Living With OCPSD

What is OCPSD? It stands for Obsessive Compulsive Problem Solving Disorder. How do you know if you have it? These are the most common signs:

- You have a powerful urge to come up with solutions to every problem you are presented with.
- You experience severe distress whenever you encounter a problem you cannot solve.
- The urge to problem-solve is just as strong when someone else's problem is in question.
- You frequently hear: "That is a great idea, why didn't I think of it?"
- You also frequently hear "Yeah, I've tried that already".
- When your friend tells you about a problem, you usually have an idea for them before they've finished telling you how frustrated they are, and can hardly wait until they are done to present your solution.
- You frequently get a feeling the people you are trying to help are annoyed at you because they were just venting, and not looking for advice.
- You wonder if you are overly sympathetic.
- You can't stop problem-solving.

If you identify with all or most of the symptoms above, you may have OCPSD.

Treatment: There is no known treatment for this disorder, possibly because I just made it up today.

Some things you can try:

- When a family member, friend or acquaintance is talking to you about their issues, take a deep breath and listen.
- Quickly analyze the conversation to determine if they are looking for solutions or not.
- If you determine they are looking for solutions, go ahead and fix everything for them.
- If you determine otherwise, say these words: "I am sorry, that sounds frustrating". Then shut up.
- It may be helpful to have something to drink to keep yourself from talking. If that fails, try stuffing your face with any food that may be available.
- If none of this works, spit it all out (the words, not the food) and blame it on OCPSD.

I have been affected with this disorder since I can remember, and I decided to write about it to let others know they are not alone. So fellow OCPSD-ers, feel free to comment to say "Hi" and offer a solution or two.