OCDWarrior17
- Date posted
- 1y ago
Hi
I have contamination OCD which I’ve had since 2016. Does anyone have any steps or plans to start to overcome it that I could try? I’m on medication and have had long term therapy.
A23A23
- Date posted
- 1y ago
I think within the general framework of OCD treatment, contamination OCD can be treated by accepting uncertainty and I'll provide some examples "Maybe this item is dirty, maybe it isnt" "Maybe I will get sick from that item, maybe I won't" "Maybe I am dirty, or maybe I am clean enough" I think acceptance of uncertainty and imperfection, as well as limiting compulsions, can help treat this theme effectively I'm sure a session with NOCD can also help if they are not your current provider and if you haven't seen OCD specialists before (because sometimes talk therapy isn't enough or helpful, particularly for OCD)
cyc1017 cyc1017
- Date posted
- 1y ago
My daughter has contamination OCD and is finally functioning very well. She went to a doctor who started her on Sertraline and did exposure therapy with her for a year or so. Learning to accept uncertainty (as you stated) is key. Also learning to live more in the gray rather than having everything be black or white. We are amazed and oh so grateful that our daughter has overcome her "living hell."
A23A23
- Date posted
- 1y ago
@cyc1017 That's amazing to hear, glad it's working out well
cyc1017 cyc1017
- Date posted
- 1y ago
@A23 Thank you. She has 2 precious sons and she fought through for them ❤️
JennielouisesJennielouises
- Date posted
- 1y ago
@A23 Yes I agree with this, although I haven’t managed it myself. I’ve done exposure and had times I’ve been able to manage my ocd but it always comes back as I haven’t treated the route cause. I can’t accept uncertainly as I don’t think I’ll cope with feeling uncomfortable. I therefore feel I need to control everything
A23A23
- Date posted
- 1y ago
@Jennielouises Maybe some sort of long term anxiety therapist would be beneficial?
JennielouisesJennielouises
- Date posted
- 1y ago
@A23 If only I could afford that. Others have learned to accept uncertainty so it must be possible
A23A23
- Date posted
- 1y ago
@Jennielouises Yeah some insurances also cover short term anxiety coaching, there's a program called AbleTo
A23A23
- Date posted
- 1y ago
@Jennielouises Long term strategies that may help also include exercise, meditation and journaling
JennielouisesJennielouises
- Date posted
- 1y ago
@A23 So I find for me, journaling makes me ruminate. But I do think I need to do the others. I also feel for me that doing daily mental exercise will help. I haven’t had a chance to focus on my mental health since Jan as my son has been so ill. So I’ve lost my fitness, just like you would if you stopped going to the gym
A23A23
- Date posted
- 1y ago
@Jennielouises Oh, best wishes for your son to recover 💙
TanyaShelby22TanyaShelby22
- Date posted
- 1y ago
hey, i really feel for you dealing with contamination ocd since 2016, it sounds incredibly tough. sticking with medication and therapy is a big step, and i admire your dedication to finding more ways to cope. 💪 have you heard about "unstuck"? it's an ai-powered therapy tool specifically for ocd (unstuckmyOCD.com). it's been a game-changer for me this past month, and i think it might offer you some new strategies. someone here recommended it to me, and i only wish i'd discovered it sooner!
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- Date posted
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- Date posted
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