Quote:
Originally Posted by SprinkL3
]My T told me yesterday that I have the symptoms of OCD, but she told me not to pay attention to labels. But still, it's another mental disorder. 
Anyway, I don't know how to not do these rituals of isolating, reading up on the latest news about Covid, washing my hands, avoiding touching many things, wearing double masks/double gloves/goggles/hair coverings whenever I have to open my apartment door - even for a second, etc. I don't have the energy to clean and disinfect all the time, so I don't do that, but that is why I use washcloths to open up my cupboards and apartment doors inside.
My hands are now bleeding and cracked because I've washed too much, and had to deal with packing my entire apartment up because there will be about 3 to 4 people in my apartment tomorrow - likely unmasked - to do a fire sprinkler inspection for about 15 to 30 minutes. They told us they have to inspect all rooms and all closets, so I decided to safeguard my stuff, and I have enough air purifiers to circulate while my patio door will be open so that fresh air can get in. I'm a mess and freaking out.
I want to do things like walk and go to the dentist and even get the braces I have been putting off for years now. But I can't seem to do anything I enjoy anymore. |
I agree with your therapist about the label - that is not the most important thing, but is she helping you deal with it at least? Maybe in small, baby steps?
Wow, would an inspection really take that long? How many sprinklers do you have?! I would just open up all windows if possible and try to stay a safe distance from the people (surely it doesn't take 3 or 4 people to inspect sprinklers?)
Genuine question, why do you wash your hands so much if you never go outside without gloves and don't touch anything inside with your bare hands? I'm sorry I don't know much about OCD, but I would try to challenge your beliefs that you NEED to do these things. Figure out which things make sense to keep yourself safe and what doesn't.