Bathroom fear
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| Tue, 05-30-2006 - 12:31pm |
Hi everyone. I guess you could say I'm new here. I used to read the boards years ago, but never posted much. But I decided I'd post today here (I also posted on the OCD board). I have anxiety and OCD, been on and off different meds. Nothing seems to work. I just started back on them again. But my big problem lately is using public bathrooms. I avoid them whenever possible, except at work, because I really have no choice. I have convinced myself that I've gotten some kind of horrible disease from them, even though my therapist told me in the past that can't happen. I'm just so scared that it could happen, and I can't tell what is real anymore. I feel like it sounds crazy, but it has been torturing me for weeks and it's getting worse. Does anyone ever feel this way or have any advice to calm my frazzled nerves?
Thanks,
C

Hello! It's nice to see you;) I am sorry to hear about your fear. This is NOT an unusual one. There are others who suffer the same or similiar thoughts. From what you have said, you know that therapy can be used successfully. If you aren't seeing someone now, would you consider returning? Meds & therapy together CAN be effective. But, there are options. Please take a look @ our *coping tips & tricks* folder below. Facing our fears armed with new coping skills works!
When irrational fears pop into my head & interfere with my functioning, belly breathing, meditation & counteracting the scary/negative thoughts help. Keep your thoughts on the reality of your situation. By the time your bottom hits the toilet seat, any germs that *might* have been there are no longer dangerous to you. People do NOT pick up fatal diseases from toilet seats. Sexually transmitted diseases cannot be picked up in a bathroom. They are transmitted by direct contact
Wow!
Sheri Ann
GRACIE
Wow, thanks for all the quick responses! They were helpful, and it feels good just to be able to say it to someone who will talk about it with me. (My boyfriend and friends don't understand. My therapist went on maternity leave, and even though she is coming back, I think she's tired of going over this again and again with me!)
Thanks,
C
OHHHHH I blamed so many ailments on panic disorder!!
I truly thought it was allergies, then my heart, then my blood sugar
then my thyroid I would read something and get the symptoms I was sooo
bad-------- thankfully the meds stopped this with me! I do have
panic disorder and that is all I have to remind myself once in awhile
I sympathize with YOU!! Take care and I hope it helps knowing someone else
has thoughts like yours----- but also it can stop with the right help!!
Judy