Am I the only person who genuinely has a really difficult time using the bathroom because of their ocd and actually puts it off for long periods of time? I’m afraid I’m going to get a bladder infection or something from this because I hardly use the bathroom, because the whole experience is so stressful and I have to wash my hands for a ridiculous amount of time after. Today I was crying washing my hands for probably an hour, ugh. The whole experience often makes me feel suicidal from all the stress and anxiety. And I’m always exhausted after from all the hand washing. I’ve never heard of anyone else having this issue and feel so stupid. I can’t even take care of my basic human needs.

I’m completely understand you! I was so surprised to read your message. I kept thinking: is the same problem I have been having lately! I feel really identified with your situation. I only use the bathroom one time in the day. I hardly eat and drink liquids. Because of the same reason you expressed. It is so stressful and full of anxiety to use the bathroom. I ended up being there more than an hour. And like you I take a ridiculous amount of time to wash my hands. Also I’m afraid of the surroundings in the bathroom, I think I could contract Covid there. All of this is new to me. I have been experiencing this for like the last two weeks. I don’t know what to do to change the situation. It is so frustrating, exactly like you explained. Im really sorry that I can’t give you any advice. I’m still struggling with the situation. Just know that you’re not alone! And you can do it. Thank you a lot for sharing your story, it has make feel less alone. There has to be more people having the same situation.

I’m really thankful for your post! Somehow knowing that there was someone also dealing with the same struggles gave me hope that this could have a solution. I don’t know if this makes sense.

The other day I decided to make a plan. What steps should I follow to shorten the time I spent hand washing. I go to the bathroom following my plan but then something unexpected happened. I ended up being there 1:40 minutes. It made no sense. Since then I have been trying to work on my rituals to try to spend less time but I haven’t been successful.

I told my therapist about this problem but I feel that she did not grasp the severity of it.