Advice for emotional contamination OCD

[DanielParticipant]

I suffer from emotional contamination OCD. Without going into details about the triggers (there are many), things such as my smart phone and clothes can end up feeling like they are contaminated, even though they are not physically contaminated in any way. I then have to throw them away or “quarantine” them somewhere to stop the “contamination” spreading to other things. I also have to wash my hands if I touch them. I can’t use my smartphone because of this and I’ve reached the point where my life is almost completely paralyzed. I’m on an antidepressant, but I don’t want to switch to another one or make any other medication changes. I know the other option is to do ERP, and I am going to see a therapist next month, but I feel that if I do ERP everything is going to get cross-contaminated and I will have no “safe” places left. I feel trapped because I can’t go on giving in to the OCD, which has completely taken over my life. On the other hand, I’m frightened of doing ERP because the feelings are very strong and I think Exposure will make things even worse. It would be helpful to hear from anyone else who might have experienced something similar and could offer some words of advice and/or support.

[wannabefreeParticipant]

It may help if you google the term ‘Bontamination’

There is a book about it on amazon…

[Forum Moderators]

Hello:

Forum Moderators here – if you are new, welcome to the forums!  We’ve put together some essential information for everyone – please take a few minutes to read it: https://ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/welcome-please-read-our-forum-guidelines/

In addition to the forums, if you’d like to talk to or email someone who understands OCD, please contact our OCD Action Helpline. You can get confidential information about and support from a Helpline volunteer who understands how OCD can impact your life. Contact our Helpline by:

• phone: 0300 636 5478
• email: support@ocdaction.org.uk

We also want to be sure you know that we have a lot of very useful information on our website, including the site’s Resources page: https://ocdaction.org.uk/resources/

You’ll find lots of helpful web-based resources on topics such as:

An introduction to OCD

Assessment and Diagnosis

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention

Funding specialist treatment

Getting a Yes from the NHS

Good Quality CBT with ERP

Making the Most of Therapy

Medication for OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Preparing for a GP Appointment

Primary Care for Adults

Reassurance seeking

Secondary Care for Adults

Specialist Treatment for OCD and BDD

Student Space: Management and Keeping Well

Support at University

Treatment Options

Treatments Not Recommended for OCD

What to Look for in a Therapist

Your Journey through the NHS

We hope you find this helpful,

Forum Moderators

[Author]

Posts