I have ocd rituals everytime I take a shower. Sometimes takes me about 2 hours to get out of bathroom. I have been working with a counselor which says to set a timer for 45 mins and try to finish everything in that time frame and get out. I still find that I am irritated or moody if I don’t complete them I have no idea why. Should I try to cut down on my time in the shower/ bathroom?
I have some issues too with how long it is taking me to shower and dress each day. If I don’t shave everyday I don’t feel right, and other things. I’m trying to cut back the time I spend grooming. Self love is good but can become an issue with OCD, like anything else in our lives, we have a tendency to obsess and compulsively over do it. I think you should listen to your counselor. I have been considering using a timer myself, but need to talk to my therapist first.
@Krystalone@444 Thank you for your commit! Yes self love is good. I have spent over an hour In The shower for awhile now and I have a fungus I can’t get rid of on my toe. The dermatologist says it’s from getting my feet wet to often and to much
@Espresso16 I don’t know if this too much info or not, but I also have a foot fungus, have for years. I finally talked to my doctor about it and she prescribed me medication I take internally. It is starting to clear up. I’ve tried all the other topical treatments.
Sorry you’re going through this. I’m not an expert but I would rely on the therapist’s knowledge. And while you’re at it, give yourself a mental pat on the back for each step taken. As you progress, hopefully the irration/moods will improve. I’m hoping this helps you. You got this!!!
You definitely should cut down because 2 hours for one shower isn’t good for your health a multiple of reasons. However, you need to start out slowly because your OCD is going to fight you tooth and nail at every turn. So, that’s why it was suggested to be 45 minutes with a timer and to get out no matter what. Though, I would go for a one hour timer, and see if that’s a bit better. And if not, that’s too much at once, so then do a 1.5 hour timer. Then when that isn’t a big deal, drop it to 1 hour. Then do it in either 15 or 30 minute increments.
Anyone else scared to take showers because you know you’ll be tempted to ruminate? I’ve been in the habit of ruminating in the shower for 16 years. Not every time, but many times. It makes me dread showers because I don’t want to give in to a compulsion.
does your OCD get so consuming to the point that you CAN'T shower/do regular things that you would normally do? i'm not even depressed. i'm just burnt out & so overwhelmed by my own mind that i can't even shower or take a bath. & that's huge for me because i'm usually VERY clean/i always try to make sure i smell good. i'm just reaching out for support wherever i can at this point.
Do I stand at the sink while my daughter washes her hands? She wants me to turn the faucet on and off. She gets mad when I’m not doing exactly what she wants and then ends up washing for an hour or more. Or do I just leave the room and let her do it.
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