Wondering if my brother has OCD
I know this 7 cups isn't the place to get a diagnostic but I would like to share some of the symptoms that my brother seems to have to see if it could possibly be his issue.
My brother (15M) had come to me several times to talk about thoughts that were paralysing him. A lot of the time he can't really have fun because of these thoughts. He also is very grumpy on Wednesday mornings because he is bored so he thinks a lot. It goes as far as him not liking to shower because nothing can distract him (he still goes into the shower). It started because he used to make jokes with his friends and asked himself if these jokes weren't a little bit mean and now he is spiralling on all the bad things he has done. It can range from his childhood to today. He also have a lot of overthinking issues (scared to be bald, scared to loose his earing capacity). He is always scared to do things bad and always says sorry for everything (for this it's been a while). Even when he does a good action he asks himself if he isn't a bad person because he wants to be seen as nice. He also have very damaged hands but I don't know the exact reason (naturally or too much hand cleaning maybe)
If you have tips on how to help him don't hesitate. Thx
@67Flo76
Hello... and I am sorry you haven't got any response earlier.
The picture of the situation seems to be quite complicated.
Things like ruminating (repeating obsessive thoughts) and damaged hands (as you said, probably from obsessive cleaning) might seem like a part of OCD.
Overthinking and other behaviours you described might be related to general anxiety or other serious personality issues. For example, his overthinking might be a reaction to boredom, but also a result of being depressed (and not taking opportunities for any activities).
Also, it looks like your brother reveals some problems with his self-esteem (seeing himself like not a valuable person, or someone who did something wrong etc).
I think going to a professional - a psychologist or a therapist would be highly recommended here. Do you have any chances for that in the place you are living in?
Thank you very much for your response. I really agree with what you are saying especially with the self esteem part, that's what I told my brother. I already talk to my mother about a therapist but she doesn't see it as an issue like I do (not because she doesn't want to seek help but because she doesn't understand the issue and why is it such a big thing for my brother, she has seen worse). I thought that I could propose my brother to seek professional help at school but I don't know if he will want. I kinda think it's something in my family because I have deep ruminations issues( rumination everyday all day for weeks) but not as bad as the ones my brother have and my father really ressembles my brother
Thank you again for your response, have a good day.
