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Procrastination intensifies compulsion, every day is exhausting, and it's very painful. What should I do?

overchecking obsessive behavior repetitive actions information anxiety perfectionism
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Procrastination intensifies compulsion, every day is exhausting, and it's very painful. What should I do? By Anonymous | Published on December 18, 2024

Repeatedly checking doors and windows, verifying numbers and assignments, constantly reviewing information for exams, and even after submitting homework, I'm constantly worried about whether I've written my personal information correctly... Every time something happens, I really don't want to do it, because I know I'll keep looking over it again and again, like documents, each time I look at them, I click "save," do it several times, and even save several copies, never deleting them... It's really torturous. Sometimes, after catching a bug, I have to keep washing my hands, using hand sanitizer multiple times... Reading a book requires reading from start to finish, without skipping a word. While reading, I can't help but trace the strokes of each character in my mind several times, confirming they're correct before moving on to the next character, and I'll often return countless times to continue looking at that character. This way of doing things is very inefficient and truly painful. What should I do?

Camden Mitchell Camden Mitchell A total of 8357 people have been helped

Hello. It's clear from your description that you have compulsive behaviors, such as repeatedly checking doors and windows, washing your hands, reading books cover to cover, saving documents, and so on. These behaviors have affected your daily life and studies. Answer the following questions:

1. Tell me what you are thinking when you repeat these compulsive behaviors. For example, when you repeatedly review information for an exam, what are you thinking?

Tell me what you're worried about and what you want to confirm.

Tell me what you think when you realize you've spent a long time looking at information.

2. I want to know exactly how these compulsive behaviors affect you. I'm talking about things like exams, studies, and daily life.

3. I want to know how it affects the people around you and how they perceive you.

4. I need to know when this obsessive behavior started and how it developed. I also need to know how long it has been going on.

In general, compulsive behavior is used to relieve anxiety. Identify your anxieties and their origins. Get a professional psychological assessment at a local specialist hospital, psychiatric or psychological department. Consider psychological counseling. With the help of professionals, you can understand the meaning behind your compulsive behavior and undergo the necessary behavioral training to get rid of your suffering as soon as possible.

I am confident that you will succeed.

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Isabella Baker Isabella Baker A total of 1696 people have been helped

Hello! From reading your story, I can see that your compulsions have caused you a lot of trouble. It's so hard when we feel like we have to repeat certain things over and over, isn't it? It can cause procrastination, which in turn causes anxiety.

Let's start with your compulsions. You often have to check doors and windows, and even when you write, you have to mentally trace the strokes to make sure you don't make a mistake. So, what is the purpose of these rituals for you?

Often, washing compulsions are a result of a fear of dirt. So, you can ask yourself what would happen if you stopped washing.

I'd love to help you figure out what you're really washing away. Is it just the fear of getting your hands dirty, or is there something else?

I really think that if you figure this out, that constant hand-washing will naturally be resolved.

You have to read a book from beginning to end. It just makes you feel so complete, doesn't it?

It's totally okay if you don't read from beginning to end! You can ask yourself what it feels like when you don't.

I'd love to know what the feeling of completeness that comes from reading a book from beginning to end gives you. And I'd also love to know what you feel inside that makes you feel you have to be complete.

It's okay if you sometimes feel like something's not quite perfect.

I can see that this bothers you a lot, sweetie. The best thing you can do is go for counseling.

It's always best to leave things to the professionals. If you're not seeing a counselor, you can also ask yourself what you really need or what you have to do to be able to wash your hands and read naturally.

When you understand your inner needs, your emotions will start to calm down.

If you're feeling unsure about your current emotional state, don't worry! You can also try meditation and relaxation training. These can be really helpful.

Anxiety and obsessive thoughts can really take a toll on us, but there are ways to combat them! Relaxation and meditation can help to reduce your tension and anxiety. When your body and mind are relaxed, it's like a natural stress reliever!

I really hope this helps! Xianchen is here for you.

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Jonah Woods Jonah Woods A total of 8194 people have been helped

Hello, host!

From what you've told me, I can see that you're really struggling. It seems like you feel like life is just one long cycle of meaningless repetition, and that every task you do is full of worry and stress. It's so hard to enjoy the process when you're always worrying about what's going to happen next. And when you finally finish something, it's like you don't even care because you're already worrying about the next thing.

I can imagine that you may rarely have happy moments in your life and work. I want to give you a big, warm hug!

You are like someone who strives for precision and finds it difficult to accept mistakes caused by carelessness. Who do you feel like in this situation? Is there someone in your life who shares these traits?

It's also possible that when you were very young, you were scolded by your caregivers when you made careless mistakes. They would set a standard or requirement for you, and if you couldn't meet it, you would be scolded or even beaten, which would make you feel deeply ashamed.

Now, as an adult, how do you feel about yourself when you make a mistake because you weren't careful enough? Do you feel ashamed? No matter how you feel, I want you to know that I'm here for you and I'm sending you a big, warm hug.

Finally, I want to talk about procrastination. In fact, I'm really happy that you procrastinate! It's a great way to protect yourself.

Let yourself relax and recharge during this time of waiting. You don't have to push yourself to keep going, and you don't have to let that stressful feeling take over.

I wish I could give you a quick way to stop this compulsive repetition, but I'm afraid I can't.

I think it would be really helpful for you to ask your friends what they think about your attitude towards work and study and how they think you should deal with mistakes. It's always good to get other people's perspective, and I bet they'll give you some different feelings and ideas that can help you achieve the direction and goals you want to go.

I really hope this helps! And finally, I just want to give you another big hug!

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Jonah Hughes Jonah Hughes A total of 2956 people have been helped

Hello, host! I'm July, and I'm here to help!

After reading your description, I have a better understanding of the question you want to ask, so I'm going to give you a hug in the fourth dimension!

From your description, it's clear you have a solid grasp on your problems. This makes it easier to solve them!

The examples of compulsion you mentioned in your description are all related to compulsion, whether it is repeatedly checking doors and windows or repeatedly checking information, etc. These outward manifestations are all part of your compulsion, and understanding them is the first step to overcoming them! Let's also briefly understand some anxiety-always-worried-about-having-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-11652.html" target="_blank">obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is a great way to deepen our understanding of this proper noun. Obsessive-compulsive disorder refers to recurrent obsessive thoughts, compulsive urges, or compulsive behaviors as the main manifestations.

You're already on the right track! You understand OCD and recognize the behavior in your browser. This is great! It makes it easier to solve your follow-up problems.

It's also not difficult to see from the description that you think these ideas and behaviors are unnecessary or abnormal, against your will, but you cannot get rid of them. This is totally normal! It can make you feel anxious and painful, but you're doing your best to cope. You're trying to temporarily relieve your anxiety through certain behaviors. For example, you're afraid that if you don't properly lock the door, something bad will happen, so you keep checking to see if the door is closed. This is a great way to stay safe!

I have also summarized some amazing methods to help you relieve the current situation, and I really hope they can help you to some extent ♥️.

(1) Relax, take it easy, and don't put too much pressure on yourself! You've got this!

(2) Try some relaxation therapies, such as deep breathing and meditation, which can reduce your anxiety to a certain extent. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel!

(3) The fact that you have so many compulsive behaviors also shows that you are now internally conflicted, anxious, and don't know what to do. But you can work through this!

(4) There are so many great ways to reduce your anxiety and obsessive thoughts! You can try out different compulsive behaviors to see what works for you. Just remember, moderation is key.

(5) You can talk to a friend you get along with, express your thoughts and feelings, and further release the emotions in your heart! Repressing your thoughts and feelings deep down inside is a thing of the past.

(6) Whether it is obsessive thoughts or compulsive behavior, there is a potential problem deep within you. So, go on, find the problem that affects you, and then your obsessive-compulsive disorder will naturally disappear over time!

The world and I love you so much! ?

Wishing you the very best!

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Leopoldo Taylor Leopoldo Taylor A total of 1460 people have been helped

Thank you for answering this question.

How old are you? When did it start?

Do you remember what happened?

I check the doors and windows, the numbers and homework, and the exam information over and over. After handing in the homework, I keep wondering if I've written down my personal information correctly. I don't want to do things because I know I'll have to go over them again and again. For example, when I work on a document, I save it several times without deleting it. It's torture. Sometimes when I catch a bug, I wash my hands and use hand sanitizer several times. When I read a book, I have to read it from beginning to end and word for word. While reading, I uncontrollably mentally draw the strokes of each character several times.

Reading the words written by the questioner, I felt annoyed and then admired them. They're doing these things without getting tired, which requires endurance and perseverance. Especially in this fast-paced era.

How many people can slow down and appreciate something, making it last longer and endure strange looks?

Maybe the questioner will say I'm talking without experience.

"It's painful to be so inefficient. What should I do?"

Since you can't change things now, why not enjoy the challenge? Look at yourself with appreciation.

Praise yourself each time you do it.

I hope my reply helps. Best wishes!

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Comments

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Boston Davis Knowledge of different religious and ethical systems broadens one's understanding.

I can totally relate to how exhausting and frustrating this must be for you. It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of anxiety around these tasks. Maybe talking to a therapist who specializes in anxiety could help provide some strategies to cope with these compulsions.

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Clark Jackson Learning is a way to see the world with new eyes.

It seems like you're dealing with some intense obsessive thoughts and rituals. Have you considered seeking professional help? A psychologist might offer effective treatments, such as cognitivebehavioral therapy, which can really make a difference.

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Mateo Davis Failure is not a sign of weakness; it's an opportunity to re - evaluate and succeed.

The way you described your daily struggles resonates deeply with what people with OCD often experience. I think it would be beneficial to look into support groups or therapy that focuses on OCD. They can offer tools to manage these behaviors.

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Joaquin Anderson Learning is a way to break free from the chains of ignorance.

Your description makes it clear that you're going through a tough time with repetitive behaviors. Perhaps mindfulness practices or relaxation techniques could help ease the need to repeatedly check things. It's worth giving them a try.

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Melanie Anderson We grow as we learn to express our true selves.

It sounds like you're putting an immense amount of pressure on yourself. Sometimes just acknowledging that it's okay not to be perfect can start to alleviate some of that stress. Have you tried setting small, manageable goals to gradually reduce the checking?

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