I Take About An Hour In Toilet. How To Cope With OCD In A Dorm Life And Avoid Bullying?

My problem sounds kinda silly in comparison to others here, but I must say it plagues my daily life so so much that I just need to share it. It would be great if I could get a few advice here. I was diagnosed with OCD a few years back, although the symptoms started quite a few more years back. It’s nothing too serious, but it takes me almost an hour to use the toilet (not bathing). What takes so much time? Cleaning myself and washing my hands mostly. I repeat a set of…what the doctor termed as ‘rituals’ I perceive as ‘necessary’ to wash my hands properly. If I do not complete them, the back of my mind screams “You’re still unclean!”. Even if I manage to avoid my compulsions for one day, on the next, it doesn’t become any easier. A brutal cycle of obsessions and compulsions that needs to be broken every day, but I can’t. I can speed up my ‘rituals’, but not avoid them entirely. This means the time I need in the toilet is still around 45 minutes to an hour. On my worst days, it has even gone for two and a half hours at a time. Although I can continue like this at home, but soon I need to move to college. I know college and dorm life won’t be any kinder to me with this disability of mine. Neither will I be given so much time inside shared washrooms, nor can I avoid the vicious bullying that may come with it. The latter is mostly my assumption, but even normal students face ragging in college; it’s a fact. I would be really glad if anyone with similar conditions who has spent life in dorms alongside peers could share their experiences. How to manage the demon of OCD and how can I survive dorm life? I’m already scared of rumours of ragging I heard from my seniors, but this disability of mine makes life so much worse. I’m really afraid of what the future holds for me.

Username: thisaintnodiscothisaintnodisco

Date posted: 37w ago

I am already out of college but I relate to your fears. I experienced the same anxiety when I have to travel and be somewhere outside of my home. In ways it has helped me to have gradual exposures and be forced to work through them which is good for my OCD. But all I can do is set myself up so that I don’t have to take it all on it once. Once you get there you’ll find your routine and you’ll make it work. Hopefully also letting go of some of the rituals. *hugs*

Username: Insidedemon_slayerInsidedemon_...

Date posted: 37w ago

thanks for sharing man.

Username: thisaintnodiscothisaintnodisco

Date posted: 37w ago

@Insidedemon_slayer For sure

Username: Ben84Ben84

Date posted: 37w ago

My contamination concerns weren't as extreme as yours, but like thisainynodisco said, going to college actually helped me with that theme. I lived in an all-male dorm too (ew...). I remember my first attempts at finding a "clean" toilet. I checked multiple floors to no avail and had to go to a different building. Not a sustainable solution. Gradually I got to where I can use just about any toilet anywhere.

Username: Insidedemon_slayerInsidedemon_...

Date posted: 37w ago

thanks for sharing! if you don't mind, can I ask u one thing? were you bullied for your OCD and if yes, how did you cope with it?

Username: Ben84Ben84

Date posted: 37w ago

@Insidedemon_slayer No I wasn't. People never really understood my behavior and could get frustrated by it, but no bullying. I think it it's more likely you'll find people who want to help or will just leave you alone. No guarantees though.

Username: BobbyIX32BobbyIX32

Date posted: 37w ago

hey, i totally get how overwhelming and frustrating this must feel for you. having ocd rituals, especially around something as common as using the toilet, can make everyday tasks really daunting. 😔 it's not silly at all; your feelings and struggles are valid. i deal with a different ocd theme myself, so i know how tough it can be to break free from those compulsions and fears. since i'm battling a different theme, i might not have the most specific advice for your situation, but i wanna share some resources that have been super helpful for me. there's this app called "unstuck ocd therapy tools" that my local ocd support group recommended. it's pretty cool because it offers ai-personalized guidance and exercises right when you need them. also, i've found the ocd reddit to be a great place to connect with others who really understand what it's like to live with ocd. you might find some good tips and support there too. 🌟

Username: Insidedemon_slayerInsidedemon_...

Date posted: 37w ago

thanks!

Username: PhillipFillip1PhillipFillip1

Date posted: 37w ago

i use unstuck and highly recommend u check it out too!!

Username: steaks3

Date posted: 4y ago

Can anyone give me advice about having ocd while in school because it’s starting soon and I’m scared that I won’t do my best?

Username: Espresso16

Date posted: 1y ago

Shower ocd

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?

"Pure" OCD

Username: laurenx11

Date posted: 1y ago

Bathroom OCD

Fear of not being able to get to the bathroom in time is ruining my life.

"Pure" OCD

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I Take About An Hour In Toilet. How To Cope With OCD In A Dorm Life And Avoid Bullying?

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