My thought process currently: my dog pooped on the floor. Husband cleaned it up with toilet paper. However he did not use a disinfectant or even a wet wipe. Dog walked in the same area the poop was not cleaned appropriately. Dog jumped in my lap, I figured since I was about to shower it would be okay and I let her lay all over me and I pet her. Then I held my phone. After I took a shower, I picked up my phone without first disinfecting it, now my hands feel horribly dirty. I’m scared I will spread germs that the dog may have spread to me and I spread to my phone. However my husband is telling me it will be alright, be strong and don’t wash my hands or disinfect my phone and watch as nothing bad happens. Is this a legit reason to clean my phone and hands or is this just the OCD talking??

this is irrational I know it is hard to distinguish between that and rational but it is OCD and you have to stay strong ?

I do this all the time. I found an ant in my room the other day and I had to completely strip everything from my room and vacuum each individual object. Although, I knew it was illogical, I knew I had to do it. I would try exposing yourself to more uncomfortable situations, similar to the one you had today. Distract yourself with a show or music, and after awhile you’ll realize that you’re okay. The germs didn’t harm you, you’re still here! My therapist has been teaching me this. She’ll make me touch the ground with my hand, and once we start talking, the thought kinda fades. It’s still there, but not as bad as when I initially touched the ground.

actually try not distracting yourself and sit with the anxiety. if this is to difficult then resist for as long as you can then end the exposure and set it aside for a day your feeling stronger. Distractions may not always be where you need them so sitting without distractions prepares you for when you get anxious and have no physical way of calling yourself down. just my opinion hope you all feel better(:

Sounds like this is really distressing to you. Keep going though-resist those compulsions ?

I literally don’t know the difference between logical and illogical anymore!

I can totally identify! Loving the ERP related replies.