I think I’ve washed my hands around 13 times today, and it’s not even that many compared to what I usually end up doing :(

If it makes you feel any better, I used to wash my hands and arms until they were so raw they were bleeding. I’d wash several times each wash, throughout the day. I even at times used bleach wipes. Now I only wash when I need to, once but thoroughly (I’ll sing the happy birthday song twice and I just let it be). It may help to ask someone who doesn’t have OCD when they wash their hands. Usually after using the bathroom and taking out garbages but ask so you can try to limit washing for when you do those things. As for how I got over it, my therapist made me touch things that I thought were contaminated and waited 10-15minutes before I can wash -once. Sometimes she had me rub my hands all over myself and all over my place so it’s spread enough it’s hard to clean. Also maybe after touching something you think is contaminated, touch your family. I touched my ex who understands my OCD and is very supportive. Seeing him being okay to what I perceived to be danger helped me to realize it’s okay.

You’ll get through this. ❤️

Wow u have awesome support crazy cat lady

I actually took the handles off of my sink so the water couldn't turn on because i was so sick of washing my hands until they hurt, it actually helped! ?

Thanks you all so much for the support!

@crazy.cat.lady I might try that. It seems so difficult tho? especially touching my family, I don’t want to hurt them?

@sof you can do it! My therapist had me eat chocolate off of a toilet seat ?and had me crying ?but I’m not scared as badly as i used to be. Also if it helps, have your family or whomever allows you to touch them to be with you when you touch the contaminated thing. If it helps have them tell you to touch them. And after you do go reward yourself. ?I know you don’t want to hurt them. It sucks how OCD attacks things that we care about the most.

@crazy.cat.lady Yh, it’s frustrating?