Is anyone's ocd contamination based? If it is, what's a story that really triggered your anxiety and how you overcame it or are overcoming it

My friend took a bite out of my food and I was so disgusted that I didn’t want to eat it, but I drank a bit and ended up eating it anyways and when I sobered up, I realized that I was worried about nothing. And then later that week I tried a sip of my sister’s coffee. Basically forcing myself to try people that I trust’s stuff. The only exception for the contamination anxiety is my boyfriend.

I saw a really dirty un flushed toilet stall and blood marks on the floor. From then it’s been a major downhill spiral. The sight of a slight smudge or dirt or male is enough to set me off to a crazy routine of a long shower and multiple hand washings. I’m trying to reduce the compulsions now. It’s much harder on days where I do see something gross as it reminded me of my major trigger. While we can agree that blood is gross for anyone, most people can see it, walk away and carry on their day. For me, this triggers multiple handwashing and the thought that it’s allover my body causing a long shower. Then anything I touched that day is considered contaminated and I will either need to wipe it or not let it touch my room which is considered free from contamination

I used to wash my hands ALL THE TIME. Seriously every 10-15 minutes. I used to clean my backpack every single day- and Lysol each individual PENCIL. Inside the bag. I used to have to clean everything MULTIPLE TIMES. Then mentally check to make sure I cleaned it all. One time my brother was spraying poison on the weeds and he came inside and touched me. I had to wash my clothes- take a shower - wash my hands- clean the door. All because he touched me (barely) ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE MEMORIES AND I LOOK BACK AND LAUGH. One day you WILL too. Do not give into your compulsions. It’s going to be uncomfortable. But please train yourself because little compulsions lead to bigger ones. Take it from me

It took a lot of time- but I slowly but surely resisted my compulsions. It was painful to resist at times but it was worth it!

It is very hard, Lark. Other things that I found helped me when it got tough were : exercise, eating fruits and veggies, getting sleep, drinking water, avoiding caffeine and sugar, etc. Helping your body helps your mind out (:

I definitely do not do that but thanks for the tips. Because I find the gym contaminated I don’t exercise at all and I eat 0 fruits and veggies. I’m trying to change this.

Lillie how did you get better from it

That’s impressive Lillie. Congrats. I’m trying to do the same but it is very hard