Am I crazy or is OCD getting the better of me?

I have been diagnosed with OCD and Dysthymia for about 6 years, though I suspect that I had it for much longer than that. I have been married to a great woman going on 12 years now. We have 4 kids, 2 of them teenagers that we adopted (with all of the accompanying emotional issues, etc.) and 2 younger children.

I have been taking meds for the OCD and depression for about 5 years and have had generally good results. Except to say that when my depression and OCD do kick up, the OCD gets really bad and I find myself (much like the woman who said that her OCD husband told her that he wants a divorce) questioning my relationship with my wife and whether she is the one, is there anybody else out there, etc. This makes absolutely no sense as we have had a loving relationship for the 12 years that we have been married, neither of us have cheated or strayed in any way. Still, the thoughts persist and they create a lot of anxiety and, alas, more depression.

Is there anybody that has had a similar experience? I would love to know that I am not the only one.

Hey,


With my last girlfriend I had similar thoughts but I managed to dismiss them. I could do this because I knew that I would never actually cheat on her. I feel that it is a natural recation for a person to imagine being with partners other than their current one. So, if you can manage to do it just dismiss these thoughts when they arrive in your head.


Tell me: Where is the comfort? Where is the security? Where is the heart? - I'm sure that your answer will be: "With my wife". Let her know how much you love her and appreciate her presence. It works both ways.


Kevster

Kevster,

Thanks so much for that thoughtful response. It's nice to know that I am not the only one in the world that this has happened to. I read your questions at the bottom of your reply and I can honestly say that I can answer that 'my wife' is the answer to all of them.

I am in the same situation as you with your girlfriend. I know that I could never actually cheat on her, but when you have OCD and your wife happens to be the focus of those intrusive thoughts it seems so real.

I visited my doctor last week and he started me on a new medication (Zoloft) and I have started talk therapy with a Christian psychologist that I have had good success with in the past. I am still not 100% yet, but I hope to get there soon.

Again, your thoughtful and sincere reply is greatly appreciated.

Hey,

My girlfriend is actually an ex-girlfriend now but the point still stands . Anyway, I'm happy that you got something from my post and i'm glad that you are taking steps to get better yourself.


Good luck with it all my friend,
Kevster