Anxiety/Possible Depression. Any help please?

capaxinfiniti

Hey everyone


Lately I have starting to feel an overwhelming amount of stress and anxiety in my life. Not with weight loss and diet, but just in general. I have found myself on some nights not sleeping at all, and when I do manage to get some sleep it is never for a long time. Anxiety also comes from a lot of other things in my life as well (school, life, etc) and it has just taken over me that I am constantly on edge and stressed out.

I exercise, and while it does clear my head for maybe a couple of hours everything always ends up returning just as bad as how it was before exercising. I talked to my school advisor about how I constantly feel and she told me to see my counselor because she believes I might have an anxiety disorder. I made an appointment but that is two weeks away and I would really like some advice from you fellow MFPers. I feel like I have isolated myself from everything I've enjoyed in the past. Even yoga, my ultimate stress reliever and something I loved doing, I have abandoned because of my mood and anxiety.

Another reason I'm asking is because when I was put on my first prescription medication (non-mood related) it was the reason I gained so much weight, hair loss, and numerous other things and I would really prefer not being on another medication that will affect me trying to lose weight or cause me to gain any more weight or cause me distress. I would really like any advice on how you guys cope with such things or any natural stress relievers that you guys have done.



Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your responses. :flowerforyou:

LoreleiWalks

Hello! I can totally relate to what you are going through. I have generalized anxiety disorder plus mild clinical depression. I was on medication for this several times, but the side effects (including weight gain for me) were very bothersome. Plus I didn't want to become dependent on the meds forever. I think seeing your doctor is a great idea, but when you have to wait for that appointment it can be unbearable! Something that really helped me wasthe a book called "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross. The idea is to increase seratonin by exercising, eating a bit more protein, and trying vitamins and supplements. It was very practical information, and though I do not follow all of it, I did get a lot out if the book. I also find that deep breathing can be very beneficial (especially for sleep issues). I wish you the very best, and please feel free to add me as a friend or send a message my way anytime.

capaxinfiniti

Hello! I can totally relate to what you are going through. I have generalized anxiety disorder plus mild clinical depression. I was on medication for this several times, but the side effects (including weight gain for me) were very bothersome. Plus I didn't want to become dependent on the meds forever. I think seeing your doctor is a great idea, but when you have to wait for that appointment it can be unbearable! Something that really helped me wasthe a book called "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross. The idea is to increase seratonin by exercising, eating a bit more protein, and trying vitamins and supplements. It was very practical information, and though I do not follow all of it, I did get a lot out if the book. I also find that deep breathing can be very beneficial (especially for sleep issues). I wish you the very best, and please feel free to add me as a friend or send a message my way anytime.

Thanks, I just sent a sample of that book to my kindle to read a bit of it. I really don't want to be dependent on medications like that either, especially after I had to do a psychology product on mood and anxiety disorders and reading the side-effects of those medicines were awful.

BeautyFromPain

Hey everyone


Lately I have starting to feel an overwhelming amount of stress and anxiety in my life. Not with weight loss and diet, but just in general. I have found myself on some nights not sleeping at all, and when I do manage to get some sleep it is never for a long time. Anxiety also comes from a lot of other things in my life as well (school, life, etc) and it has just taken over me that I am constantly on edge and stressed out.

I exercise, and while it does clear my head for maybe a couple of hours everything always ends up returning just as bad as how it was before exercising. I talked to my school advisor about how I constantly feel and she told me to see my counselor because she believes I might have an anxiety disorder. I made an appointment but that is two weeks away and I would really like some advice from you fellow MFPers. I feel like I have isolated myself from everything I've enjoyed in the past. Even yoga, my ultimate stress reliever and something I loved doing, I have abandoned because of my mood and anxiety.

Another reason I'm asking is because when I was put on my first prescription medication (non-mood related) it was the reason I gained so much weight and I would really prefer not being on another medication that will affect me trying to lose weight or cause me to gain any more weight. I would really like any advice on how you guys cope with such things or any natural stress relievers that you guys have done.



Thanks everyone. I really appreciate your responses. :flowerforyou:

Hi hun.
I can totally relate, this must be a very hard time for you.
I used to have very bad clinical depression and anxiety and schizophrenia which I have lifted (mostly) with exercise....
I still have my bad days but they are now rare. There IS hope. Keep exercising, maybe try increasing the intensity and see if it helps at all, if not a counsellor could be your best bet.

Also, feel free to add me as a friend ... And try as hard as possible not to isolate yourself from EVERYONE i did and now i am (mostly) better i have hardly any friends left...

flimflamfloz

I can relate.

I would personally avoid the medication (unless it's the ultimate recourse) because if you do that you never fight what causes your anxiety in the first place and you are not solving any of the underlying problems, you're just getting rid of your anxiety artificially (with the drugs).

Same as someone who would go to liposuction every month and keep eating an insane amount of food: it would be a bit pointless.

My best tip here (and sorry if I cannot offer much) would be to call some friends (or perhaps meet new people) that enjoy doing the same activities as you. For example, find yourself a yoga buddy that can drag you out of bed, or even just go out and change your mind.

Don't let this "mood" get the best of you, I am sure there are so many people out there that would like to have you around (people that you have met already or people who are waiting for someone like you)!

hannahlbur

Hi, I understand how you feel as i am the same. I worry so much and get in a right state and can't sleep, have a constant churning in my stomach and it is really awful. I am on medication for depression and meds are different for everyone. I have tried a couple and the one I am now has not given me any side effects. It's a personal choice whether to try meds or not but I would say don't dismiss them straight away out of fear as I did that a while ago and wished I had tried it sooner.

Definitely go back to yoga as that is soo relaxing! I think you have to set yourself a small goal each week and work on that such as going back to yoga, going to bed earlier, spending more time on relaxtion, trying meditation, cutting down on a particular vice, whatever you think will help. Do this rather than thinking about everything in one go.

I find reading helps me to relax at night - I read in bed before sleep although some people say you shouldn't read in bed and you should only sleep in bed. Depends what works for you but I find it relaxing. Also reading something light and funny as well nothing too serious. I like girlie books or biographies of celebs, athletes.

Go to your Dr, try counselling, try different things and see what works for you. Everyone keeps telling me it gets better so we need to have faith that it does!!
I started counselling last summer and have found it really helpful and is helping me to change my ways

Good luck!

capaxinfiniti

I can relate.

I would personally avoid the medication (unless it's the ultimate recourse) because if you do that you never fight what causes your anxiety in the first place and you are not solving any of the underlying problems, you're just getting rid of your anxiety artificially (with the drugs).

Same as someone who would go to liposuction every month and keep eating an insane amount of food: it would be a bit pointless.

My best tip here (and sorry if I cannot offer much) would be to call some friends (or perhaps meet new people) that enjoy doing the same activities as you. For example, find yourself a yoga buddy that can drag you out of bed, or even just go out and change your mind.

Don't let this "mood" get the best of you, I am sure there are so many people out there that would like to have you around (people that you have met already or people who are waiting for someone like you)!

Thank you very much :flowerforyou:

chefkev

I resisted meds for years. All it did was let my depression get to where I wasn't functioning well.

I was self-destructing! And I finally had to hit bottom before something in me clicked and got some help.
My bottom wasn't as bad as it may sound, but I did some things I am not proud of.

The side effects of what I take now are very mild and I don't really notice them. I tried several meds before finding the one that worked for me.

I don't think there is a stigma with these drugs antmore, since every other person seems to be on them. We live in a world that our brains were never suppose to live in. I just look at them as a tool.

It took some time and being open and honest with a doctor, and it took several doctors to find one I really liked. In the end it was worth it.

Find the path that works for you, but don't give up! There are many paths, therapy, meds, self-help, etc.

capaxinfiniti

I resisted meds for years. All it did was let my depression get to where I wasn't functioning well.

I was self-destructing! And I finally had to hit bottom before something in me clicked and got some help.
My bottom wasn't as bad as it may sound, but I did some things I am not proud of.

The side effects of what I take now are very mild and I don't really notice them. I tried several meds before finding the one that worked for me.

I don't think there is a stigma with these drugs antmore, since every other person seems to be on them. We live in a world that our brains were never suppose to live in. I just look at them as a tool.

It took some time and being open and honest with a doctor, and it took several doctors to find one I really liked. In the end it was worth it.

Find the path that works for you, but don't give up! There are many paths, therapy, meds, self-help, etc.

Thank you I will just have to make sure I do a lot of research when it comes to those things.

dakitten2

I am a survivor of PTSD , childhood sexual abuse and trauma, agorophobia and panic attacks. If it wasnt for the meds I take, I probably would be dead. Not a pity party for me anymore. I went through 2 1/2 years of therapy with my psychologist and psychiatrist. I still see my psychiatrist for medication control but I have not needed to see my therapist since October 2011 (when I started MFP). I still have unresolved issues but I am now able to deal with them. I've been on and off anti-depressants all my life. I know now that it is something I will probably be on the rest of my life. And that's OK, my brain is not wired right, LOL. But i feel so good now and have healed a lot of relationships. I've been on several different meds, some worked, some didnt. Now I am on the right combination and I take them religiously as I dont want to go back to the person I was before.

capaxinfiniti

Thanks everyone for your responses so far. This has been something that I have been dealing with for many years, but I have always just shrugged it off thinking it was just hormones or something. But now that it has gotten worse I think that now is the time for me to talk to someone about it.

Elizabeth_M

I'm sorry, sometimes you just have to take the meds. Try every other recourse, it's true, but if all else fails, take medication. There is no need to suffer in silence (or maybe not so silent) because you want to be all-natural or medication-free. It only makes a martyr of yourself.

Make sure that you continue to do all of your stress-relieving exercises (mental and physical) - even if they aren't working as well. Deep-breathing, visualization, meditation, etc. It sometimes is an issue of mind over matter, but the mind can be very strong. Feel free to add me, I've had much experience with depression and moods, in myself and others.

Have a healthy journey!

MaximalLife

When melancholy invades my senses, I try to focus on my goals and why they are important.

What must I do today to bring me closer to my goals. Also, I identify my challenges and have a plan of attack.
Be a person of action - not reaction.

All Is Possible

capaxinfiniti

I'm sorry, sometimes you just have to take the meds. Try every other recourse, it's true, but if all else fails, take medication. There is no need to suffer in silence (or maybe not so silent) because you want to be all-natural or medication-free. It only makes a martyr of yourself.

Make sure that you continue to do all of your stress-relieving exercises (mental and physical) - even if they aren't working as well. Deep-breathing, visualization, meditation, etc. It sometimes is an issue of mind over matter, but the mind can be very strong. Feel free to add me, I've had much experience with depression and moods, in myself and others.

Have a healthy journey!

You're right. I should do what is best for me, and if medication is the best resource then I should do it to improve my quality of life.

resormar

I know that there are no simple ways to just wake up one morning and feel like you have everything under control. Please listen to a old man (42) you can only do what you can do and so when life is firing at you from all angles just remember that you are hand crafted by a master maker that doesn't make any mistakes. I so wish I could say that life gets easier it doesn't but life is so much more full when you let yourself just enjoy it. Sorry for the cheesy type answers but I know in my life I kinda live by a motto that at first glance seems not to helpful but I am telling you when I embraced it my life got a lot more manageable. The motto is : "It is what it is" It helps me remember that I only control so much of my life and that other and other things way out of my control do the rest. I know this isn't much help but know that you are not alone in your feelings.

Mark

jennajava

Hi. I have GAD. I recommend you see a doctor and not rely on a forum for help. It could be more serious than you think.

jennajava

Another reason I'm asking is because when I was put on my first prescription medication (non-mood related) it was the reason I gained so much weight, hair loss, and numerous other things and I would really prefer not being on another medication that will affect me trying to lose weight or cause me to gain any more weight or cause me distress. I would really like any advice on how you guys cope with such things or any natural stress relievers that you guys have done.

There are lots of different meds out there. Mine has caused none of these.

runesofthyme

I suffer from mild depression and bipolar 2 disorder (very recently diagnosed). Over the last several months I have been taking some spiritual classes and have found that the deep breathing and meditation really help. I have also taken some yoga classes and that helps as well. There are tons of DVDs for yoga and it's also a part of the Wii Fit if you have one.

Good Luck!

capaxinfiniti

Hi. I have GAD. I recommend you see a doctor and not rely on a forum for help. It could be more serious than you think.

I made an appointment to see one. But it's two weeks away.

DEW54

Hi there, Wow tough time huh. I understand , I have been there. I am not a doctor but I have had the same symptoms and signs. It is a lonely place. Hard to share with others in your circle because of the fear of their reaction. But you know, if they are real friends they will help and support you and that is what you need right now.
I am lucky. I have found a great doctor but it took me a year. I am now on medication, it maybe for the rest of my life but hey I am feeling happier and really starting to enjoy life and all I used to love doing. And I am starting to feel like me again. Here is a little about my journey and some other thoughts to ponder...

Here is how my doctor explained it to me. Depression is not your fault! It is a chemical inbalance in your brain. Like thyroid problems result in a hormone inbalance. Or like when your pancreas does not work effieciently anymore and you may need insullin. So tell me...would you take medication for any of these other issues? Of course. So there is no reason that you should rule that option out! It may not be what you need, but talk to your doctor! It is a process sometimes too find the right medication and slowly find the right dosage. (I went from very low, angry and sad all the time, to sort of unfeeling and flat with the first dosage level, then feeling a little more like myself but sleeping a lot and still finding it tough to motivate myself, that was the second level. I have increased just a little more now and Wow, what a good feeling to see the old me again.!!! I now have the motivation to exercise and start eating better which also improves that feeling of wellbeing. A win-win!

There was a famous sportscaster that said on TV one day when he shared about his depression, "Fight For Your Happiness!". I have never forgotten that. IT is a fight, but hey sweetie, it is worth it and ...YOU ARE WORTH IT!

There is one other thing my Doctor told me that I know is important. Sometimes there is something in your life that is contributing to that level of depression. "If you don't change it, you will have a harder time winning the battle". IT will be a harder struggle if you don't change what that is. I had to make some major changes in my life which were at first hard to do, and sometimes take awhile to decide. But with the help of my medication to balance my brain chemistry, I was able to think more clearly, and able to make the necessary choices for me.

Life is a gift. Fight for your happiness! You deserve it! Do what is necessary to make the life you want and keep digging til you find your old self down ther in the lowlands! Talking to someone, be it friend or counsellor or your doctor is always a big plus. Surround your self with a support system. You can do this! IT doesn't happen overnight, it is a journey - but the journey is towards a lighter happier you! What better destination!

Take care.

TimWilkinson101

I was told I suffered from depression and was put on citalopram. Cutting a long story short, I really suffered some nasty side effects as a result of those tablets which I should not have been put on. I was suffering stress as a result of a boss who was a bully, I wasnt depressed.

So depression and stress are not the same thing and if I were you, I would stay well away from medications and I would stay well away from someone who will possibly look to put a "label" on you. I've spoken to a few people who tell me they are ADD and such like because they've been told they are by someone and they just pack in trying to be "normal" and they just own their label. Its funny how there are so many people with ADD nowadays.

Anyways, I would strongly suggest that you look into the causes of your stress and deal with them. Are there things in your life that are getting to you? Do you have aspects of your life that you feel are out of control? Are you letting tasks or correspondence pile up ignored?

Take a look at CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Theory) for a possible underlying cause of your emotions and get yoruself back into yoga. Its all to easy to - especially this time of year - give in to the desire to hibernate until the sun comes back. You might even be suffering from SAD due to lack of sunlight at this time of year and we've just come out of the most stressful time of the year.

So, I would look at your life and figure out what is stressing you and deal with it. Its all too easy to let thigns build up, but you wil feel better for dealing with things. I'd then make a deliberate effort to get out the house and meet people and get some daylight. Exercise is a great stress releiver, as is a massage or going for a walk or listening to some nice music. You can also try hypnotism (my fiancee had amazing results from this).

And for those advocating medication, I was put on AD's 17 years ago. I came off them after 2 years and have since had doctors tell me I'm depressed at various times. I told them I wasnt and that I was suffering from a natural response to the things that life sometimes throws at you. For instance when my best friend (previous fiancee) died of leukaemia I was devastated. I was very, very down and I was prescribed meds and told I was depressed. I told the doctor that I wasn't depressed I was instead very upset by the loss I'd suffered and it was natural and good to feel those emotions. I told them I would not take thier pills. I didnt and I coped. I have never taken AD's since I learnt the side effects they can and do cause (I had memory loss, violent mood swings, lack of interest in sex, inability to orgasm and others). I've coped. Yes, life has been tough at times, but life is tough at times. Sometimes I get really fed up, but I know that feeling will pass and it does. We just do not know enough about ADs nor the interactions they can and do have with the chemicals in the brain. I'd rather be down and me than a chemical zombie.

However, each to their own. Some people with serious mental health problems do benefit from medication and are able to function in society which they otherwise would not be able to do. I dont think you sounds like you are suffering from serious mental health problems, but I cant tell much aside from what I gleaned from your posts.

Try at least to sort yourself out first and take medications as a very last resort, which is what they should be.

Hungry_Tuna

Oh dear I'm sorry to hear you're going through a rough time. I can relate in some ways, not so much the anxiety part, but in the depression area.

I would let one negative thought stem into another negative thought and feel worse about myself as the thoughts consumed me. I'd focus on the bad things about myself instead of the good and would cry a LOT. Even most recently, on New Year's Eve.

Think of the negative thoughts like ants in a picnic going after your happy fruit pie and goodies. There's always that first ant, leading the pack. When you get that first negative thought, immediately try to focus on a positive thing- squash that ant! When the next one comes along, sometimes soon after the first, squash it.

Changing your thought process takes some work, it's not easy by any means. I know for myself, I fake the positivity until I genuinely feel it. Sometimes, that's true here on MFP. I don't want to post negative thoughts/feelings on Facebook or anywhere online because when I'm feeling better, I may be reminded of it again later with comments from friends and I will relive that negative thought. Fake it till you make it. Trick your brain.

One thing I know is that when I'm exercising and eating right, I feel a sense of worth and happiness. I don't know exactly how to explain what I go through, but I hope this helps.

I do hope you overcome your anxiety and possible depression sometime soon. Love ya girl and we're all here for you if you need us. :flowerforyou:

jennajava

Hi. I have GAD. I recommend you see a doctor and not rely on a forum for help. It could be more serious than you think.

I made an appointment to see one. But it's two weeks away.

I am so sorry! Some things that help me destress in the meantime:

1. Coloring in a coloring book (no really, it works.)
2. Cleaning my house (though I'm told I shouldn't do this, because it's my way of fixating)
3. Zumba
4. Running
5. Staying busy

Please feel free to add me or message me if you ever need to talk. I totally understand how you're feeling.

capaxinfiniti

Hi. I have GAD. I recommend you see a doctor and not rely on a forum for help. It could be more serious than you think.

I made an appointment to see one. But it's two weeks away.

I am so sorry! Some things that help me destress in the meantime:

1. Coloring in a coloring book (no really, it works.)
2. Cleaning my house (though I'm told I shouldn't do this, because it's my way of fixating)
3. Zumba
4. Running
5. Staying busy

Please feel free to add me or message me if you ever need to talk. I totally understand how you're feeling.

Thanks for those. I may go out and get a coloring book today and try it out. :flowerforyou:

Captain_Tightpants

Hi, fellow anxiety sufferer here :-)

Exercise and Yoga practice can certainly help but anxiety disorders are a problem inside your brain, so there's only so much external stuff can do to help.

The thing that's helped me the most is vipassana meditation. There's a good introduction to it here:
http://www.meditationiseasy.com/mCorner/techniques/Vipassana.htm

You don't have to worry about all the Buddhist trappings, it's really a solid meditation technique that works completely seperate from any religious (or non religious) beliefs you might have. If you want a good book on it from a completely non-religious western point of view you could try: "wherever you go, there you are" by John Kabbat Zinn.

Sometimes (may times in fact) the anxiety disorder is an actual biological disorder. It can be a malfunction of a variety of brain chemical balances and is best helped with medication and cognitive behavioral therapy. A good psychiatrist (not a psychologist or therapist... they are different), will be able to help you to determine if your anxiety is external circumstances or an actual biological issue, and they'll be able to help you medicinally if you feel you need it.

Bentley2718

At the risk of sounding terribly mean, it's only two weeks, you've managed this long, it sounds like you can manage a little longer (if you can't, go to a hospital, now). Go talk to the counselor, they can discuss what is going on in your life, as well as the various options you have. If most of this is related to life stressors, then you have a lot of good options in terms of trying to reprioritize, refocus, etc.. In the mean time, keep trying to exercise and eat well, it really does help a lot of people. Also, if your anxiety gets really bad, sometimes talking a walk outside will help, assuming you have a reasonably nice place to do it.

So you know where I'm coming from, I have generalized anxiety disorder, and recurrent major depression (recurrent is probably something of a misnomer, since at my best, I'm lucky to be considered only marginally depressed). I know how much it can suck, but exercise and eating reasonably well help me (sugar is a terrible mood killer for me), and a lot of other people, so I'd encourage you to keep trying with those, and just hang in there for a couple more weeks.

chauser1022

I suffered from depression and anxiety in silence for years. Like many of the above posters I thought medication was a last resort. I tried everything...I mean everything. I finally realized that if I were diabetic I would see nothing wrong using insulin....depression and anxiety aren't a made up problem. They are a real medical problem as described above. Over that past several years I have been through several different medications and seem to have finally found the one that works for me. As I see it the side effects (if any) are minimal to the way that the depression and anxiety were controlling my life. I am not at all saying that the meds are a cure all. I still have my ups ands downs, I still take some good supplements, still do meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques. I also have found that I do need a good friend to talk to when I get really down. But I just worry about people thinking that meds are so bad for you. At least talk to your doctor about the options.

hellokathy

I've been dealing with these things all my life, though I never saw a doctor about it. For me, it comes and goes, but I haven't been feeling REALLY low for years. For me, what helped was finding the right friends and being honest about how I feel. If people react negatively towards you because of that...well, they weren't worth it in the first place. As someone else said, this is not your fault. Being honest about it and having friends that understand when you say "Listen, this is not a good day for me, so please, give me a break and maybe listen to me for a while!" really helps a great deal.

rosa7981

i feel whats helped me is a good support system. i have a great pal that is doing the weight loss with me and her motiviation has helped. you also have to help yourself, dont put yourself in stressful situations, its ok to back away and come back.

capaxinfiniti

At the risk of sounding terribly mean, it's only two weeks, you've managed this long, it sounds like you can manage a little longer (if you can't, go to a hospital, now). Go talk to the counselor, they can discuss what is going on in your life, as well as the various options you have. If most of this is related to life stressors, then you have a lot of good options in terms of trying to reprioritize, refocus, etc.. In the mean time, keep trying to exercise and eat well, it really does help a lot of people. Also, if your anxiety gets really bad, sometimes talking a walk outside will help, assuming you have a reasonably nice place to do it.

So you know where I'm coming from, I have generalized anxiety disorder, and recurrent major depression (recurrent is probably something of a misnomer, since at my best, I'm lucky to be considered only marginally depressed). I know how much it can suck, but exercise and eating reasonably well help me (sugar is a terrible mood killer for me), and a lot of other people, so I'd encourage you to keep trying with those, and just hang in there for a couple more weeks.

You weren't sounding mean at all. If it means I can have someone to talk to and who can offer me their advice and opinion, then it's worth the wait. I'm mostly worried about seeing someone who will just blow me off and just sign off some prescription or something if I was recommended to see a psychiatrist (I've had doctors who never wanted to hear what I had to say about my health and lifestyle factors and just dismissed me with a prescription note in my hand). I would rather not have that happen anymore.

mslack01

HI! Greetings from another North Carolinian...in fact, I'm not too far from you if you are in Greenville. I am in Rocky Mount.

I also like many of these other people can relate as I have always suffered with anxiety and depression. In the past, I have tried anti-depressants but I never found one that didn't have some weird side effect that was hard for me to deal with. This past year though, I started ovarian failure (or what some of us southerners like to call "the change" ) and that just made everything amplified like 10x more. So some of it could be hormonal or thyroid-related. Don't just assume that you have a mental illness. If you go to your doctor, ask them to do a panel and check your thyroid before you agree to go on an anti-depressant.

Secondly, because I was so depressed and I needed help but did not have good results with SSRI's. My doctor suggested that I try St. John's Wort. (I would not try this though without your doctor's advice because it can interact with other medications). St. John's Wort, along with my hormone therapy has been a life-saver for me. I am so much more upbeat and happy. Prior to this, I had to take something to sleep every night (like Xanax). I have not had to take a Xanax since I started. I do take melatonin (natural sleep aid) though, because I have always suffered from insomnia.

Another thing to think about though is could it be OCD? My 12 year old was diagnosed with OCD. OCD is not the clean-freak disease everyone thinks it is. OCD is when you have an overwhelming fear or you get a thought stuck in your head that you can not get rid of even though you know it isn't an irrational thought, and then feeling compelled to do some kind of ritual to try to alleviate the thought (which usually doesnt' work). You have to have both the obsession and the compulsion component for it to be OCD. Compulsions can be anything. Hers were mostly hand-washing and counting. If you need more info about this, feel free to message me and I will be glad to help you as much as I know.

Good luck!!!