See Alike in...

Alike App

Browser

How to Stop Obsessive Hand Washing?

Mordecaii

497d

Does anyone know how to stop obsessive hand washing? I can't find a way.

4

14

14

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

View all
    • marcieee

      491d

      so sort of a mix between fear/guilt, maybe pointing out to yourself many people (especially post covid) are a lot more careful when it comes to touching things and then their face for example, and on top of that it really wouldnt be your fault, youre taking your medication and taking care of yourself, youre being thoughtful and mindful of others which is more than enough. another thing could be exposure, (though this is recommended w a therapist/licensed doctor) just "small" things like instead of everytime you touch something 95% of the time, or when you get those thoughts reasonably arguing a pros and cons type of thing, or reaffirming that its not your responsibility to catch everything, despite how hard it is to try and accept/believe that (and letting the people around you know that youre concerned about them ingesting your medication, so that theyre more careful and not all the pressure is on you)

      0

      Reply
    • Dancwithm3

      492d

      Also here for advice! And best wishes friend! 🤗💕

      0

      Reply
      • Mordecaii

        490d

        @Dancwithm3 Thank you so much! I've been feeling so much guilt lately about it and I appreciate all the kind words 💕

        1

        Reply
        • Dancwithm3

          490d

          @Mordecaii I understand! I feel guilty myself about it, but I just can't seem to help it. But, of course! Support is my middle name 🥰

          1

          Reply
    • marcieee

      492d

      honestly it depends on a lot of factors, for me personally i started handwashing less and sanitizing more - i find that its less drying on my hands though its kinda equally as unhealthy, in this case i just substituted but tips on stopping completely depend on why you have that obsession/compulsion w handwashing. is it from a fear of feeling unclean, a trauma thing, a learned behaviour, a guilt related thing etc

      0

      Reply
      • Mordecaii

        490d

        @marcieee I wash my hands if I have touched something a particular person may have/has touched. Its because of their uncleanliness (but they are only unclean in normal ways like picking your nose or idk just average gross things). Trauma has definitely had an impact though on making it worse. It's difficult because I live with them. This means that I cannot touch door handles etc without washing my hands.

        0

        Reply
        • marcieee

          490d

          @Mordecaii hmm i understand, have you tried washing your hands for less time (counts/times) first and work from there? trauma certainty complicated things and in that case you may need to process some of that first before improvements will be "visible"

          1

          Reply
      • Rayshealth

        492d

        @marcieee recently I started to wash my hands again because of my medicine I am very scared that it’s going to get everywhere and someone is going to ingest it. So I have to wash and whenever I touch anything I feel is unclean although by normal standards it’s clean. Intrusive thoughts…they suck.

        0

        Reply
    • affectionatecactus

      497d

      I stopped dm me for help ima need to know what exactly you do soo I can help you . What ur hand washi ng process is for how long you count , how often you do it

      0

      Reply
      • Mordecaii

        490d

        @affectionatecactus OK will dm thank you!

        0

        Reply
    • Bre19

      497d

      What I do is make a checklist to make sure I cleaned what needed to be cleaned and if that doesn't work I try to distract myself by doing some hobbies or going out

      1

      Reply

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.

Alike health

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

Write your question here...

Get answer
Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Related Questions

Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality

join the community
100% Free
100%
Free
Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.
© 2020-2023 Alike, Inc
About AlikeWisdomFAQEditorial TeamAll ConditionsAll PostsAll Communities
Your PrivacyStoriesCommunity GuidelinesTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyBlogContact Us

Download Alike for the full experience

JOIN

View All

Bupropion

night sweats

paranoid

Valium

sertraline

palpitations

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Depression

palpitations

Depression

Valium

Bupropion