- Date posted
- 43w
I’m always convinced I have STDs
This is my first post.. For years now I’ve had a severe fear of getting an STD, having one would make me feel unlovable and undesirable. It first started when my mom allowed homeless people to live in our garage, use our bathroom, and other parts of the house. I feel like that is understandable, they are dirty people and everything in my house became disgusting after their arrival. That was about five years ago, I moved out a few days ago. After awhile of them being at that house, I often found myself worrying about the toilet seats and shower and so I would stand to pee (I’m female), cover the seat with toilet paper when I had to go #2, and wear shoes in the shower. Failing to do any would cause me to obsess over thinking I got an STD. After some more time it got worse, I wouldn’t touch my mom, doorknobs, handles, or anything in the house without a paper towel or something to protect my skin. Even if I was running late, I had to find something to open the door so my skin wasn’t contaminated. The anxiety spread to the outside world as well. I don’t touch doors or anything many people have including money. If I have to touch it my fingers start tingling and feel dirty until I get to wash my hands. As I mentioned earlier, I moved. I turned 18 on the 19th of October and really want to get better. I’m unsure how to get over my fear of STDs, it feels like anything I listed could result in catching an STD if I touch a dirty door and then go to the bathroom I feel I could get one. It’s exhausting and I wish I didn’t, does anyone else deal with this? Any advice? Please help😭