new ocd help
Hello, I have been noticing myself beginning to have obsessive behaviors related to contamination and intrusive thoughts that are worsening because I am really anxious and in nursing school. Im hindsight I have had repetitive routines and behaviors my whole life but I am coming to terms with the fact that I may be diagnosed with OCD soon by a medical professional I am seeing. I want to know if anyone has any tips to manage because although realistically I have been this way my whole life, it is becoming hard to function. Thank you for listening.
@sarahsnapdragon
Hello. I've read your forum message from half a year ago. It is sad to hear you still suffer.
Talking to a doctor, as you said, could be a good solution and support you with specialized help. Considering your profession, it might be particularly important you are not left alone with this problem.
In some circumstances, like avoiding COVID, flu or other epidemics, mild contamination fears might be beneficial. But not at the point you have to wash your body repeatedly and damage the natural anti-infection barriers on your skin.
It might be advisable you not work with MRSA patients in near future and switch to something safer, at least as long as your OCD is not healed.
I think it is important to remember that your fears are not you. OCD is about anxiety, about things like fears of getting ill or dying, and fears of losing control of your life.
They are also about some kind of "magical thinking" - because it's highly illogical sometimes. For example, if you drive the same route three times "to check if you didn't hit something", your chances of hitting an object or a small animal increase thrice.
There might be at least three ways to cope with OCD. Curing the results (a long term OCD may consume your energy as much as leading to depression). Healing the anxiety, which is the source of obsessive thoughts and behaviours. Also, in some circumstances desensitizing therapy reportedly can bring great results.
I keep my fingers crossed for your being on the way to find some professional help and feel better 🙂
