Hey there! So, I was diagnosed with OCD a few years ago but I declined treatment for reasons (family issues made life too hectic and our med system is awful) but I've learnt a lot of ways of helping myself and keeping things under control. But I wanted to ask if it's possible to have Pure O and OCD at the same time, as when I'm in good control, my rituals become mental as opposed to physical like when I'm not. Sorry if this is dumb! Thank you -sevener
Hey there sweetpea!Just going to start this by telling you that this isn't dumb in the slightest! The extensive list of different types of OCD (most of them outlined here) can be overwhelming and confusing! Either way, I think you shouldn't diagnose yourself indefinitely with a certain type of OCD because most coping mechanisms for OCD are transferable to all types so it isn't /really/ necessary. I do get that it is enticing to know the exact condition you have so I do encourage you look into it- just try not to fixate on and conclude a more specific diagnoses. Being diagnosed with OCD as it is is enough for you to try and get better!Technically it isn't possible for you to have "both" because Pure O is a type of OCD which is based around intrusive thoughts. A person with Primarily Obsessional OCD has no or very very few compulsions (compulsions: washing hands, flicking a light-switch, stepping in even numbers- compulsions can be mental rather than physical too). So in the sense that your OCD is mainly obsession-centric with a few compulsions- then yes I suppose you can but I would probably just word it as 'having OCD' if you have compulsions, intrusive thoughts, and obsessions.Personally I think you should just read up on different types of OCD. I personally find it super interesting to read up on and although I'm not promoting self diagnosis, I think it can be helpful to look at the symptoms which apply to you just so you can have comfort in the idea that you're not alone in this. My intrusive thoughts used to really upset me but I read the NHS page and Wiki page (wiki especially was helpful) and it was just very comforting and it helped me to understand.I understand that your med system is a bit sucky but maybe you could take one shot at seeing a doctor, counselor (at your doctor surgery or at your place of education/work), and/or a therapist? You never know, you could be pleasantly surprised. If that's really off the table then maybe you could think about talking it out with a close friend, helpful family member, us :), web-counselor, and/or joining an OCD support group (online based or IRL). [Getting Help]I think that as well as reaching out, it could be good to apply some of our techniques from these pages:
Distractions
Alternatives
Grounding Techniques
Calming yourself down
Helplines
I hope you're well- I know it's hard to cope with but I think you've been doing awesome so far, especially with an evident lack of a support system so I think you could really fight off the obsessions/compulsions you get if you reach out :)You are getting along fantastically,Amy-Shona~<3