I have mild depression and the question of finding the meaning of life constantly looms inside my head. I also have some peculiar problems that only occur at night. I feel I have a second “conscious” in my head that would tell me what to do, which could be a sign of OCD as I have to constantly wash my hands or turn on and off the lights. I also feel even more depressed and lonely at night than in the daytime for some reason. Do I just make new friends?
USICO Healthcare 
Thank you for asking your question regarding your behavior at night which includes, depression, the compulsive need to wash your hands, turn the lights on and off, and a voice in your head.
While having good friends is certainly a positive thing, it is not the solution to your condition.
Firstly, let’s begin with the definition of OCD: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, ritualized behaviors you feel compelled to perform.
Let’s start by making an assumption – that the thoughts you describe to me are unwanted. This is a good start because we can agree that you would like to not have these intrusive thoughts anymore.
The treatment for OCD is generally:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
2. Drug therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or a combination of the two.
3. Behavioral treatment. The most effective behavioral treatment for OCD is exposure and response prevention.
Now, take what is written above for treatment, and forget it for now. This is a general approach to OCD, but not specifically tailored for you. Many (perhaps most) can overcome OCD without the need for medication. The goal is not to cure, but to manage your symptoms.
A good way to approach this is to learn more about OCD from experts.
This is a great introduction to CBT therapy introduced by a professional, Katie d’Ath in the UK who takes you step by step through the process of how you can begin to deal with OCD. (10 videos)
This article is about different types of OCD, and how you can start to take control:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2052240/OCD-symptoms-Do-continually-check-lights-washing-hands.html
This excellent video will try to help you understand what OCD is and how to overcome it through storytelling – I think you will like it.
It tells how exposure therapy will help to identify the things you are afraid of, and allow you to expose yourself to them gradually until you can feel comfortable with things that usually make you feel uncomfortable. This will free you from the OCD.
I recommend that you find a psychologist or psychiatrist who is an expert in treatment for OCD.
Thank you and take care.
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