Contamination OCD

I have suffered with ocd for years. A few months ago I was in a bathroom and saw blood in my stall. This triggered really bad contamination ocd/anxiety in me. I never had a problem with contamination before. I worked in the medical field but now I can’t help but think there is blood all around, and worse than just blood, diseased blood. It sounds crazy I know. I go to the grocery and feel like I need to wash my clothes and shower. My hand washing has gotten out of control.

@SarahMS I have the same exact fear…. I always look closely at objects in public to see if something red is on it because my mind immediately thinks that if its red its blood. And i start freaking out and thinking what if i get a disease from this blood. Then when i eat out in public i look closely at my food to make sure no blood or anything is on it. I thought i was the only one…. It feels comforting to know someone else dealing with the same thing as me ….

@SarahMS I feel the urge to shower after the store too and I avoid using carts or baskets like crazy but what mostly gives me the urge is how many people freaking cough like they have no consideration at all so it doesn't help that your in a store feeling contaminated but to top it off there's grown adults (they do it more than children surprisingly) coughing without covering their mouth. Mines gotten out of hand as well I try to use moisturizing soaps to keep them moisturized and use lotion specifically lubriderm or gold bond. I have been trying to lessen the washing and only panic wash when the anxiety is high. It's seriously exhausting.

@Anonymous - I thought I was alone too! Have u found any strategies to help cope? I’m really struggling. It honestly does feel comforting to know someone understands!

@Maddybug53 - It is so exhausting! I seriously hate it. The carts at the grocery is use are rusty and I always convince myself that it’s blood and I spiral. Dove has a great soap too that is gentle on hands.

@SarahMS Yes I uses the dark blue brand works amazingly well.

@SarahMS I have found no ways to cope :( i try journaling sometimes to get the thoughts out of my head and onto a paper it makes the situation less loud and scary in my head… but other than that no other coping mechanisms yet :(

@SarahMS If u dont mind me asking, how old r u ? And how long have u had the diseased blood fear? Im 17 and i have had this fear for about 3 months now it started when i was working as a cashier. Cause u know..As a cashier, u have close contact with people’s hands to give them money and i started noticing customers having cuts on them and thats what started this fear now im scared of hiv/aids

@Anonymous - I have had the fear since late August. I was in a bathroom stall and noticed blood. Since then it has just spiraled. I have an unrealistic fear of hepatitis. I used to work in healthcare and was never like this. It is consuming every ounce of me. I hope you find something to help u cope! I know how terrible it is.

How do you cope w it? Have any therapies worked for you?