Flooded with OCD triggers. What should I do to cope?

[Rana190]

Hello everyone.

I have been suffering from severe OCD for years. My OCD is mostly about magical contamination. After 2-3 years of having more control over OCD, I have had a relapse. Since September, I have been avoiding anything that I fear might be contaminated based on my magical/emotional contamination rules. As I gave in to OCD and refused ERP because I was too anxious, it has got more severe.

One week ago, there was a small canalisation issue in our apartment and we called technicians to come and they solved the problem. This was unexpected and I was not prepared. I decided to stay in my room until they left because I couldn’t control what they needed to do and preferred not to see what they touch.

For one week now I have been feeling that I’m living in a super contaminated place. It is almost impossible for me to clean (decontaminate) everything as we have been moving around and touching contaminated stuff and then touching other things.

The emotional pressure of being exposed to potentially contaminated stuff all the time is becoming unbearable for me. I appreciate it if you have any idea that might be helpful or advice on what I should/shouldn’t do.

Thank you

[SCC1]

What is the best that can happen?

[Rana190]

Would you please elaborate on what you mean when you say ‘this is the best that can happen’?

[Lisa351]

Hello. I dont speak english very well, but i will try. I suffer from ocd contamination too. Reading about how long different types of viruses can survive outside the body helps me get through situations like the one you describe. I get obsessed with some particular viruses, and I know they die in no time. Reading this on medical forums helps me lower anxiety (sometimes)

[Weeping_Willow in reply to Lisa351]

Not all contamination is to do with germs though. I fear the actual bodily oils and other secretions and sometimes contamination from certain people/situations bring more fear so at times this is closer to emotional contamination.I am in a situation right now where contamination is prevalent and the only reason I am coping is that I am visiting my sister for a while so the containation isn't at home but here. Then again, when I visit my mum's house it is going to be more difficult too as Ilike to keepareas of my childhood home clean when I am staying.

I understand how overwhelming it is though. I know my mind is coping by shutting down and putting off the panic, but I can feel it constantly bubbling under the surface.

I hope that letting it simmer may act like ERP but now I sm not sure. It is just a constant feeling of being unsettled.

Just know that you are not alone.

[Rana190 in reply to Weeping_Willow]

Thank you for letting me know that I’m not alone. The contamination fears that you describe seem similar to mine.

I try to keep my childhood stuff clean too or just think that it’s ok if they get contaminated because hopefully one day OCD will be gone and I’ll be ok with them. Somehow I can tolerate living in a potentially contaminated area for a month but sometimes I can’t tolerate a doubt about contamination for a short time. So maybe you can look at these periods as ERP and use these as treatment steps.

It is overwhelming indeed.

An update on my experience of having to live in a potentially contaminated home for 10 days:

I’m ignoring the urges to consider what might be contaminated and cleaning them. Because this could get to excessive compulsions without feeling of relief. Instead, I’m distracting myself, relax and whenever I can, I use stuff that I’m less fearful about. As the initial shock and anxiety is wearing off, I’m getting more comfortable at home but not feeling at ease yet.

[Rana190 in reply to Lisa351]

Thank you Lisa351 for taking the time to share what works for you in lowering anxiety. I think a key element in having control over OCD is lowering anxiety.

In my case, because the contamination fears are due to magical thinking, it is more difficult to find reassurance. But when I’m less anxious, I can tolerate the fears easier.

Thanks again.