OCD and fear is robbing me of the most happy moments of my life. My husband and I just bought our first house, an event that should be one of the happiest of our lives. However, I am miserable. All I can think about is that one of the walls of my daughters bedroom is shared with the kitchen and the refrigerator. Since my obsession right now is radiation, my mind is convinced that I’m harming her by exposing her to the radiation coming from that wall into her room. I would sell this house if I could even if my husband divorced me. That’s how bad my anxiety is and my need to bring my child to safety. Everyone just tells me how crazy I am and how nobody would even consider my concern a real one. But this is driving me insane. I’m starting to believe that I’m just addicted to this anxiety feeling because there is always something that I worry/obsess about no matter what. Im just exhausted.

you are not crazy. you are not your thoughts. i think to some degree that is a perfectly normal fear however you are allowing it to consume you so of course you’re exhausted. i know what it’s like to feel addicted to anxiety. for me in an odd way, i find comfort in my anxiety. i don’t know what it’s like to not worry and have a clear mind. i’m so used to having all these obsessions that when i am at peace or find happiness, i find a way to mess it up. enjoy your first house!! that’s amazing! don’t let anxiety take you from the present. being a concerned mom is no problem. but don’t let the anxiety consmume you. it’s just good old fashion OCD.

Ahh I’m sorry you have to exaperience that. I’m not personally a mother but I couldn’t even begin to imagine how distressing it would be to have my intrusive thoughts relate to my kid. However this could be a perfect instance to try to challenge your intrusive thoughts. Fridges have been around for Almost a hundred years, and if they were that bad for your health it would be actively advised. Also as a college student I can promise you I know a lot of kids who sleep next to a wine cooler or mini fridge of some sort and still be healthy.

Awe friend, we can’t protect our children from everything in the world. Life would be so boring and pointless if we spent all of our time just worrying about safety. If we are all going to die anyway, we may as well enjoy our time on earth.

Maybe, good advice but mysejf at 59!yrs old, two sons Army vets I still feel I can’t protect my kids…. It’s not fun .,. I know it’s reality but still Not fun

My thinking is it’s my job to protect them But I know I can’t, to most things, that’s what I’d getting tired me I know I can’t