Extremely frustrated at the moment. I had to move home from college because I have I had a crisis due to contamination OCD. (Anybody else live their life by viewing the “clean” and “dirty” worlds?) my school only has suite style housing so I was forced to share space with two other people who were constantly bringing contamination and strangers into to my clean safe space. I’m trying to advocate for housing accommodations for next year so I can have a single suite to myself and not have to worry about performing my compulsions in the safe space. I have sent the school multiple pieces of documentation from my psychiatrist explaining why this is a medical necessity and the school is still not granting me the accommodations. I feel like I’m being punished for having OCD and they are trying to away my education. I will keep fighting for these accommodations because if they don’t grant them I’ll have no way to attend school and I’ll be forced to drop out. I just want to go to school and get my college experience like everyone else :(

Contamination OCD

spyro

Date posted: 4y

I’m facing a similar issue!! I also live in suite style housing, and I have to share the bathroom with my roommate and 2 suitemates. I also am trying to get single suite housing next semester. I feel your struggle. And it is also frustrating because single suites are more expensive. Just wanted to let you know you are definitely not alone

em.rox

Date posted: 4y

I appreciate your message. The most frustrating part is the school is trying to make me feel bad by saying I would be taking a room away from other people. My OCD makes me feel so guilty, and they are just making it worse

spyro

Date posted: 4y

@em.rox What in the world, the school needs to chill out a little. If it’s that big of a deal to them, they can put three people in a triple room or something. You have a medical note, it’s their job to accommodate you

spyro

Date posted: 4y

I’m so sorry to hear about that

anonymous 88...

Date posted: 4y

This is a tough one. They are legally obligated to provide you with reasonable accommodation. I'm not sure whether it is considered reasonable accommodation if they don't have the resources. I got diagnosed against my will at the counseling center, which means it was on record with the school, so they had to provide accommodation. My school had single rooms in the corridor style apartments though (I'm not sure if the shared bathroom would be a problem for you though. In those days I could use a shared bathroom). You could theoretically take legal action if you are being discriminated against. What about getting an apartment off campus?

em.rox

Date posted: 4y

I’m a first generation college student with very little money so I can’t afford an off campus apartment unfortunately. Only reason I can pay for my housing is with fincial aid. And the issue is the shared bathroom unfortunately for me because I’m terrified I’m going to get sick and die if i use a bathroom that other people are also using and letting their guests use it. If they don’t give me what I need I think I might have to take legal action. I’m out of state so it’s not really an option to commute but under ADA they cants discriminate against me for having these needs with medical documentation. They have the resources I’m sure but they don’t want to give it to me

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond