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.

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jcamps 09/05/2016

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to get some insight and see if anyone else has been feeling this way. I have OCD. I constantly shower and wash my hands. I noticed my hands and face are very dry now. Has anyone experienced this before and what have you done to relief the impulses of washing and showering.

Thank you,

silverlight 09/06/2016

Hi,first of all,i want to say how very sorry that you are suffering with this. i have about 90% pure obsessional OCD,and only have compulsions now and then....

i did go through a period a few years ago where i was washing my hands so much they ended up raw,but i ended up not needing any help for this,because,luckily,the compulsion just dissipated...

are you in therapy right now? probably the best therapeutic technique for you would be exposure therapy....if you haven't already,i encourage you to look into it. also,are you on meds? my life would be even harder without mine..

i so hope you can find help for this,it must be a terrible way to have to live...

jcamps 09/06/2016

I have a therapist but do not want to be on medication. It would interfere with my life and studies more I think. I find talk therapy beneficial, simply by changing my congitive thought process would contribute tremendously!

HappynessHappens00 09/06/2016

hi jcamps. yes my ocd mainly deals with washing. when I first got the ocd I washed my hands so much they turned colors. but with talk and exposure therapy it got a lot better. my hands still get very dry. I would suggest getting a good moisturizing soap to wash your hands which will help with that. also invest in a good lotion for dry skin. as far as medication goes, you need to find one that will balance you not interfere with your life. when I first got the ocd I didn't have medication, just therapy. this time around I found celexa and it really helps. I would talk to your doctor to see which medication would be best for you if you decided to do that. remember that it will get better. I wish you the best. blessings to you :)

CalmSunshine 11/16/2016

Gosh, sounds similar to my situation...I have cleaning routines, using the toilet routines, everything...
Meds dont work for me either and so am trying herbs and meditation, EFT tapping, breathwork of 4--7-8 like Dr Weil talks about...idk...is so hard to deal with....important to just keep trying tho...even in the face of lonliness and hopelessness...our brains just are really naughty, so to speak...hope your day is good.

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