OCD and showeing: am I alone?

One aspect that OCD has changed in my life is showering. Ive become accessively worried when I think about showering because it's the one time I'm left completely alone with my thoughts, which is a perfect opening for my OCD to make me start ruminating and panicking. Its unfortunate, because it causes me to put off showering out of nervousness which lessens my hygenie. (Obviously this doesn't mean I don't shower at all lol, I force my fear down and shower regardless when I feel I've gone too long without it.) This has unfortunately caused it to become a miserable and scary experience for me, as dramatic as that sounds. It really sucks when something thats supposed to make you feel nice and clean only ends up making you fear your own mind. Is this just me? Does anyone else feel this way? Id love to hear some ways you guys deal with it.

david20

Date posted: Yesterday

I’ve been here before and am currently getting through it! I turn on a podcast or a YouTube video and lock in as much as I can

losingitalways

Date posted: Yesterday

🤔 I haven't thought of this lol, I just shower in pure silence. Maybe that's my issue

Savannah2

Date posted: Yesterday

For different and also similar reasons i can definitely relate. Mostly putting off showers until last minute on school weekends or breaks because I need to brush my hair before I shower (long, gets knotted) but because i don’t consider my brush clean it’s brings extra steps and worries to showering. In general there are a lot of tiring steps in the process of getting out and in the shower for me that I have to do after school regardless. Views on showers has definitely and unfortunately changed, wish I had tips but I don’t😓

losingitalways

Date posted: Yesterday

I understand, I'm sorry about that. 🫂 for me its similar, but with a different theme. I usually ruminate about past events or fears and I end up sitting in there forever and feeling unmotivated to get out. Regardless, we've got this. Ive heard people recommend audiobooks or YouTube videos to occupy your mind! I haven't tried it, but it may help you as well.

Savannah2

Date posted: 18h

@losingitalways Thank you 🫶

Amy B.

Date posted: Yesterday

These days I don't like showing because my OCD is always like "Are you sure you rinsed your hair? Better do it again just in case..." over and over with all my body. It's frustrating that showers are supposed to be relaxing and really it's just an opportunity to be tortured. I also turn on a podcast or audiobook a lot of the time. Or sometimes I turn the water to cold if I'm struggling—that can help snap me out too 😊

losingitalways

Date posted: Yesterday

I see! My themes are different, I mainly ruminate about the past or "what if" situations, and it causes me to sit in there and feel unmotivated to get out. Ill definitely try out the audiobook suggestion! It would help me narrow down my reading list lol, two birds with one stone

SP6

Date posted: Yesterday

I have the JBL Clip Bluetooth shower speaker. I turn on an audiobook or music almost every time I shower. Battery lasts a long time before having to charge and I can clip it on my shower curtain. I’ve had it for years and it’s held up great! It absolutely helps distract me. Maybe it would help for you too.

losingitalways

Date posted: Yesterday

I see! I'll try this next time! It'll probably do me some good

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