OK, *sigh* Big breath.
I have had OCD, real OCD since I was at least 6 years old. I'm not a "washer" but I do have to do many daily things in a certain way, I do things over until it feels "right," I count, I tap, I worry... incessantly. Nearly every one with OCD also has generalized anxiety disorder and depression as well.
Case in point; today I had to leave the house and go to the pharmacy and the bank. A mundane task for most. A new level of anxiety and opportunity for OCD attacks for me. I had to find all my check I needed to deposit (I get anxiety attacks in banks, so I wait until have have a bunch of checks to go, I was depositing birthday checks from my birthday in January and FOUR paychecks.) I had to find one check I thought I lost, (minor anxiety attack there for about an hour and a half) found the check, then.... OMG, do the math. Then do it again. Then make sure everything is in the right place, check my math again. Then find the proper envelope, then fill out the forms.... you get the idea, only everything is done in perfect order. *SIGH*
Then I had to drive to the pharmacy (luckily, I knew where the prescription was) Hand it to the tech... then.... worry. "What if they don't fill it?" (There is no reason they wouldn't, but I worry.) "Why isn't my favorite pharmacist who gets me here today? OMG, is he sick? He wasn't looking well the last time I saw him. What if he's sick? He's such a nice guy, and his wife is a lovely lady, and he's got kids.. OMG, what if...." Finally, the prescriptions were filled, but usually I make them count the pills in front of me, but I didn't know the pharmacist today, so I was too scared to ask. I have to open the bags, to make sure they are the right meds and that the proper number of refills are there.
Then check out. (OMG. what if my credit cards gets declined? (No reason it would, what IF?) It goes through, but the amount looks, odd. No, its OK. They changed their receipt system. WHY do things have to change? It throws me off my game.
Then to the bank, dealing with...... numbers again, and worrying about my checks. What if she loses them? What if they don't get deposited (My G*d, she's making small talk while she does the math?) What if the don't go through? I make sure she puts them in the drawer and gives me an update and my balance and my receipts. I count my money twice. I find the right compartment in my purse for the receipts, no, doesn't feel right. I find an other compartment, OK. I look at my cash in my purse and I'm done. SWEET RELIEF! I'm ready for a nap... or a Xanax (which I make sure I NEVER have, because it would just be too easy to take them all the time. So, I always say no when my doctor suggests I take them.)
It not even noon yet. Would you like me to go through what it took to get me up, kids out the door, clean, dressed, made up, hair and out the door? I didn't think so.
Oddly, when I have to care for others, the damn shit nearly disappears. When I'm with patients, or when my kids are sick, or I'm in any way "working." The symptoms and anxiety are almost nil at work, I have to be strong and professional for my clients, so I am. However, in the days leading up to a new client, I am a basket case, until I meet her and it everything just clicks into place. Things just flow...
I don't understand it.