I’m trying to figure out whether some of my repetitive habits are actually compulsive behavior or just routines I’ve picked up. I’ll check things repeatedly, redo small tasks, or go back to make sure something is right, even when I already know I checked it. The annoying part is that it doesn’t always feel like I want to do it. It feels more like I get a burst of discomfort if I try to stop.
Some habits are pretty harmless, but they can eat up time and make it harder to focus. I’ve started noticing that the relief after doing the behavior only lasts for a little while, then the doubt comes back. That seems different from simply liking things organized or having a routine.
I don’t want to diagnose myself based on a few symptoms, though. I’m thinking about writing down when it happens, what triggers it, and how much it interferes with normal stuff before bringing it up with a professional. The main thing I’m trying to understand is whether these behaviors are choices I can easily skip, or something I feel driven to do just to quiet the anxiety.
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@Scott_Hoffman, the short-lived relief you mentioned is something I’d pay attention to. I’ve had times where checking settled things for a few minutes, but then my brain came right back with another “are you sure?” question. That felt different from just wanting things neat or done a certain way.
Writing down the trigger and what happens if you resist seems useful. I’d include how much time it takes and whether you’re avoiding anything because of it. A professional could probably help sort out whether it’s compulsive behavior, anxiety, or just a routine that got reinforced over time.
The part about getting a burst of discomfort when you try to stop seems like a useful detail to bring to a professional. A routine usually feels more optional to me, while that anxious pressure can make it feel like you have to complete the action before you can move on.
Your idea of tracking it sounds practical. I’d write down what you were worried might happen, how many times you checked or redid it, and how long the relief lasted. That might show whether certain situations set it off more than others.
Try not to force yourself to stop everything at once based on notes alone, though. A therapist or doctor can help you make sense of the pattern without jumping straight to a diagnosis.
@Scott_Hoffman, the difference between choosing a routine and feeling driven to repeat it seems especially useful here. That burst of discomfort when you try to stop can tell you more than the habit itself.
Your plan to track triggers, time spent, and how long the relief lasts sounds sensible. I’d also note what the fear or doubt is saying in that moment, since that may give a professional a clearer picture.
Try not to judge yourself for it or force a sudden stop on your own. Even if it turns out to be anxiety reinforced by repetition, it’s still worth discussing if it’s taking time away from your day.