Help! Brother's contamination fear getting worse.

[7Brigade]

Recently it has gotten worse. He does not let anyone get near him and is afraid of the air around other people, saying it has microscopic pieces of plastic... This is insanity. I'm just writing this for support as his older sister, I already know what are some possible solutions . But please if anyone has experienced this with someone in the family, I would just like to hear any thing that may help to better deal with it.

[deValentin]

I know, from personal experience, how painful it is to see a family member disconnect from reality and getting lost in his own world. Unless he's willing to consider there may be a problem, it’s very hard to reach out to him.

There are two scenarios possible. You brother may be obsessionally afraid of contamination because he can’t help himself. However, he knows in moments of lucidity, that is, outside of an OCD spike, how ridiculous his fear is. This is the most favorable scenario. You can talk to him about possibilities of therapy when he’s in a receptive frame of mind. This is an anxiety disorder, and anxiety can be reduced with exposure and response therapy, for instance.

When OCD is a personality disorder, that is, the sufferer lacks psychological flexibility and self-insight, it’s more complicated because he believes, for instance, the air is contaminated without reasonable evidence, and doesn’t see why he should change his belief. This is not just a matter of reducing anxiety. The sufferer also needs to question his irrational beliefs. Here too, the key is to talk to him when he’s in a receptive frame of mind. When people feel secure, loved and understood, they’re more willing to consider that therapy may help them find more satisfying and sustainable ways to live in a sometimes-uncertain world. Once they recognize that exercising good judgment is beneficial in the long term, they make a significant step towards recovery.

[amyjat]

OCD is irrational and doesn’t make sense. He needs to be the one to get help or it won’t work. You can keep encouraging him to get help, but don’t overdo it. Just know you tried. Good luck.

[Natureloverpeace]

When a Loved One Won’t Seek Mental Health Treatment by Alec Pollard, Ph.D. is a book that is highly recommended by OCD Specialists when a loved one refuses help for their OCD. Alec Pollard is a highly regarded OCD Specialist who has made significant contributions to the field of OCD. There are a variety of reasons why a person may refuse treatment.

[Rana190]

I have experienced severe contamination fear episodes myself. I can imagine how difficult it is for him and you.

I can’t suggest you anything except trying to see a specialist and see whether medication or CBT/ERP is recommended.

But I can tell you from personal experience that these episodes usually go away when the person is less anxious and can find a solution to sometimes unbearable living conditions.

Please remember that a peaceful environment would help him and try to be patient with him. He may not be able to snap out of it but he will be able to get through this with support. In case he doesn’t want to see a specialist, would you be able to consult with a specialist to guide you how you can help him?

Take care of your own mental health as well.

Wishing your brother peace and healing.