I saw a video on tiktok about pinworms and since it honestly has turned my life upside down. I was convinced I had them because I had possibly symptoms. I couldn’t tell if the symptoms were psychological and caused by my anxiety or not, so i went and bought medicine to get rid of them incase. then, i began to panic MORE because i realized the box of medicine likely maybe had pinworm eggs on it, as those who have them buy the medicine. ever since i have constantly cleaned everything, i cannot leave my room without shoes as i am scared i will pick them up on my feet, my hands are raw from hand washing, i just genuinely cannot feel comfortable in my own home right now and it is horrible. worst of all, i have met a guy i like a lot and i would love to go hang oht with him but i am so scared i will somehow spread them to him without knowing. i still keep feeling symptoms but have constantly checked and see nothing. i really am drained mentally and physically. i cannot tell whether my symptoms are in my head or not. im so tired. i plan to start with an ocd therapist soon. for now i have tried to cut back on compulsions but it feels so hard as i feel my logic that eggs couldve likely been on the medicine i bought. i am not seeking reassurance in this, more so just venting. i hope to be able to get back to living my life without a constant fear over this parasite :(

kg16

Date posted: 3y

I’m sorry you are struggling. I have health ocd/illness anxiety disorder and have often been convinced I have certain health issues— it can be incredibly distressing. That’s good you are going to start with an ocd therapist. I would say start that therapy ASAP and get connected with a psychiatrist as well if you have the resources. YOU CAN DO THIS, you can do hard things. Please give yourself compassion during this time and try to live by your values rather than your anxious voice (easier said than done).

Rose110364

Date posted: 3y

thank you so much i appreciate this!

kg16

Date posted: 3y

Also, if you haven’t yet, listen to the podcast “your anxiety toolkit” by Kimberly Quinlan. So many good podcasts that changed my life.

compulsion5000

Date posted: 3y

I learned about pin worms and they're pretty funny... I think docs can test for them but it would probably just be reassurance since they're harmless aside from being gross qnd keeping you up at night.

compulsion5000

Date posted: 3y

Honestly when I think about them my butt itches lol 😆 kids get then all the time. It's like a very common childhood infection no biggie. Til tok probably made them sound worse.

Rose110364

Date posted: 3y

yeah i keep trying to tell myself IF i had them that they are common but see people say how you’re gross if you have them as an adult and that it takes forever to get rid of them. i have no clue how to go about this because i don’t wanna seek reassurance but i genuinely cannot tell if my symptoms are psychological or not

compulsion5000

Date posted: 3y

@Rose110364 Nobody has to know if you tested positive and given most people never even know they have them, anyone who would judge probably had them and never knew. They're so easy to catch, it has little to do with hygiene.

Rose110364

Date posted: 3y

@compulsion5000 yeah exactly, i wish people would just be more compassionate :/ i really hope its just in my head though. thank you for your kind words!

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