Hi there! I'm Lauren. I am a 26 year old elementary school teacher who has been struggling with repetitive actions and thoughts. Like now for instance, I just got done washing my hands seven times. If I don't wash them seven times I don't feel like they are clean enough. I do this each time I use the restroom and whenever I dirty my hands. This can be anywhere from a few times a day to even a dozen or more.  My need for cleanliness also extends to my dishwashing. I have to wash and rinse a single dish 7 times as well. You don't even want to know about how I keep up with my other house duties!

These repetitive actions and thoughts have really been afflicting my life. A good portion of my day is spent doing the same thing over and over again. I can't help it though I feel like germs are everywhere and if I don't do each action a certain amount of times I will get sick and possibly even die. Do you know how many diseases are out there?! Anyway, I know I can't live this way forever so I've scheduled a therapy session. You're welcome to tag along. Just let me lock the door.

Did you see If I locked the door? I can't recall...let me go check. I'll be right back!

Lauren proceeds to go back and forth between her car and the house to check if she locked the front door. She does this 7 times before finally getting in her car and heading towards the therapist's office.

Good afternoon, Lauren I'm Dr. Gonzalez. How are you today?

Good afternoon Dr. Gonzalez. I feel bad for missing our initial session time. I'm thankful you could fit me in.

What kept you if you don't mind me asking?

I had to make sure my front door was locked before I left.

I'm not following here. Could you explain how locking your door caused you to reschedule?

Well, I had to check and make sure the door was locked seven times...it also wasn't just my front door. I had to tidy up around the house and go through my extensive routine as well.

I would like to hear more about your routine. What do you mean when you say extensive?

Well I find myself repeating some actions. For example, I have to wash my hands seven times. When I'm doing the dishes I have to wash and rinse each dish seven times as well.

It sounds like you are experiencing compulsions. What thoughts accompany these repetive behaviors?

That I don't want to get sick and die. If I don't check the door then someone will break in. Even If I checked the door already I still feel the need to go back because maybe I was mistaken and it is still unlocked.

How long have these thoughts and behaviors persisted and how do they affect your day?

They started about 8 months ago, right after I got out of a not-so-great relationship. My behavior affects me negativly ever single day. I'm late alot. I've even gotten in trouble at work because I've been late multiple times. Not to mention the anxiety I feel on the daily.

From what I'm gathering it seems like you're struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This disorder is accompanied by repetitive and persistant thoughts called obsessions as well as repetitive behaviors called compulsions.

Yes, that's exactly what I've been going through! Sometimes I feel uncomfortable in my own skin and environment. I feel so alone in my behavior.

It looks like you're dealing with alot. Feelings of loneliness can be tough but I want you to know you are not alone. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder can be prevalent in 1.5 - 3% of the world population. Those percentages may seem small but translate to anywhere from 97.5 million to 195 million people affected. People can have a variety of compulsive actions and obsessive thoughts. In fact, I'd like to show you a graph on OCD compulsions...