I have a very big fear of AIDS/HIV and am cannot get it out of my head that it is NOT passed through causal contact. I picked this habit of washing when I use to work at an AIDS clinic a year ago. It all began with me coming home and taking long showers and keeping my clothes that I would wear to the clinic seperate from other clothes and so forth. Now even though I do not work at that place I still wash my hands but not as crazy as I did when I use to work there. However, if I am in certain areas now I will wash and clean my clothes. I get very scared, panicked and racy thoughts if I do not wash.:confused: :confused:

can anyone help me? or relate? I have posted about this before but got no response

I am trying to see if I can see a psychiatrist in the mean time just started meeting with a therapist.

Hi Lostsoul,

I am sorry that you didn't get a responses the last time you posted this.
I have never worked at a HIV Clinic before, but I do have a obsession with washing. I take long shower's too, I totally understand what you are going through.

I just want to let you know that you can't get HIV by working at a HIV Clinic.
The only way you can get HIV is by sharing a needle, blood, and sex.
I know that it is really hard to get over a obsession, because I am going through the same thing. But you really have nothing to worry about, you won't get HIV.

Also I am glad that you are seeing a therapist and going to see a Psychiatrist. It's really important that you get professional help for your OCD.
Are you on any medication? If not, then the Psychiatrist that you are going to see should put you on medication.

I hope that this post is helpful for you. You take good care of yourself, and keep us posted on your OCD. We want to know how you are doing.

From,
Sarah :)