You’re a checker. It’s who you are. You love a good to-do list. Crossing items off of it almost gives you a thrill or a burst of energy.
But your checks don’t just stop there. You’re constantly checking anything and everything you possibly can.
Is your oven off? Check.
Did you unplug your hair straightener or curling iron? Check.
Did you lock the house? Check.
What about the garage door? Is it closed? Check.
There’s a book on the shelf that looks a little uneven. Does it need to be fixed? Check.
As soon as you think about something, it becomes an action item. It immediately gets added to your to-do list, and you almost feel a pressure inside of yourself urging you to cross it off.
Let’s learn more about OCD checking.
What Is OCD Checking?
Similar to other forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, there isn’t one specific cause of OCD checking. There are many believed causes and factors of OCD checking. There are some of the most commonly believed causes like:
- Anxiety
- Genetics
- Life experiences
- Need for control
- Perfectionism
- Personality
- Trauma
Signs and Symptoms of OCD Checking
The main sign and symptom of OCD checking is when an individual appears to be stuck in a behavior of repeatedly and repetitively checking something. They may also feel stuck in a need to constantly check something. These checks are forms of compulsions that can occur when anxiety is present due to any obsessions or unwanted thoughts.
Examples of OCD Checking
Many different types of checks can occur in someone’s day if they have checking OCD. These are some of the most common types of obsessions or intrusive thoughts:
- Questioning if they turned off appliances like the stove or oven
- Wondering if they locked their house, car door, or garage door
- Unsure if they turned the water off
When an individual with checking OCD has one of these intrusive thoughts, they may feel the need to check the appliance or lock to ensure that they did in fact lock or turn something off. Even after checking and confirming, they may have to repeat this several times to fully believe that it’s off or locked.
How to Overcome Checking
Although it may not feel like it right now, overcoming OCD checking is completely possible. You just need the right support and help! While there are certain lifestyle changes you can make on your own end to help reduce and better manage some of the signs and symptoms of checking OCD, there is no replacement for proper treatment. Working with a licensed and trained mental health professional can help you get to the root cause of your OCD and help you learn to better manage and overcome it. If you have OCD, you’re not alone. It’s actually a lot more common than you may think.
No matter what form of obsessive-compulsive disorder you have, help is available to you. Don’t delay in getting the proper support and treatment. We’re here to help you when you’re ready to receive it. Reach out to us today to set up a consultation to get started with OCD treatment.
This article really gets it! As an OCD sufferer, I relate so much to the checking behaviors. Glad it offers hope and ways to manage. It’s a huge relief.
This was a really helpful breakdown of checking behaviors. I especially appreciated the distinction between normal double-checking and compulsive rituals. The tip about introducing a deliberate ‘response delay’ is something I’m going to try implementing this week.
Thanks for the inspiration today, sending lots of positive energy your way!