My Obsession: Coping with OCD and Its Impact on Daily Life

Q: My Obsession: Coping with OCD and Its Impact on Daily Life

Hello Kilo： Based on your description in the letter, it can almost be diagnosed as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). <br>Your fear of dirt and the related thoughts and behaviors are significantly impacting your daily life and causing you considerable distress. <br>Treatment fo

I'm really sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's very important that you talk to someone who can help you, such as a mental health professional or a trusted person in your life?

Doctor: Hello! I am currently 28 years old, and this issue has been troubling me for a long time, almost 10 years.
In middle school, I often experienced nocturnal emissions, and at first, I didn't realize that the wetness on my underwear was semen.
Later, I understood, but I began to feel disgusted and repulsed by it.
When I change my underwear, I can't help but think that the washing machine doesn't clean it properly.
If my mom washes them, I worry that she might accidentally get semen on her hands and then touch other things in the house.
As a result, whenever I touch a switch at home, I feel the need to wash my hands.
If something falls on the floor, I feel it's dirty.
It has gotten so severe that I feel the need to wash my textbooks or electronic devices (even though I know they would be damaged if they get wet).
If something falls on the floor, I have to wash it before I feel it's clean.
This has even affected my daily life.
Since we have cats and dogs at home, they sometimes relieve themselves anywhere, and sometimes they step in it and then jump onto the sofa, which I find very disgusting and unsanitary.
But I can't possibly move the sofa outside to wash it, right? Eventually, I became afraid to sit in the living room to watch TV; I have to stand.
If I must sit, I change my pants when I go upstairs.
Some days, I take several showers and change clothes multiple times.
I have had girlfriends before and brought one home, but she found it strange that I always took her to my room and wouldn't let her watch TV with my family downstairs.
She even had to wash her hands after touching the switches in my house.
When she asked me about it, I found it hard to explain.
She also questioned why she couldn't sit on the living room sofa.
I just feel that small animals relieve themselves, and sometimes their own feet step in it, and then they run around and jump on the sofa, which makes me feel it's dirty.
I feel the need to wash my hands after touching anything in the house.
Even the clothes my mom washes for me, I have to wash them again to feel comfortable.
I don't allow anyone to touch my bed or my room.
I feel I need to wash my hands after touching any switches in the house.
Am I a germaphobe or something else? Why do I have this fear of semen since middle school? It's hard for me to talk to my family about it, but after nocturnal emissions or masturbation, I sometimes leave semen on my underwear, and when I change, I worry that my mom might accidentally touch it.
Then she gets busy with housework and might touch other things in the house.
So now, I don't dare to touch anything at home.
If I do, I have to wash my hands.
They all say I have excessive cleanliness, but until today, I just learned that there is a condition called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Is this what I have? In the past, when I studied in Taipei during college, I didn't seem to experience these issues while living outside.
I didn't feel the need to wash my hands after touching switches in the rented place.
However, after graduating and moving back home, the situation has recurred.
Is OCD caused by certain factors? Are my symptoms indicative of that? Which specialist should I see? I previously visited a psychiatrist due to stress, but when I explained my condition, sometimes the nurses or doctors would laugh, which made me feel embarrassed and self-pitying.
If I need to see a doctor again, how can I overcome this barrier? I'm afraid others will look at me differently.
It's also hard for me to talk about my symptoms.
What should I do?

kilo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/07/15

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry

Hello Kilo: Based on your description in the letter, it can almost be diagnosed as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Your fear of dirt and the related thoughts and behaviors are significantly impacting your daily life and causing you considerable distress.
Treatment for OCD, in addition to medication, can be quite effective when combined with psychotherapy and behavioral therapy.
I believe this approach can lead to substantial improvement for you.
Such symptoms are quite common in psychiatric outpatient clinics, and even more unusual symptoms exist.
As long as you are willing to change and face your challenges bravely, seeking help from a psychiatrist can lead to noticeable improvement.
Thank you for your letter!

Reply Date: 2008/07/15

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing significant distress due to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel driven to perform. Your concerns about cleanliness, particularly regarding bodily fluids and the fear of contamination, are common manifestations of OCD.
From what you've described, your symptoms have been affecting your daily life for over a decade, leading to avoidance behaviors and compulsive actions that interfere with your ability to relax in your own home. This can be incredibly isolating and frustrating, especially when it impacts your relationships and social interactions. It’s important to recognize that OCD is a recognized mental health condition, and you are not alone in your experiences. Many individuals face similar challenges, and there are effective treatments available.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Obsessive Thoughts: Your fear of contamination from bodily fluids, particularly semen, and the subsequent compulsive washing and avoidance behaviors indicate that you are dealing with obsessive thoughts. These thoughts can be distressing and lead to a cycle of anxiety and compulsive behavior.

2. Compulsive Behaviors: The need to wash your hands frequently, change clothes multiple times a day, and avoid sitting on certain furniture are all compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by your obsessions. While these actions may provide temporary relief, they often reinforce the cycle of OCD, making it harder to break free.

3. Impact on Daily Life: The extent to which these symptoms affect your daily functioning—such as avoiding sitting on the couch or feeling the need to wash clothes repeatedly—suggests that your OCD is significantly impacting your quality of life. This is a key indicator that seeking help is essential.

Seeking Help
1. Professional Support: It’s crucial to consult with a mental health professional who specializes in OCD. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), is considered the gold standard for treating OCD. This therapy involves gradually exposing you to your fears in a controlled manner while helping you resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors.

2. Medication: In some cases, medication may also be beneficial. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for OCD and can help reduce the severity of symptoms. A psychiatrist can help determine if medication is appropriate for you.

3. Addressing Stigma: It’s understandable to feel embarrassed about discussing your symptoms, especially if you’ve encountered dismissive attitudes in the past. Remember that mental health professionals are trained to handle these issues sensitively and confidentially. Finding a supportive therapist who understands OCD can make a significant difference in your treatment journey.

4. Support Groups: Consider joining a support group for individuals with OCD. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can provide validation and encouragement. Online forums or local support groups can be a good starting point.

Coping Strategies
1. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises can help manage anxiety levels. These techniques can provide you with tools to cope with intrusive thoughts when they arise.

2. Journaling: Keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings can help you process your experiences and identify triggers for your OCD symptoms. This can also serve as a useful tool to discuss with your therapist.

3. Educating Yourself: Learning more about OCD can empower you and reduce feelings of shame or confusion. Understanding that OCD is a recognized mental health condition can help you feel more comfortable seeking help.

Conclusion
You are not alone in this struggle, and there is hope for improvement. By reaching out for professional help and utilizing coping strategies, you can work towards managing your OCD symptoms more effectively. Remember, it’s a journey, and taking the first step by seeking help is a significant and commendable action. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional who can guide you through this process.

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