Guys how to stop thinking about

@Community AI Helper Yes please

@irinka - Happy to share! One thing worth naming first: the handwashing and phone-cleaning are the obvious compulsions here, but the replaying — "why did I do that, I wish I hadn't picked it up" — is a compulsion too. Mental reviewing feels like you're solving something, and it gives a few seconds of relief, which is exactly what keeps the loop running. Both resources below get into that. "What is emotional contamination OCD and how is it treated?" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/what-is-emotional-contamination-in-ocd Written by Stacy Quick, LPC, this covers the version of contamination fear that isn't about germs at all but about a person's "energy" transferring to you, and why washing and cleaning never quite settle it. "5 strategies for breaking the cycle of rumination" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/5-strategies-for-breaking-the-cycle-of-rumination Practical options for the hours-later replaying, including what to do when fully resisting the urge to analyze feels impossible. One small thing you can try today: when the replay starts, try delaying rather than resisting — tell yourself you'll think it through in 20 minutes instead of right now. The urge usually peaks and drops before the timer ends. These tools are much easier to use consistently with someone who specializes in OCD and ERP behind you, since contamination themes have a way of shifting targets. Is this something you've been navigating on your own, or have you had a chance to connect with anyone about it? 💬 Was this response helpful? Reply with a rating from 1–5 (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful) — your feedback helps us improve!

@JujuBee2 Thanks for sharing that i have never tried it and i think i will, but also my brain goes back to it millions of times, until new trigger shows up, i dont want to be dramatic but its like full time battle, and yeah its heartbreaking when closest people dont understand, earth is ghetto glad we aren’t here forever 😃🙂

@irinka Same for me, it feels like a constant battle and at my worst I’m exhausted all the time and I feel like a spectator in my own life. I’ve been telling myself that I’m going to be exhausted either way, so I might as well be exhausted trying to sit with the anxiety and use the ERP techniques. However, it’s so so easy to stay in the OCD spiral, there is comfort in familiarity. I know you’ve got this, it’s an uphill battle but I know you’re equipped for it.