Fear of causing harm

[cloverville]

I am a veteran of OCD, long struggle and going on still. I have a problem with certain items that might be on my hands or fingers, like oily or greasy and handling certain items like books and paperwork, and electric light switches and so on. It is crippling at times even though I went through years of therapy.

[LuvSun]

I feel your pain

[Advocategirl]

Hi Cloverville, My heart goes out to you ... I know how hard this can be first hand. What has been most helpful in therapy in the past for you? Have you done Erp or Acceptance commitment therapy?

[deValentin]

There is no reasonable evidence, but it's possible that if you're not hypervigilant about handling certain items, something dreadful may happen. However, it's also possible that your 'superworries' may be useless . Why not to be open to that second possibility? Is it because, in the moment, you desire so much for your worries to get the desired results, that is, a completely risk-free life, that you deny the possibility they may not? If you waited a while after being triggered, would that desire subside somewhat and make it easier to be open to the possibility that ruminations, overchecking, rituals, etc. may not solve your problem? Just a thought.

'People believe very easily whatever they fear or desire' (La Fontaine).

[Finngour]

I have great respect for veterans. Thank you for your service. We are the same age but I never went war because my country does not oblige citizens to go. I have no experience with contamination issues but I feel your pain. All I can offer is that ocd can be helped and we need to find what works for us. In my case being busy helps, belonging to this group helps and discussion with other sufferers helps. Keep reaching out and someone may suggest a good idea for your issues.