18 replies to this topic

[Charity6262]

I have just be diagnosed with OCD (Obsesive Compulsive Disorder) and I was just wondering if anyone else on here has it and how does it affect your dive. Mine is not to bad I mean I am not washing my hands every 2 seconds but I do have to have everything straight and in its place and it bothers me so bad when my brother has one sock on and one off (I know i am wierd). Anyway anyone else have it and does it bother you when you dive I haven't been since the diagnosis.

[drbill]

I had OCD but it was a mild form. Actually, it had its advantages... it made me a better employee because I focused so much on the details of projects, as well as a good financial analyst. However, when I started taking meds two decades ago for a related condition, I lost some of the more OC aspects. I know some whose lives were made very difficult by it.

[PerroneFord]

Frankly, it would make me quite nervous having an OCD dive buddy. The primary risk, as near as I can tell, is the propensity to become focused on one thing far more than should happen. So the ability to abstract a problem and handle more than one thing, rather than becoming task focused, would seem to be lost.

[Latitude Adjustment]

I think my OCD of trying to stay wet with salt water is common on this board

[PerroneFord]

I think my OCD of trying to stay wet with salt water is common on this board

Unfortunately, I think you're quite right.

[Walter]

As long as it doesn't stop you from having a normal life, it can be an advantage to a diver. You know your mix is right for the dive. You plan out how much gas you'll need for the dive. You are an attentive buddy. Your gear is all in perfect working order. All the things about which Perrone frequently reminds us. I know I have a touch of OCD, but at least I'm not worrying over hose length, etc.

[drbill]

Frankly, it would make me quite nervous having an OCD dive buddy. The primary risk, as near as I can tell, is the propensity to become focused on one thing far more than should happen. So the ability to abstract a problem and handle more than one thing, rather than becoming task focused, would seem to be lost.

There are varying levels of OCD, Perrone Ford. I agree there are some cases I would not want to buddy up with, but others can be very safe buddies... certainly safer than a lot of testosterone-driven buddies who just motor on without recognizing they have a buddy (one reason I prefer female buddies).

[PerroneFord]

Frankly, it would make me quite nervous having an OCD dive buddy. The primary risk, as near as I can tell, is the propensity to become focused on one thing far more than should happen. So the ability to abstract a problem and handle more than one thing, rather than becoming task focused, would seem to be lost.

There are varying levels of OCD, Perrone Ford. I agree there are some cases I would not want to buddy up with, but others can be very safe buddies... certainly safer than a lot of testosterone-driven buddies who just motor on without recognizing they have a buddy (one reason I prefer female buddies).

Understand and agree. However, there is too much generalizing going on, including from me. All OCD divers are not prone to becoming task focused obviously. Though I would suspect some are. All male buddies are not testosterone driven, and all female buddies are not necessarily, buddy oriented.

As Walter mentioned, having a buddy who is both safety oriented, and somewhat compulsive about having all gear in order, can be a benefit. I suppose it's when it becomes overwhelming that it could be problematic. If I am on a dive, and my regulator starts to free-flow, I don't want my buddy to become task focused on it. Solve the problem, move on. I guess that is my worry. Maybe unfounded.

[pocahontas]

A mild case of OCD isn't such a bad disorder to have if you can put it to good use...

[ScubaDadMiami]

There is a difference between a personality type and a disease. The person who is obsessive in style can turn out to be a great diver. This person tends to follow all of the proper procedures, maintains his/her gear properly, and constantly strives to improve over the course of a diving career.

The person who gets tunnel vision about unimportant things can become a danger to him/herself and others around during a dive. So, if you have issues that are this severe, you would tend to focus on things like bubbles not coming out of your exhaust tee evenly from both sides while ignoring the fact that you are running out of breathing gas.

Disabilities can sometimes be advantages. Learn more about your condition, and then follow up with professionals having knowledge of your disorder and diving that can help you decide if diving is something that is right for you.

[OHDiver]

As long as it doesn't stop you from having a normal life, it can be an advantage to a diver. You know your mix is right for the dive. You plan out how much gas you'll need for the dive. You are an attentive buddy. Your gear is all in perfect working order. All the things about which Perrone frequently reminds us. I know I have a touch of OCD, but at least I'm not worrying over hose length, etc.

[ScubaDrew]

There is a difference between a personality type and a disease. The person who is obsessive in style can turn out to be a great diver. This person tends to follow all of the proper procedures, maintains his/her gear properly, and constantly strives to improve over the course of a diving career.

The person who gets tunnel vision about unimportant things can become a danger to him/herself and others around during a dive. So, if you have issues that are this severe, you would tend to focus on things like bubbles not coming out of your exhaust tee evenly from both sides while ignoring the fact that you are running out of breathing gas.

Absolutely. My best friend is OCD, and pretty much his whole family is also. His chosen hobby is fishing, he is very detail oriented, misses nothing, and maintains his gear to near perfection. The collection of things on his dresser have to be placed just "so", and of course I rearange them every chance I get

His sister for a while had a problem of constantly checking her parking brake while driving, sometimes not paying attention to where the car was pointed. Never had an accident but could have...

I am OCD about my air supply. I check it continuously. It doesn't take away from my enjoyment of diving, or keep me from noticing other issues that arise at depth, and if something requires my attention I can deal with that. I can tell you that I have never once been surprised by what my SPG reads when I look at it, because it is very close to what it was the last time I checked

I can't think of any other situation in my life that fits OCD pattern except for that. Well, except for checking the date on that one calender my brother gave me for my 16th birthday

[mechanical31]

I personally think everyone is OCD to some point. My entire family has OCD traits. Mine is I can't walk into a room without counting how many lines it takes to form it, windows,walls,doorways, ect. My mothers is whenever she is on tile she counts how many she steps on. I think if you pay attention to yourself more everyone will find a few traits. Just a theory, but everyone I have asked said they noticed things like this. If you can't stop doing it and it is automatic then it's OC. As long as it doesn't seriously interfer with your life don't worry about it. Here is one. Most men upon entering a room either consiously or not will assess threats in a room. Everyone I know that is ex military or still active does this.

[shadragon]

Most men upon entering a room either consciously or not will assess threats in a room. Everyone I know that is ex military or still active does this.

Add making mental notes of exit locations as well...

[pocahontas]

Most men upon entering a room either consciously or not will assess threats in a room. Everyone I know that is ex military or still active does this.

Add making mental notes of exit locations as well...

I think that is a firefighter thing. I always have to know two ways out.