Contamination OCD and I have COVID :O

I've never had COVID until now. I've tried so hard to avoid it. My family all got it first and I have a baby. We stayed away from the others as much as possible, even had my husband and other kid stay somewhere else, but it was too late and the baby got it and I had to take him to the ER for a 106 fever, and then I got sick from him and I am very sick, and I know the virus is everywhere in, on, and around me, and I don't know how I will ever survive knowing I can't possibly get rid of it from everything. I had to go to the ER for heart symptoms from my illness and they did lots of tests but I'm just very sick. I bet my anxiety was giving me heart palpitations. This really feels like my worst nightmare. Even after I'm better, how can I disinfectant every single thing, the carpets, my baby's stuff, so I'm not worried about infecting other people or even about just having the virus on me? I know it can't make me sick again but it's the contamination that kills me.

Contamination OCD

Username: Amara Amara

Date posted: 19w ago

It's completely understandable and it sounds incredibly challenging, especially with the added stress of having a baby who is unwell and your own health concerns. It's completely valid to feel anxious and overwhelmed right now. Recognizing your feelings as normal responses to a stressful situation can sometimes lessen their intensity. Since you’ve already been to the ER, make sure you follow up with your healthcare provider regarding your symptoms and your baby’s health. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation and reassure you about any health concerns you might have. It can seem daunting, but focus on high-touch areas first (like doorknobs, light switches, and surfaces). Use appropriate disinfectants as per CDC guidelines. It’s not necessary to disinfect every single thing right away. Know that the virus does not survive long on most surfaces. Developing a cleaning schedule can help you tackle sanitizing without feeling overwhelmed. You can break tasks down into manageable parts. If following news updates exacerbates your anxiety, consider setting boundaries on how much you consume. This might help you feel more centered. Amid the stress, remember to take small moments to care for yourself. Whether it's a short break, deep breathing, or talking to someone supportive, self-care is essential. It’s important to take it one day at a time. Allow yourself to feel what you're feeling without judgment this is a tough situation, and it's okay to be upset about it.

Username: TexasOCD41TexasOCD41

Date posted: 19w ago

First off let me say im sorry you had such a rough go with the virus. I don't want to give you reassurance that will feed your OCD but I can give you a scientific fact that might help you not engage in the compulsive need to clean everything. Viruses need a live host to survive. Covid lives on surfaces no longer than 5 days. You're house is not actually contaminated top to bottom, your OCD is just triggered and making you think it is. If you are still working on getting your strength back, the best thing you can do is rest and recover for the next few days and by the time you have the strength to clean, you no longer will have any need to.

Username: Lilith7Lilith7

Date posted: 19w ago

The illogical thing I'm coming to realize more clearly is that I'm upset by even the dead virus being on me and in my environment. I can't really do anything about it though.

Username: TexasOCD41TexasOCD41

Date posted: 19w ago

@Lilith7 It won’t be either. The death of a virus is that it pretty much dry up and evaporate and cease to be. But regardless of what happens to the virus, it’s not the true problem it’s just the vector that ocd used to convince you something needs your attention and it doesn’t. Honestly the BEST thing to do, is absolutely nothing. It’s a very good ERP opportunity

Username: Lilith7Lilith7

Date posted: 19w ago

@TexasOCD41 This is very, very helpful and makes me glad to have posted here. Thank you.

Username: AnonymousAnonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 17w ago

That sucks!! My partner just had it & I took 4..count them 4 tests and this time I never got it!! Me, who always get sick first. If I may recommend, don't clean one thing. I sprayed lysol on all the door knobs, light switches etc & then let it be. Can I challenge this thought? "and I know the virus is everywhere in, on, and around me, and I don't know how I will ever survive knowing I can't possibly get rid of it from everything. giving me heart palpitations. This really feels like my worst nightmare. Even after I'm better, how can I disinfectant every single thing, the carpets, my baby's stuff, so I'm not worried about infecting other people or even about just having the virus on me? I know it can't make me sick again but it's the contamination that kills me." What you wrote above has little ocds fingerprints all over it. Perhaps you can yell at your ocd? I could give you an example if you'd like.

Username: Lilith7Lilith7

Date posted: 17w ago

Sure... but also know that our rough course with COVID was quickly followed with a stomach virus and a persistent cold, definitely not helping the situation. 😳

Username: Bobby10

Date posted: 22w ago

Harm OCD and Contamination

I’m looking for some help with this, of course OCD themes switch and lately it really is about harming others through contamination. Every time I touch something almost I have constant thoughts “if I don’t do this this means I want to hurt my family or loves one” but the thought feels so real like I want to do it, but obviously I don’t and gives me so much anxiety. Last couple months I was really spending a lot of time washing my hand from counting but now it’s got to the point that I can’t do anything without having thoughts that if I don’t clean or wash myself it means I want to get someone sick. It’s scary and I’m trying to not engage into the thoughts but they keep popping up. Any tips with harm contamination OCD and reducing these crazy thoughts? It almost feels like I want to have these thoughts but really they scare me if that’s makes sense? Any help would be awesome, thanks!!

Username: Kay_buni

Date posted: 16w ago

POCD has taken over my life for the past years.

POCD has been the worst thing I've ever been through. I feel like I have always sort of experienced it but not to the degree I do now. I used to plan being a mother to a beautiful family. Now I don't know if I'll ever have children at the risk of having a girl. I used to have intrusive thoughts that would make me feel weird but I could just move on from them. That was until I had to babysit my niece and change her diaper. I want to throw up thinking about it. I got a horribly strong groinal response and I didn't know what to do. I didn't understand why it was happening. It bothered me all day that day and later on I did the disgusting deed of testing myself. I regret it everyday. It's a horrible compulsion and it haunts me. I tested if I was getting off to the thought of her. And of course there was stimulation because of the groinal response. But I hated doing it. I just felt like I had to be sure. After that and since then I haven't wanted to be around her. I stopped planning being a mother, I stopped watching cute baby videos like I used to enjoy because they trigger disgusting intrusive thoughts. After a while I stopped being intimate with my boyfriend and haven't done anything with for months because the thoughts take over and make me feel like I may enjoy the deed more if I was thinking of children. I worry that maybe I do enjoy these thoughts and I'm just denying it. I wish I could be sure. I feel so disgusting and ugly, I've never hated myself this much. It takes over most of my days. I wish I had never changed her diaper. Some times in moments of clarity I am so sure that I'm not a predator, but when I am vulnerable OCD sneaks back in and tells me I enjoy my thoughts and that I should think them. Sometimes it gets so overwhelming that I have to test. I wish I could stop. It ruins my entire week. I feel like a monster. I want to love my life again. I miss life before this. I feel so hopeless most of the time and I can't imagine a way out. I'm scared to start therapy because what if I found out I am a monster? I can't live like that. I won't. I want to cry and scream. Am I alone in this?

POCD

Username: Kinu

Date posted: 4w ago

Contamination OCD

I don't know what to do, my hands have become so numb and bruised because of constant washing hands, i have started hating each and every furniture around me, beacuse i feel they are not clean although they are being cleaned regularly but i cannot stop these thoughts. I clean my phone, bluetooth, charger with wet wipes each day, i don't touch any object around me, i am not being able to focus on my studies or anything else because of my ocd ihave stopped going out, everyone around me is so fed up of me. I have consulted so many therapists and been taking ayurvedic supplements too but nothing works. It is getting worse and worse, please if anybody can suggest me how to overcome these thoughts!

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Contamination OCD and I have COVID :O

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