I am experiencing intrusive thoughts and it makes me awake. Suggest an effective way to combat it.

Question

I am only 14 years old, yet i have been experiencing rather bizarre thoughts for 2 years. Sometimes i would randomly think of something/questions and i cannot get it out of my head. I will always want to seek the answer to the question and it is very hard to ignore or suppress it. This affects my sleeping schedule as i will always be kept awake by the intrusive thoughts. Also, sometimes when i ask my friends questions and they do not answer, i will feel uneasy and anxious. I always get stuck on the past and am a very emotionally sensitive person. Additionally, i always second guess myself and sometimes would repeatedly check if something is done right. I am on no medication, and the only way im coping is by constantly occupying myself. May i ask what type of behaviour/disorder this is called because i cannot find results and i really want to find a more effective way to combat this

Answer 1

Hi,

After reading what you mentioned about your problems, it looks like you are suffering from a disorder called obsessive compulsive disorder. Obsessions are the repetitive, intrusive, unwanted , useless thoughts which are not in one's control and causing distress Compulsions are the repetitive motor acts to neutralize the distress caused by the obsessions. With you , it is like reassurance seeking, doubt whether you did right or wrong and checking it all are obsessions