A few weeks ago, I decided I'd contact my college counselor to let her know I have some issues with using the library because of my OCD. I didn't want to make it known that I have mental problems, but I thought maybe the counselor could help me explain to professors if they want the class to do a paper(s) and use the library for research, that I have OCD issues and it's really a major problem for me to touch used books, and be in the library itself. I wasn't trying to say I shouldn't have to do the papers, but I wanted to see if I could get an exception to using the library for papers and reports, instead using other resources. Last fall, we were expected to do a paper and use at least one book from the library. I didn't complete that class.

The counselor asked what I expected her to ask: "Can't you wear rubber gloves?" Besides the fact that being inside the library is dirty to me itself, have you tried wearing rubber gloves and trying to make sure your exposed wrists, arms and even clothing doesn't come in contact with the book, especially if it's a thick one? Often, you'll look through more than one book. Sitting at the tables would be a problem, and I'd have to do some writing or taking notes. Try wearing rubber gloves, holding a pen to paper, and trying to keep your wrists and arms from touching the table (so your arms would be lifted while keeping your hand on the paper to write). It's not as easy as it sounds, and it's all too easy to make a mistake, and--POOF!--now you have to wash and go through an annoying OCD ritual, plus try not to touch your car or other property with the area of skin or clothing that got "dirty". For some reason, I didn't go into all that. I didn't want to sound like a whiner or that I'm unreasonable. I told the counselor that I couldn't even be inside the library without feeling dirty, though.

She told me there was nothing she could do for me, and that I should use my obligations in the library as "exposure therapy". I've come a long way with my OCD, but exposure therapy doesn't work that simply. And I don't need to get all stressed out with my OCD while I'm stressed out trying to get my work done!

Also, this may be nothing, but I sent an email to a potential art professor to explain I had OCD and asked if it would be all right if I used rubber gloves when we worked with charcoal (if we did). I'd still struggle with trying to keep my skin and clothes away from the paper, but I figured I'd ask this. The first time I emailed him, at which time I didn't mention the OCD, he got back to me the very next day. This time, after telling him about the OCD, he hasn't written back yet. As I said, it may be nothing, but this isn't the first time I've mentioned having a mental illness and suddenly getting the cold shoulder.

What do you think about telling counselors and professors about your mental illnesses?