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Hi there,

I've been posting on some of the other discussions but haven't come to introduce myself yet!

My name is Ali, I'm 22 and have been suffering from OCD for five years now. My main problem is with contamination, and fears of getting diseases from being contaminated from other people, mainly from coming into contact with blood. This fear led to several compulsions, mainly hand washing, at my worst I wash my hands every time I touch something new. I also seek reassurance from the internet (trying to convince myself I don't have the symptoms of the diseases i'm frightened of) however, this mostly makes me worry more as I start believing I have had those symptoms at some point, and if I ever coincidently do have a symptom like that, it causes more anxiety and more internet research :(

I went to the doctors which was a big step, so difficult for me as I didn't realise I actually had a disorder. When she diagnosed me it completely made sense that this was what was wrong. I had a course of CBT which was so helpful. I was pretty much symptom free for almost two years, which was fantastic. I still had the thoughts, but the anxiety passed very very quickly.

Since then and for the last two years or so I've kind of relapsed, the tools I learnt during CBT can mostly keep the worst of it at bay, but I have good days and bad days.

Coming on here I've realised that I'm definitely not alone in what I've experienced, I've always had intrusive thoughts but had no idea they could be part of my OCD. It seems like a great place to talk to others who suffer similarly. It would be great to speak to others as well who suffer from contamination fears, I particularly struggle going out in public and handling objects handled by others, using public toilets is very difficult and I panic in crowds.

Just thought It'd be nice to say hi to everyone!

Ali

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Hi Ali and welcome. Even though it's just one step along the journey, finding out what OCD is can be such a huge relief. Suddenly this demon we've been struggling with has a name and better yet we find out we aren't alone in facing it, that others are out there who understand what we go through! That's one of the great things about growing up in an age where technology allows forums like this to exist which let us connect with each other.

Unfortunately setbacks can happen with OCD, but in my experience with the help of treatments like CBT, we can get back on track again!

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