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.
Most of my OCD centers around contamination, but I also always feel guilty, or worried I will harm someone. I'm having an especially hard time with this today. I've been sick all week (I think I have the flu), but had to go to class because I can't afford to miss. I was blowing my nose in class with a tissue, and without using hand sanitizer after, touched the doorknob on the classroom door when I left. I'm so worried now that my classmates will get sick and it will be all my fault because I was gross and didn't use my hand sanitizer after blowing my nose. Do you think these thoughts are related to OCD, or no? Can anyone relate? Now I can't stop thinking about this and it's ruining my day.
gJerry
Don't feel responsible for hurting people. It's easier said than done when the OCD tells you otherwise. Try not to get stuck on this thought for too long. Tell yourself over and over you won't hurt anyone and it's not your fault. After the negative thought, put the positive one in it's place. Don't give the OCD too much time to create this thoughts. Jerry
wildflowers44
Thank you, gJerry. I am trying to remind myself that I did not intend to hurt anyone, and that I am not a bad person. I know the obsessive thoughts will eventually fade. It's just getting through them that's difficult. But thank you for your support!
ocdgirl
I have to disagree with the recommendation to tell yourself anything over and over. OCD demands we get reassurance and that can become a compulsion itself. The only way to get over this is to deal with the fact that you might have caused someone to get sick. It happens and it's normal. People get other people sick all the time. We with OCD have to take the importance away from it.
wildflowers44
Ocdgirl, I see your point about the reassurance. I'd say one of my biggest compulsions is seeking reassurance, so it is something I need to be aware of. Thanks for your input.
wildflowers44
Also, though, I've been reassuring myself that I'm not a bad person, and my intent was never to hurt anyone/make anyone sick, so I didn't do anything wrong. I think that kind of reassurance is okay because it's more along the lines of positive affirmations.
ocdgirl
Oh yes, positive affirmations and mantras are definitely a good thing! You just have to be careful not to cross that line into compulsion. It's ok to remind yourself that you're a good person and that you wouldn't hurt anyone, but if it occupies a lot of your time, you might want to consider it being a compulsion.
miller23
Great advice OCD Girl.
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