I have contamination-phobia OCD. It is exhausting. [View all]

I'm a pretty stereotypical contamination-phobic OCD person. I can't stand having things like bleach, gasoline, detergent, grease, car motor oil, glue or germs on my clothes or skin. I'm constantly washing my hands to the point where they even crack and bleed. I rinse my clothes again and again.

I throw things away if I think they're too contaminated to be worth keeping anymore. I constantly worry that I tracked chemicals or contaminants on to this or that household surfaces. I have a hard time touching sink handles and faucets with my hands.

It's exhausting and even keeps me cleaning and washing until 2 AM, making me sleepy all day.

I can't afford professional psychiatric help - I'm short enough on money as is.


Does anyone have advice?