Another imagined scenario at work tonight when washing my hands at the break room sink - every time I finished rinsing my hands, my brain convinced me I had taken them and rubbed them all over the sink. Like cleaning the sink with them in place of a wipe or something. Just over and over. So naturally my response is, oh darn let's wash them again. I was in there forever. This has happened to me when people are in there too and it's so mortifying because I can't stop, and I know people can see me. People waiting to use the sink (or bathroom if I'm in there) makes my compulsions SO much worse. It's just exhausting.

Yup! It happens to me as well. I always think I’ve touched the counter and have to re-wash even though in the back of my mind I know that I haven’t. I ended up only re-washing my hands when I’m absolutely certain I’ve touched the counter. If I’m even the slightest bit unsure I don’t wash my hands because I tell myself that I don’t focus on things that I’m unsure about only 100% sure about. Hope that helps! :)

Cait- this is tough. I totally hear you! This has happened to me so many times as I’m washing my hands ocd makes me think I actually didn’t wash it or I touched something dirty. Instead of battling with ocd I just opt to re-wash it again which has caused this habit to get out of control. It’s very difficult but I’ve been slowly taking advice of people here and to fight it while possible hoping it helps in the long run b

Exactly. I try to reason with myself but I always end up compulsively washing my hands. It's brutal. My hands are so red and raw and dry. I'm so embarrassed of them. ?

Hang in there! Let’s keep trying to say to ourselves one wash only! It’s hard but it should help in the long run.