Harm OCD and Contamination

I’m looking for some help with this, of course OCD themes switch and lately it really is about harming others through contamination. Every time I touch something almost I have constant thoughts “if I don’t do this this means I want to hurt my family or loves one” but the thought feels so real like I want to do it, but obviously I don’t and gives me so much anxiety. Last couple months I was really spending a lot of time washing my hand from counting but now it’s got to the point that I can’t do anything without having thoughts that if I don’t clean or wash myself it means I want to get someone sick. It’s scary and I’m trying to not engage into the thoughts but they keep popping up. Any tips with harm contamination OCD and reducing these crazy thoughts? It almost feels like I want to have these thoughts but really they scare me if that’s makes sense? Any help would be awesome, thanks!!

Username: Amara Amara

Date posted: 17w ago

These thoughts can be distressing and challenging to manage, but there are strategies you can use to cope with these thoughts. Recognize that these thoughts are a symptom of OCD remind yourself that these intrusive thoughts are a product of your OCD and do not reflect your true intentions or desires. You are not a bad person for having these thoughts. Practice mindfulness: When these intrusive thoughts arise, try to observe them without judgment. Acknowledge the thoughts without getting caught up in them. Remember that thoughts are just thoughts and do not necessarily reflect reality. When you have these intrusive thoughts, try to challenge them with rational and realistic thinking. Remind yourself that just because you have these thoughts does not mean you will act on them. Set boundaries with compulsions , it's important to resist the urge to engage in excessive washing or cleaning rituals in response to these thoughts. While it may provide temporary relief, it can reinforce the cycle of OCD. Gradually reducing these rituals with the help of a therapist can be beneficial or use other programs. Remember, you should be kind to yourself and be patient also. As I said before, belief is very important. With enough practice, anything is possible. Dr. Joseph Murphy says we are creatures of habit. Anything you have succeeded in your life was with practice,driving, swimming, or anything else you are capable of now.

Username: Bobby10Bobby10

Date posted: 17w ago

@Anonymous - Thank you, the thoughts feel so strong sometimes like I really want that which is scary. Thanks again for the kind words and tips. Definitely feels better sometimes which is a good sign! Thank you once again!

Username: Amara Amara

Date posted: 17w ago

@Bobby10 Of course 🙂. I know they feel real and strong, and that's the trap of OCD . you think you want them, but if you truly wanted them, they wouldn't bother you in the first place. Remind yourself that no matter how difficult it may seem, these are just thoughts, and you will recover.

Username: No matric certificate No matric ce...

Date posted: 17w ago

I would say agree with the thoughts I know it's scary but agreeing doesn't mean believe them you just accepting you had a thought or you can use maybe maybe not ,totally, sure,non engagement responses and practice ERP

Username: Bobby10Bobby10

Date posted: 17w ago

@KeerenJialal Thank you, I’ve been trying to do this lately and it seems to be working, it allows me not to care so much which I think that all OCD is. It’s caring about a certain thought or compulsion, every compulsion and obsession I’ve have all went away once I stopped caring! Thank you again!

Username: Nancyyaa

Date posted: 23w ago

Please HELP

Idk if I have ocd or not I just want to know about 4 months ago I started getting harmful thoughts to loved ones im very scared because I would never hurt anyone. These thoughts scare me so much because they are so vivid and I have like these urges as if I’m going to do it. What is this? Am I ok? Am I going crazy please someone help it feels like I can’t take it anymore living this way with these thoughts haunting me day and night.

Username: carol.xxx

Date posted: 18w ago

Vent about HARM ocd pls reply. 👍🏻

Hello, I think it’s fairly obvious at the moment I am struggling with terrible harm related intrusive thoughts / harm ocd. I feel so distressed and anxious about these horrendous thoughts its to the point I’m crying out of panic or avoiding anything that may cause harm, but the thing is i have this horrible like “intrusive feeling” throughout my body that feels really strong despite my distress to the thoughts I just have this feeling of what if i snap throughout my body. I also feel whats severely effecting me is that if i did it like “What if I actually did it” “No but what if i did” “Anyone is capable of it” and then the feeling gets worse and stronger and it makes me even more anxious. I know it is Harm OCD but i feel so distressed so anxious even to the point im waking up in the middle of the night with horrid thoughts that distress me and i find it hard to sleep due to the feeling / thoughts. If anyone can relate to this I really hope you can reply, offering advice or sharing your experience because the worst part of Ocd is feeling abnormal and alone and this is what I am feeling and its hurting me so badly. I feel low , exhausted. 💕

Username: carol.xxx

Date posted: 17w ago

harm ocd please respond its typed properly - sorry

I am really struggling. I feel like I have a constant harm related intrusive thought in my head, causing a horrible intrusive feeling in my head. Even if I’m just simply scrolling and see someone sometimes this feeling of an intrusive thought becomes present, leading it to become horrid intrusive thoughts and feelings. I would never want to hurt anyone. Let alone do it and I’m struggling so much. I feel like I have a constant harm related intrusive thought in my head and feeling. Which is reinforced when I look at people. It goes when im distracted and then i remember the horrid feeling. I feel like bursting into tears, ive had enough. Can anyone relate? I feel like a constant intrusive thought and feeling IN my head im so sad :( I feel horrid. Scared ill go crazy.

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Harm OCD and Contamination

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