Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.
I have contamination obesssions/rituals. I clean constantly and repetitively. But there is something else I do that I was wondering if anyone else can relate to. If I am near an obviously contaminated object, like a waste basket in a public restroom, I have thoughts of touching the contents and then after wonder if I really did touch them. I know this sounds foolish but it drives me crazy because afterwards I feel dirty and contaminated. I was just wondering if anyone did the same and if so any coping skills would be helpful.
Also, there are just certain people that I feel are i guess contaminated, only I don't really think of it like that. For instance, I haven't been to my apartment in a long time because I stay with my boyfriend, and while I was gone, this person went and stayed in my room, sleeping in my bed. I now feel like my bed is contaminated, and it will take a lot of washing for me to feel comfortable about my bed again (I really want to throw it all away, but I know that this is drastic).
I don't think i have ever wondered if i really did touch them, but I can relate, as there have been other small things like that where I'm just not sure, I can't remember....
I really don't have any coping skills for that...as I haven't really talked much about it to my counselor yet. When I do, i could always transfer some information to you.