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PlanetaryOrbit

(155 posts)
Thu Feb 6, 2014, 12:09 AM Feb 2014

I have contamination-phobia OCD. It is exhausting.

I'm a pretty stereotypical contamination-phobic OCD person. I can't stand having things like bleach, gasoline, detergent, grease, car motor oil, glue or germs on my clothes or skin. I'm constantly washing my hands to the point where they even crack and bleed. I rinse my clothes again and again.

I throw things away if I think they're too contaminated to be worth keeping anymore. I constantly worry that I tracked chemicals or contaminants on to this or that household surfaces. I have a hard time touching sink handles and faucets with my hands.

It's exhausting and even keeps me cleaning and washing until 2 AM, making me sleepy all day.

I can't afford professional psychiatric help - I'm short enough on money as is.


Does anyone have advice?

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I have contamination-phobia OCD. It is exhausting. (Original Post) PlanetaryOrbit Feb 2014 OP
Latex or rubber gloves? No Vested Interest Feb 2014 #1
It sure does sound exhausting. CaliforniaPeggy Feb 2014 #2
I believe "aversion therapy" is used with OCD No Vested Interest Feb 2014 #3
OCD sucks. hunter Feb 2014 #4
Any research on OCD and medical marijuana? Betsy Ross Feb 2014 #5
how are you doing? fizzgig Feb 2014 #6

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,208 posts)
2. It sure does sound exhausting.
Thu Feb 6, 2014, 12:27 AM
Feb 2014

I would search for a clinic where you pay based on your ability to pay.

I used one like that many decades ago, and it worked very well.

I'm not sure how you would go about finding such a clinic, though. Perhaps calling medical schools in your area to see if they have such a thing.

These are places where folks who are becoming licensed family therapists do their training, usually the last year when they see clients, before they get their licenses.

My therapist really turned my life around.

Good luck!

No Vested Interest

(5,198 posts)
3. I believe "aversion therapy" is used with OCD
Thu Feb 6, 2014, 06:44 PM
Feb 2014

The idea is to gradually expose you to that to which you are averse.
It should be done with professional help.
Don't the new rules of the ACA provide for equal parity of psychiatric and physical problems?
I'm sure the continual washing is exhausting.
Hoping you can find some relief soon.

hunter

(38,969 posts)
4. OCD sucks.
Fri Feb 7, 2014, 02:47 PM
Feb 2014


My wife and I both have marketable sorts of OCD and many, many, hours of unmarketable sorts.

As a young person I damaged my knees and hips running very long distances in the early A.M..

I'd probably still be running if it didn't hurt so bad.

Ibuprofen and coffee, breakfast of champions! Full speed ahead, damn the tinnitus!




fizzgig

(24,146 posts)
6. how are you doing?
Wed Feb 12, 2014, 12:20 AM
Feb 2014

i would start with your county health department. i don't know where you are, but ours has sliding scale clinics and prescription assistance.

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