I turn 20 this year and wonder if I’ll be able to have kids and start a family if I have contamination ocd. My partner is great and we’ve been together for 4 years and I’m just thinking about how in the next 10 years id like to get married and start a family but I constantly see kids as germ carriers. I want to be a good mom and a good partner but sometimes I can’t even kiss my partner.
Worry about the future is a pretty common distortion, we try to predict things or fortune tell. To some degree, accepting uncertainty as a treatment approach works well here
I used to be so scared of how my ocd would have an affect on having kids. I put off having kids for a long time. I just had my first baby last year and started ERP while I was pregnant. Some days are harder than others, but I’m more capable than I used to think I was and just have to take it a day at a time. It can get better and it’s worth it!
Don't let your OCD destroy your life goals. Use the time now to work on your recovery. When I was your age I had similar issues - and I had huge fear of body fluids. I worked hard on my own to expose myself, after 6 months I was so free so I could work in a nursery home - I was so proud of my progress. Maybe you can go to therapy, or do the work on your own - you can babysit or find other ways to expose yourself. It's worth it, you can do it! We have to surrender and do the things we fear until theynot bother us at all.
How did you decide whether or not to have children? My psychologist tells me that people with contamination ocd can be great parents but I just don’t know how I will possibly be able to handle it. My partner wants children and I think I do too but I’m just not sure if it’s the right choice for someone like me. I can’t take care of a human being if I go back to having full-on breakdowns and constant panic. Any advice or personal experience is appreciated.
Hi! I have a recurring thought that I need help reasoning about. I'm 21 years old and have been struggling with OCD since I was very young, and it's been worse than ever since I turned 16. Anyway, I'm young now and I don't plan on having children until I'm maybe around 30. Unfortunately, I have a strong fear for the future, what if I can't have children because they might also be affected by OCD? I've experienced most themes, and I wouldn't wish this terrible illness on my worst enemy, so how can I possibly risk my future child having it?
Hello. I have been on here for a while but this is my first post. I'll cut to the point. I've always wanted kids. And now that my husband and I are trying for a kid.. I'm so nervous about it. I have a hard time touching doors and foreign objects because of germs as it is. And i'm worried all pregnancy is going to do is increase my anxiety. The fear is so intense that tonight I told my husband maybe I don't want kids?.. I do. But I don't know if I can put myself through hormone changes like that when I feel like I can't even control my anxiety most days nows. I've felt like this for 3 years....
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
