Hi Everyone- I’m going to give myself 2 weeks to see if I can make progress battling contamination OCD using the tips and tools from people here. Some that I have found super helpful is sitting with the uncomfortable thoughts and letting them be vs doing the compulsions. I have major contamination issues with the public dirty bathroom feeling like it spread all over me. Any other tips on how to battle those thoughts? If I am unable to reduce 1.5 hour shower time I’m afraid I have to take my meds but I am avoiding it if I can try the “tools” first. I don’t have a therapist yet but my GP gave me my prescription. So if you have contamination tips and tools, please send them my way! For those who already sent your tips in the past, thanks so much! Lark

NO STOP COMPULSION!! antibacterial etc is most worse.. You must resist to compulsion no feet them!

Sorry Zilen, I’m not a professional, that is just how I deal with mine. I prefer to use methods like this than filling my body with a bunch of medications. It is still important to know more about how bacteria works, in my opinion, because it gives me a more rational argument against my COCD. Of course a professional would have better suggestions in coping mentally, but it is not always immediate and little things like this help me get through bad days.

I had this compulsion no anymore help me a book and my psychologist.. You must stand with anxiety no compulsions

Thanks both. To clarify I’m not looking for compulsion tips, I’m looking for ways to be able to deal with the contamination uncertainty without over sanitizing. Some examples were letting the thoughts pass, focusing energy elsewhere etc.

Yes, of course psychological treatment is the best way to go, and I wasn’t saying my suggestions were a direct solution. I was just trying to share some things that help me cut down on shower time, which is what the original post was asking about. In no way did I ever mean these things to be a permanent solution, but it does make it easier for me while going through treatment. In no way am I professional and I struggle with this also, so I understand what you are saying. However, the OP does not need to take my suggestions into account if they do not believe it would be helpful for them. In my opinion, this is not something that should be continued as a long term solution. But, it is much better to do this on bad days than to break down and cry in the shower scrubbing my skin raw, wishing it all would stop. That was the only point I was trying to make and not everyone can get rid of compulsions as soon or as easily as you might have, or they may compound with other compulsions. For me, my COCD is a significant trigger for my HOCD which can be very dangerous.

You must think that OCD is worse from any bactirial, dirty etc.. And if you stand with anxiety in a few weeks it gone

Good luck

I always carry disinfectant wipes on me so I don’t have to touch doorknobs and stuff like that. They have smaller packages for on the go but you can also take some from a bigger container and keep them in a ziplock bag so they don’t dry out. I also carry a bottle of hand sanitizer for when I have to touch things I don’t want to. They have quite a few antibacterial body washes ranging from dial to hibiclens, which is a medical grade product. There is also an anti bacterial shampoo called Anti-B which could be really helpful for you as well. The important thing to remember with contamination ocd, for me atleast, is that germs/bacteria can be killed with good soap and warm water. It doesn’t need to be an excessive amount of water either, it is the temperature and rinse that kills it off. Another thing you could do is rinse with rubbing alcohol or something like that in the shower before you turn the water on but that can dry your skin out significantly and can be expensive, although I’m sure it is comparable to the water bill if I were to do the math. I would highly recommend investing in more anti bacterial and anti microbial products. another thing that always helps me is wearing long sleeves/pants when I can. Even if it is hot outside I will wear a maxi skirt or tights on my legs or a light cardigan/shawl over my arms to prevent me from bumping directly into other people/things in public. Hope this helps you out a little!

Also Lark, sorry for getting so off track, I just wanted to make my intentions clear. Have you tried relaxation techniques such as mindfulness and meditation? When I am really in a bad spot it can be hard to meditate on my own and clear all my thoughts so I use guided meditations on Spotify, there are tons if you just search ‘guided meditations’. If you don’t have Spotify there are tons on YouTube as well and some of them are visually aided which can be very helpful. A lot of Buddhist sites have other mindfulness techniques of many different types that can be very helpful including stretching, yoga, drawing/coloring, etc. I use this for almost everything from my ocd, and panic attacks to insomnia or even when I am mad at someone or stressed about work/bills whatever. It is a great reset during the day as they have ones that are as short as ten minutes or as long as an hour or so. I think of it as a little mini nap to kind of reboot my brain, so to speak. You should also look into using mandalas to meditate, especially if you obsess over balance/symmetry like I do, this is another Buddhist technique. Although I am not religious, and in no way am I trying to force a religion on to you, the principles of Buddhism focus around self awareness, mindfulness and finding peace in yourself. And who doesn’t want that after fighting a battle in your own brain every day?

I have hocd too. And wash feet it.. Break a cycle

I need help ugh