Struggling with Crippling OCD: Need Help!

My OCD is worse at home. Constantly touching things and counting... its exuasting!

I recommend you combine medications (like SSRI) and CBT. This combination saved me when my OCD was worse. You have to be patient because it takes time, but if you will persist in this treatment you will definitely feel better.

I will definitely give some of these a try, thank you all for the advice! I wont let my fear of contamination get me down!

Girl, I’ve had a new form of “harm” ocd come up in my life and it’s ruining me. The only thing that helps is moving. Keeping up with daily routines and reminding myself that I would never hurt anyone. Sometimes you gotta just let the thoughts come through and really question them. I was anxious as a kid, but found my way around it. Online college, work from home. It sucks but we have to maintain some kind of normalcy right?

this may not work for everyone but I struggle with lots of very obsessive intrusive thoughts and to help sometimes I write or type everything in my head that’s bothering me and when I’m done I either delete the document or burn/throw away the paper.

This is going to sound counterproductive, but for me personally, creating a new compulsion/obsession that isn't harmful to anything but distractful enough to get you through some things is what helps me.

I draw a lot, but I haven't been motivated lately. And I do have an appointment set up for a new therapist later this month

Having some type of outlet helped me with my intrusive thoughts, like for example I have a doodle journal and it acts a safe space for me to write/draw all the things in my mind, even the bad things. Or like listening to music, or finding a comfort show to bingewatch (for me its the amazing world of gumball). I would also recommend therapy if you have access to it, that has been very helpful for me in the past.