Obsessive Compulsive Disorder...Mental Illness that can't be helped or is it my own fault?

I have self diagnosed myself with OCD. Light switches and counting to eight have ruled my life more and more for almost all of my life. I want to know...did I do something to trigger this? Is it a mental illness that I can't control? How do I get it diagnosed and whats the treatment?

It's nothing that you can control. Most often times OCD is caused by a chemical inbalance in the brain. How can you control that? You did nothing to trigger it. Most people are born with it or develop it later in life. It's an illness like any other illness. I would suggest explaining all your symptoms to your family Dr. It won't be easy to do. It wasn't for me when I first had to tell my Dr. that I thought I had OCD but it was the best thing I could have done. Usually, they start you out on a SSRI drug and sometimes behavioral therapy helps. Just remember it's not your fault and treatment is well worth your time for the horrible pain OCD causes in a person's life. It's an ongoing struggle for me but I never regret telling my Dr.

find a good psychiatrist and no, it's nothing you've done, sometimes things just happen and that's that. Good for you to have noticed it and yes, I believe a doctor can help you in controlling it! Good Luck!

it is unknown what triggers OCD , but it certainly is not your fault!
yes it almost always can be improved, through cognitive behavioral therapy and /or medication. i have had both therapy and i take an SSRI daily and my OCD is quite manageable.
please make an appointment to see a psychiatrist for a proper diagnosis, and then he will work with you on a treatment plan. you are not alone, and you dont have to continue suffering with this disorder.
all the best :)

No, it isn't your fault. See a mental health professional. There are medications that can completly erase or amazingly tone down OCD. Good luck. Don't stress over it, just seek help.

I am OCD too. I am only 13, but I have been to the doctor so many times, I know what they will say. Most of the time, people do not trigger OCD. It is a mental illness that just happens. Just go to the doctor and get on meds. My friends can tell a huge difference with me when I am on meds. The meds help my family, my friends, and I just enjoy myself even more. I would suggest going to the doctor and getting on meds.

See a doctor, and http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~ (.net.nz/~shaneris) on page 7: OCD & the intro.