself gradually increasing time periods before you are allowed to ask - maybe tell boyfriend what you are doing and why and he can help and encourage you.

[Guest WorrierJo]

Okay thanks, I hadn't quite realised it was part of ocd till I looked it up, I've got Generalised anxiety disorder with ocd tendencies.

[PolarBear]

It's checking behavior with some reassurance seeking thrown in for good measure. What you do about it is stop doing it and live with the increased anxiety. Your anxiety level will go up (because you're not asking) but it will eventually come down all on its own.

[Guest WorrierJo]

I will try my best with that polar bear thanks

[Caramoole]

Many years ago I used to do this all the time.....tbh I hadn't really appreciated I did it until I realised how many times my Husband said "You've already asked me that three times"

I found it pretty easy to stop once I became aware of what I'd been doing

Caramoole

[Guest WorrierJo]

My boyfriend usually says "you know the answer to that" and yes I do but I still feel the need to ask again, just so glad he is so understanding, now I'm aware of what I'm doing I'll work on bit doing it anymore.