Thank you for sharing this so openly. What you are describing fits very closely with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with high anxiety, especially the forms driven by fear of uncertainty, harm, death, and “doing things the right way.”
OCD often changes its theme over time. Many people start with cleanliness or checking behaviors in childhood, and later it shifts into mental rituals, avoidance of certain words, fear-linked meanings, repetitive sequences, and intense “what if” thoughts. The anxiety you feel when something is done differently, when you hear certain words, or when you think about loss or death is not because those events will happen, but because OCD attaches false meaning and responsibility to your thoughts and actions.
It is important to know this clearly:
These thoughts do not reflect reality, intention, or prediction. They are intrusive thoughts driven by anxiety, not signs or warnings.
The distress, guilt, and constant mental checking you describe are common in OCD and can feel extremely tormenting, but they are treatable.
Next Steps
Consult a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist experienced in OCD.
Evidence-based treatment like CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is highly effective for OCD.
If symptoms are severe, medication (SSRIs) alongside therapy can significantly reduce intensity.
Begin learning to tolerate uncertainty rather than trying to neutralize or “fix” thoughts.
Avoid reassurance-seeking and repeated mental checking, as these strengthen OCD over time.
Health Tips
Do not fight, suppress, or analyze the thoughts. That fuels the cycle.
Thoughts are not actions, predictions, or truths.
Avoid self-blame. OCD is not a weakness or a personality flaw.
If anxiety feels overwhelming or you experience hopelessness, please seek immediate professional support.