Have you ever locked your door, walked away and felt a sudden wave of panic? You ask yourself if you really locked it. You go back to check. It is locked. But the bad feeling stays. Did you actually lock it, or did you just imagine it?
Frequent worries may not be a memory problem, but a sign of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). We explain why this happens and how to find peace again.
What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
OCD is a health issue that causes unwanted thoughts. These thoughts cause fear and worry. So, people often check locks or wash their hands to feel better. But the fear always comes back.
How OCD Tricks Your Brain
When you lock the door, your brain might send a false alarm. It tells you that you are in danger. Your brain gets flooded with fear. Because you are so focused on the fear, your brain does not pay attention to the simple action of locking the door.
The memory never gets saved clearly. When you try to remember, the picture in your mind is fuzzy. You only feel the loud alarm of fear. This makes you doubt your own memory.
Why Checking Does Not Help
When doubt appears, checking may seem like the best solution. You check the lock and feel relieved for a moment.
However, repeated checking can make it harder to trust your memory. Research suggests that frequent checking may reduce confidence in memory, even when memory accuracy remains the same. Over time, this can strengthen the urge to check again whenever doubt appears.
Simple Steps to Help
There are small steps you can take to rebuild trust in your mind.
First, try to slow down. When you lock the door, say out loud, “I am locking the door right now.” Hearing your own voice helps your brain save the memory.
Second, try to wait before you check. If you feel the urge to check, wait for five minutes. Do something else. Often, the fear will fade away a little bit.
Find True Support at Saguaro Direct Care
Trying to fix this alone is very hard. You deserve a doctor who will truly listen to you. At Saguaro Direct Care, we work directly with you. We ensure that insurance regulations do not hasten your treatment.
Dr. Sumbal Akhter helps patients in Arizona with OCD, depression, and anxiety. We offer secure video visits from your home. Our clinic is here to help you overcome doubt and trust your mind again.
