public restrooms and showering

[Rizzosmom]

I struggle with using public bathrooms because I typically like to shower- to feel like I’m completely clean. I will pee in public bathrooms, but I avoid it as much as I can.

I had a long day at work and couldn’t wait to get back home, thus I had to use my work office bathroom.

I’m struggling with the thought of not having access to a shower until later on in the day. I feel like my hair, skin, clothes, etc are all contaminated. I cannot focus on anything else. This is a common fear/thought process I juggle, daily. I have been showering post bathroom session for over a year now and this was the first time in a while that I have had to just sit with this feeling. Needless to say, I’m having a hard day today with exposures!!

Thank you for being there.

[deValentin]

Congratulations! The next logical step now would be to do ERP willingly, that is, not forced by circumstances. You may notice a greater reduction in anxiety when you act proactively.

[IStillHaveHope]

I understand how hard it is when you first challenge your OCD thoughts. It will scream that something bad is going to happen and not give you any release. However, that is how I learned to know the difference between an OCD thought and a "real" thought. The OCD screams, "YOU MUST DO THIS IMMEDIATLY OR SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN", but there is another quieter voice saying, "I know this isn't really an issue. This whole thing is dumb.". I've found that elevating the smaller voice and not listening to the louder one helps. However, when first trying to do this it was very difficult.

You're doing good sitting with the feeling The beginning is really tough, but it does get easier. You're rewiring your brain and that takes time. It will get better.

Also, I want to say how tough you are for having the strength to confront this. I know how hard this is and it takes a strong person to stand up and say, "enough".

[Lauragbr]

You did it!! That means you can do it again!