Fear of getting sick - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

Sillygrl · 02-15-2007, 06:05 PM

Man, I am posting all over this healthboard lately. Well, lets cut to the chase, I am sooooo afraid of getting the stomach bug, I hate throwing up! I work in a daycare, imagine that and it is a daily struggle. I wash my hands ALL the time, not just before I eat or prepare food for the little ones, or if they feel dirty; but ALL the time. If I touch the handle of the mop, I have to wash my hands, etc. If a child hugs me I can practically feel all the nasty germs crawling all over me. How mean, huh? Basically all this because I do not want to get the stomach bug that is going around. I dont want it, because I hate throwing up and I dont want to give it to my bf who, lets just put it this way, is not a quiet thrower-upper. Ugggg! I hate this! When I come home from work I tear off my clothes and immediately wash them. I then have to disinfect my cell phone (I am afraid the pink will wear off, does that happen?), my glasses, my purse, pretty much anything I touched during the day. Today I really freaked because after taking off my shoes (those cute little ballet shoes, without socks), I found my feet were pretty sweaty and sticky (imagine that) and I am now petrified that puke has somehow made its way into my shoe, and that it is now all over my floor!
I know I have OCD, it would be obvious to an alien, so I guess all I would like is for people who share in my fear to help make me feel not so alone.

ocdengineer · 02-15-2007, 06:48 PM

I have a form of OCD and trust me between this board and the anxiety board you are with lots of company from all over the world. I would suggest you consider trying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is great for obsessions (germs) and compulsions (washing). I would suggest you also find a specialist in your area if possible. Sometimes it takes some serious looking, but there is usually someone who at least deals with anxiety dissorders. Between the two they should be able to help. In the meantime you can do a lot to help yourself such as eat well, meditation is excellent for OCD. Make sure you aren't smoking, drinking, and ingesting caffeine. All of these things can mask the anxiety dissorder and make it worse in the long run. Anyway, I just wnated to pop in and say welcome and I hope you feel better soon! It always seems to be the more sensitive people who suffer from this disease which makes it that much more difficult. You work with children which is really great and yet you have this dissorder that is making your job more difficult. I think the CBT would really help.

Good luck,
OE

Trixibel · 02-15-2007, 08:32 PM

I don't blame you for not wanting to get sick. vomiting is gross and smells gross and is just altogether horrible. working in that environment is more likely to boost your immune system and make you less likely to get sick. my partner throws up really loudly too. once i had to drive him to the dr with him throwing up in a pan five centimetres away from me. lucky i was on zoloft at the time !! or I would have jumped out of the car. yuck!!!!

Sillygrl · 02-15-2007, 09:44 PM

Thank you guys for the responses! I am really glad that I am not alone with this. I am actually taking 20mg of Prozac and as soon as I go back to the University full time I can go to this specialist who really wants to help me. Thank you both!