Alarm checking is for me, one of my most frustrating compulsions. It’s down to my worries about being late for something important, whether that’s work or going to the airport early morning.
Compulsions tend to be checking the sound is on by repeatedly flicking the sound button on and off. I will then scroll through the numbers when setting the time to hear the scrolling sound confirming the sound is on.
I will then make sure there are no apps working in the background that may run my battery down overnight. And make sure the little charging symbol is on in the corner of the screen.
Lastly, I will check the little alarm symbol is there on the screen next to the time and battery symbol.
This is a compulsion that can last up to ten minutes as the more I stare, the more i don’t believe I am actually seeing it. I may accidentally open an app, or flick the sound button off meaning I have to check the sound is working again.
This article gets lots of views, so it seems this is something many of you experience as well!
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3 responses
Rivetting read.
I don’t even work now and I STILL check the fucking alarm like an absolute maniac. I set only 2. I KNOW my bladder will wake me up after 4 hours no matters what. I have nowhere to be except meet up with family for lunch, but I don’t want to hear snide remarks about being lazy (which I absolutely am and proud of it).
When I was working it was absolutely intolerable. I fucking hate living alone. If there is anyone else, I can just put the alarm responsibility on them and never give a shit about it.
Once my phone stopped working for two days (still have no idea what happened) however my friend I was living with had to be up the same time as me for work… he woke me up and it was so nice not worrying about my alarm! I share your pain about living alone.
It is hard, especially if your OCD is fueled by the thought your family may judge you for sleeping in. Are they aware of your problems associated with OCD?
I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts here.