Very well explained! I was diagnosed with OCD in the late 80's after i developed postpartum depression following the birth of my first child, but I had it as far back as I can renember. I do NOT like feeling wet when I'm supposed to be dry, for example, and self potty trained by 10 months old. Mom and Dad told me when i would play in my wading pool, I would remove my swimsuit bottoms and throw them out on the ground and say, "Shoo, nasty; shoo, wet!" As I continued to grow up, I would use my feet to pick up and throw away things that fell on the floor or use my elbows to pick stuff up so I wouldn't get my hands "dirty", even got good at balancing on one leg and using my foot to flush our home toilet before washing my hands as I didn't want to touch the handle the rest if the family touched. I just thought I was "quirky" growing up and didn't think anything about it. The intrusive thoughts began around puberty and waxed and waned with a fear of death, going to hell, or getting sick. Long story short, I have been on psych meds now since 1990 a.d. following the birth of my second child...I could see the OCD and hyper-vigilence starting back up and got help. When I started entering menopause in the early 2000's, I developed panic disorder. It is a journey; COVID has really thrown me for a loop and I am VERY anxious when out and diligent with masking and sanitizing (have a routine I HAVE to do after being in public). Unfortunately, 2 of my 3 siblings have OCD as do my children.
