OCD: Hi, I’m new here. Just wanted to find out... - OCD Support

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Sparkles21_ profile image
8 Replies

Hi, I’m new here. Just wanted to find out if anyone suffers from the same OCD as I do which is contamination OCD with bodily fluids. I feel like I’m the only one. I struggle with going to the toilet, I go in the morning when I wake up because I had a shower the night before and am clean and I go again a few times after work because I’ll jump straight in the shower afterwards.

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Sparkles21_
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8 Replies
LuvSun profile image
LuvSun

I can relate to you

Hmz27 profile image
Hmz27

Shower after toilet? I used to do that. Man, OCD is a condition that picks out the smallest things and makes me think now you have to keep washing till you're comfortable.

I think contamination is the most common? Correct me if im wrong anyone.

Sallyskins profile image
Sallyskins

Believe me, this is a common problem and you are far from the only one. I have contamination issues myself, though not the bodily fluids one. I have 'clean' and 'dirty' areas in my house, particularly in the kitchen and wash my hands repeatedly.

It must have quite an impact on your day to day life, particularly in dictating when you can go to the loo.

CBT can help, so if you're not getting treatment at the moment, ask your doctor to be referred to a therapist. It can help if you meanwhile chip away at the OCD as best you can.

Sparkles21_ profile image
Sparkles21_ in reply to Sallyskins

I have clean and dirty areas as well however because I still live at home it’s a lot harder because of that

Sallyskins profile image
Sallyskins in reply to Sparkles21_

It does make life with OCD difficult when you live with other people. It can cause both you and them a lot of stress. However, there is a plus side to it. Being on your own can allow OCD to go out of control, unless you are very careful, because you don't have to compromise or alter your behaviour to suit anyone else.

But having people around you can force you to confront the OCD, because it makes things difficult for them. So perhaps you can use living at home as an opportunity to tackle the OCD. It helps if you have a supportive family, too.

Ulisse profile image
Ulisse

HI Sparkles.m

tough one to provide some advice on. Bottom line you need to be happy with the shower in the morning and the one after work. Two a day is not too bad.

If you really think its too much being obligated to have two showers, try to cut the amount of shower time or delay the evening shower. Just relax in the knowledge you are going to have a shower later on. Slowly but surely, the need for the shower after work will diminish - ok its only my opinion, but maybe its worth a try. Try to delay the after work shower as long as you can.

Cheers

Be well

Max

Paula-38 profile image
Paula-38

Hello Sparkles21

I have had Contamination OCD for approximately 25 years now. I have had similar triggers in the past yes but for some apparent reason my triggers have been changing like the weather all the time. My triggers now are anything that contains "litter''and anything that comes into contact with them. These are top of my hierarchy.

run4peace profile image
run4peace

You are not alone. I am sorry that you are going through this as well, but it makes me feel better knowing that I am not alone either. I take 3 showers a day except for when I'm working and then I take one in the morning and one at night. Taking a shower for me does 2 things. It relaxes me and eases my feelings of anxiety/depression, and it also helps me deal with having crohn's and colitis. I find myself in the bathroom several times every day. Not only do I hate having to do this, but it makes me feel gross and undesirable. Taking a shower at least makes me feel a little better and clean. I also can't eat until I've taken a shower....or at least when I'm home. Not sure where that one comes from but might be from my history of anorexia. I am able to go to work and lead a semi "normal" life, but I know I'm missing out on so much because of all of these issues.

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