[Overcoming OCD]

Breathing on* people

This is getting ridiculous... My OCD manifests in various ways, and now I've developed a fear of breathing on certain body parts. I know it's irrational, but I can't stop.

Is it normal for new manifestations to pop up all the time? I'm really frustrated at this point.

Any tips for dealing with breathing obsessions?

[Spike99]

I don't fear it... but I don't like thinking about me breathing on people either.
I think because for me, there was a teacher who would constantly breathe on us if we asked for help... and they would start breathing when they would be helping and I was afraid of doing something like that, it seemed sort of gross. :/
Now, I hate to ask questions because when they help, I hold in my breathing, but have to breathe when it takes them forever. (For a second.)

I don't know if its normal. I only have an element of OCD. Is it with all people? I haven't thought much about the situation but there are some people I wouldn't want to breathe on or be breathed on by but with others its either nothing or its kind of nice.
Are you talking about your boyfriend? I can tell you that it probably isn't going to bother him.

[Overcoming OCD]

Thanks for your responses!

George H: It isn't just with him, but it does happen with him a lot since he's the person I've been spending the most time with lately. He's amazingly understanding. He doesn't care if I breathe on him, but I still can't stop the compulsive monitoring of my breathing in which I will hold my breath, turn my head, then breathe when I'm not facing anyone. It's extremely irritating. :/

Originally Posted by Overcoming OCD

Thanks for your responses!

George H: It isn't just with him, but it does happen with him a lot since he's the person I've been spending the most time with lately. He's amazingly understanding. He doesn't care if I breathe on him, but I still can't stop the compulsive monitoring of my breathing in which I will hold my breath, turn my head, then breathe when I'm not facing anyone. It's extremely irritating. :/

I'm sure it is irritating. Breathing easy is important. It's also relaxing.
We all do things that may be slightly annoying so it's all kind of a tradeoff. We overlook things for the most part. If something is really annoying we can just say please don't do that.

[freespirit37]

I worry about it sometimes because I think I might be breathing loudly, or my breath might stink. It happens most around people I don't know well. But it really isn't a big deal.