Is it normal to not being able to control your own thoughts?

Almost every night I tend to begin thinking about stuff that I'm afraid of. It begins when I see myself in the mirror or a window, and I begin to think that maybe someone is behind me? Or maybe it will pop up in the mirror if I look at it too long?
Then... I just can't get rid of it. It's like someone controls my mind and makes me think of stupid things. Like: "If you don't tap on that door three times you will see something" or "You have to go back to the bathroom to check the door and water tap".
9 out of 10 times it ends with me curled up in the bed, staring into the wall, whispering: "No... no... no..." over and over again because I can't control it at all. It's really freaking me out and I don't know what to do any more. Am I the only one?

Voting Results
58% Normal
Based on 115 votes (67 yes)
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Comments ( 11 )
  • ProseAthlete

    It isn't really possible for anyone to diagnose people from reading a little IIN snippet, of course, but if I were you, I would talk to my doctor about the possibility of obsessive/compulsive behavior. It manifests itself in a lot of ways, but the common denominator is feeling compelled to tap/check locks/wash hands/make a sound to find relief from the obtrusive thoughts.

    Please don't let it freak you out too badly. It's incredibly common. Plenty of people have at least a touch of it, and you are far from alone. Your doctor will be able to shed some more light on it. Don't suffer with it out of shame or fear; it isn't crazy, and it doesn't have to take over your life.

    Good luck, and I hope you find ways to ease your concerns about this soon.

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    • DADNSCAL

      Very nice post, Prose. I agree completely and salute your compassion. To the OP, the Prose's advice and make an intake appointment with a therapist, before you get worse.

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  • Every single word of this describes me! It's awful isn't it and so hard to explain to other people....

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  • http://psychcentral.com/ocdquiz.htm

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  • TheGirlWhoStoleHisHat

    If it is really quiet anywhere and I hear a sudden noise, I have to make another noise or it drives me crazy until I do.

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  • NicciSunset(:

    omggggg I do this a lot too sometimes. It's scary.

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  • iamacheeseburger

    It's normal, but not usually THAT much. I'd say if its becoming a problem get someone to talk to about it. And it's not really someone controlling your thoughts, it's just hard to stop thinking about something once you start. That happens to me a lot too.

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  • Avant-Garde

    Oh my, I get this all the time too! It most commonly happens at night, though.

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  • EAT_IT

    Sometimes I eat a burger and then it eats me.

    It's an endless cycle but it's beautiful.

    These are my thoughts.

    The food made me do it.

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  • kingsleycrowne

    Yeah I can relate. I actually thought for awhile that I'd become scared of the dark again in old age because my mind plays tricks on me at night, things really freak me out.

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  • Energy

    I do the whole tapping thing too.. It's like if i don't tap randomly 3 times, my loved one will hate me or some bullshit like that.

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