Thanks for sharing this. I can't say I've had this exact problem... I don't think. But to be honest it's difficult to tell since I'm not sure I understand quite what this is all about. At one point, you mentioned having been embarrassed about one of the items you became obsessed with. But it doesn't sound as though that was the case with all of the things you've become obsessed with. Still... you didn't mention what any of them were... or are. So I don't know. Apparently there's perhaps at least some small bit of embarrassment attached to all of them?

I have experienced something similar to the problem you describe. But in my case it was clearly always related to embarrassment. I know exactly why I reacted the way I did. And it makes sense to me. From what you wrote, it sounds like you don't know why you've had the experiences you've had with this & why they have happened.

Perhaps this is all something that is related to OCD? I don't know if that is something you've been diagnosed with. I also don't know if you see a therapist. But, if you do, perhaps this is something it would be worthwhile to explore with that person? From what you wrote, it sounds as though you're still struggling with this after 15 years of battling it. So it may be unlikely to simply disappear on its own.