I really struggle with the fear of my infant son getting lead poisoning, or having some cognitive issues due to excessive heavy metals. I don’t know exactly how this came on, but I struggle with the fear daily, and there seems to be no hope of me feeling better about it. It’s like every time I look up something, lead is literally EVERYWHERE, more places than I ever thought. I honestly didn’t think lead was such a big issue anymore, and maybe it’s not. I think my fear of it is so strong is because every time I read about it online, it’s definite “brain damage” or development delay, even at low exposures. I try to think positive, but I can’t and I feel guilty about not being able to protect my son from lead/heavy metals in general. 😔 So how do you do it? How do you find hope when there seems to be only negative outcomes with lead poisoning? (To be clear, my son has never had high levels of lead. Just a lingering fear).
Need Hope- Contamination Fear: I really... - My OCD Community
Need Hope- Contamination Fear
All of us with OCD have one fear or another. They are all big, scary, and important. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. Now, my advise from someone with OCD. Limit known exposures without engaging in avoidance behaviors or feeding the OCD. Realize that up until 1992, lead was in our gasoline. But most of all, slow down, take deep breaths, love your son, and do what you can. You will have moments that cause anxiety but they will pass. Being a parent is not easy. I have 2 sons I worry about plenty. The hardest thing about being a parent is knowing we can't do everything. But that is what makes them strong.
Thank you ❤️ I needed to hear this.
you're welcome
I have fears even about my grown children. I’m about to have two grandbabies, so I’ve been worried about them. The way I comfort myself is to talk to God daily about their protection and I also read Psalms 91. It’s a very comforting scripture.
He’s the only way, really! ❤️ Thank you
Yes, He is…Seek first His Kingdom and Righteousness and all things else shall be added unto you…you’re welcome…I talk to Him throughout the day, but I set aside 30 to 45 minutes every morning to meet with Him and talk
Also it's whatever you care about that ocd attacks. Unreasonable with a hint of truth.....the problem is with ocd we focus on the slightest chance of it happening while living the horror of it and most times it doesn't even happen. I know it's hard I worried about my kids for years that they would get a disease and it robbed me and them of so much happiness and good memories......they have memories of me being crazy trying to protect them. Looking back, none of the cleaning and avoiding did any good only stole peace and security from them because of my actions and thoughts. Ocd is a thief to say the least.
Yes, exactly! The thought of him missing out on something because of me makes me sad, because I don’t want to be like this! I get avoiding what I can, but I take it to the extreme.
Love how you put this! "Unreasonable with a hint of truth".
You've already gotten great feedback here, but I wanted to reach out and share, from one parent to another, that OCD loves to latch onto our children because they are what we love and want to protect most in this world. The more you try to rationalize the fear away thereby engaging with the content of your obsessions the more you feed the OCD monster.
In my experience, the way to break this cycle is to move forward with life making informed decisions without over researching. So, if I know that a product is already safe and has gone through testing (like a car seat) I will look at the reviews to make sure it's ok with a time limit of a half hour and that's it. I won't google it any further and I will move forward with my decision. If I'm still feeling the urge to google I do what my therapist says and look up pictures of ugly dogs. It's good for a giggle and a distraction. It's hard at first, but with some time I know I know you can do it.
I developed OCD when my son was born. Before his birth, I was fine and had no problems with germs. But soon after his birth OCD appeared and latched on. Cue excessive hand washing, cleaning, freaking out over silly things like dust. I have found fluoxitine has helped to ease it.It's still here, but us more controllable
Low Risk Contamination Causing Problems
Fear !!! 
Fear of psychosis, is anyone else like this? 
Contamination OCD and fearing of infection and spread it
fear of schizophrenia 
