Contamination/ mold OCD

I’ve been in a really bad ocd flare up about contamination, which is really heightened whenever I’m exposed to mold. I just moved across the country and had to pack up my storage unit which had items that were in my old apartment that had mold, and now I’m afraid everything is contaminated. Even though the house i moved to does not. I’m just scared to unpack my boxes and bring anything in the house. I just feel like everything is contaminated in this house now, and nothing feels safe. It’s terrifying. Sharing this Incase this resonates with someone else. I’ve never had contamination ocd until mold exposure, which is a very real thing, so it’s hard to do ERP with because it’s also real. Does anyone relate?

Anonymous

Date posted: 28d

I get this 100%. Not necessarily with mold in particular, although I’ve had this happen with mold on food where i can’t just pick out the bad bits. It’s so so hard, I’m sorry you’re feeling that way!! Hopefully it helps knowing someone else relates.

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: Yesterday

@Anonymous Thank you so much :) I’m sorry you deal with this as well!

Amy B.

Date posted: 28d

My parents had mold in their second home a few years back and never did anything to actually deal with it. They plan to eventually move back into that house and I worry about what will happen to their health when they do. Mold triggers my OCD really bad, but it's also a real health issue. I'm not sure how ERP works with this, but I know how you feel.

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: Yesterday

@Amy B. I’m sorry you deal with this too, it is really complex because it’s a real issue. Thank you so much for sharing ☺️

rynotbread

Date posted: 28d

I live in an old flat that no matter how much I clean, still feels contaminated now matter how much I clean it. It will never be enough, but that’s all the more reason to recover. I definitely relate to your post, but through ERP therapy I know that there’s only so much in which we can do. Anxiety/OCD can keep trying, but standing up to it is so much more strong than giving into it!! Keep up with your therapy and medication(s), because I promise it gets better 💗

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: Yesterday

@rynotbread I’m sorry you’re having to deal with that as well. It’s so hard but You are not alone. Thank you for sharing☺️

littlestinker

Date posted: 28d

Contamination OCD of 12 years here. I know exactly how this could be feeling intense for you, especially because it’s a proven not awesome thing! From my experience, personally moving houses has always been a trigger for my contamination ocd, I think not only is it a generally big life thing but I think the concept of all of my stuff having to be moved is a trigger which could potentially be a source for you too! If I were in the position of you, I would start ERP by opening the smallest or easiest box and taking the stuff out or even taking only one item out and progressing from there. I would also combat the obsession by focusing only on that task at hand and reminding myself that, ocd is a liar, ocd is a hijacked system in the brain that makes you feel like it’s keeping you safe when in reality it’s only there to lie and make things harder, I find reminding myself of that when I do contamination exposure helps me. I hope this made sense and helps x

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond