Does anyone else get anxious about Ghosts?

[Guest AliceJ]

Okay,

This may sound crazy, but please hear me out. I am a sufferer OCD, my obsessions include counting and a need for symmetry. I also suffer intrusive thoughts. These are all well recognised (and I hate to phrase it like this but I have no other way) "normal" symptoms.

But ever since I can remember, I have had these things in my life called 'The ghosts'. They are figures who are always there and often if I don't follow a compulsion, the conclusion will be 'the ghosts will *insert terrifying thought here*. I don't see them, but I know they are there and where they stand in my room. I don't believe in spirits at all and I know the thoughts are illogical, but they have always been with me as long as I can remember.

I was just wondering if anyone else has these thoughts/feelings or anything similar?

They leave me terrified to get out of bed, and I haven't slept in the dark for years. I have to run up the stairs and get into bed and do things to a countdown or they will get me.

Could this be a symptom of my OCD (just one I've never heard of?) or is it more likely to be paranoia?

Thankyou.

[Purplepiper7]

Well I've never worried about ghosts I don't think, but I used to think that a monster would come out from under the bed, or the closet, and steal things if I didn't set up a mental security system. This would take most of the night, but I didn't care. I just "knew" it would, even though it really wouldn't. :group:

Edited April 19, 2014 by Purplepiper7

[Guest AliceJ]

Yeah, I get that, the 'just knowing' thing. I should tell my therapist but...I don't know how to explain it without her thinking I'm making it up...

[Purplepiper7]

Hmmm, I'd say to tell her this:

They are figures who are always there and often if I don't follow a compulsion, the conclusion will be 'the ghosts will *insert terrifying thought here*. I don't see them, but I know they are there and where they stand in my room. I don't believe in spirits at all and I know the thoughts are illogical, but they have always been with me as long as I can remember.

And also this:

They leave me terrified to get out of bed, and I haven't slept in the dark for years. I have to run up the stairs and get into bed and do things to a countdown or they will get me.

Also, I'd suggest giving her an example. I don't see why she'd think you're making this up though, I don't think she will. Sending you a very warm welcome. :group:

[Guest OCDelighted]

**** me that sounds terrifying!

[Guest AliceJ]

Sending you a very warm welcome. :group:

Thankyou for the welcome, and for the reply. Yeah, I'll show her those and see what she says. I've just never talked about them with anyone, and it's kinda scary to say the words...But . I'm going to try next time we have a session.

[Purplepiper7]

Yeah talking about it for the first time is terrifying, I think she'll be aware of that. I'd advise you to write down what you're going to say though, that way if you get nervous and forget, you'll still be able to show her. Plus, if you just can't bring yourself to say your worries aloud, you'll still be able to tell her. Good luck with it all!

[Guest AliceJ]

Thankyou. That's a good plan. I'll see her in a few weeks, so I have time to write this down. Thankyou all for your help. :group: