If you or a loved one is struggling with contamination fears, you may wonder if it is an actual condition and how to get or provide the proper support. This fear can impact every aspect of one\’s life and make it difficult to perform everyday tasks like going to work or the grocery store or interacting with friends and relatives. Please keep reading to learn more about what it means when someone has to deal with contamination fears and how to find help and healing.
Is a Fear of Contamination OCD?
For some people, the fear of contamination may be mild and cause minimal life disturbances. However, for others, the fear can be debilitating. Contamination OCD is characterized by compulsions and obsessions related to contamination or contracting diseases or viruses. While the fears and compulsions are not the same for every person, here are some common obsessions people with contamination OCD have:
- The fear of being contaminated by touching specific items or substances
- Fear of sticky, greasy, or dirty surfaces or bodies
- A fear of bodily fluids and blood
- Fear of people coughing and sneezing on or around them
- The fear of spreading germs or contaminants
Due to these or other obsessions, someone with contamination OCD may act out compulsive behaviors, such as:
- Repeatedly cleaning oneself or surfaces
- Avoiding public areas
- Avoiding touch from others
- Frequently changing clothes or thinking clothes are contaminated
So, it is possible to struggle with contamination fears without it being Contamination OCD. Support is available whether you think you have this condition or know your preoccupation and fears negatively impact your quality of life.
How to Get Help for Your Contamination Fears
Seeking support from a professional counselor can help you to dig deeper to identify and clarify your fears. Then find out what is causing them. A therapist can be there to provide a safe place for you to process your concerns and emotions and learn healthy coping strategies and mind shifts to find healing and peace. You do not need to have Contamination OCD to qualify for therapy. No matter your fear level or how it affects your daily life, a counselor can provide support and assistance to help you live a more positive, fear-free life.
Take a Step Toward Peace at Positive Living Psychotherapy
Do you know you don\’t want to live in fear of contamination but aren\’t sure where to turn? Associate Professional Counselor Taylor Trussel at Positive Living Psychotherapy specializes in treatment for people suffering from OCD and fear-related issues. Taylor provides a calm environment where clients can feel safe and heard.
With a master\’s degree in counseling and a Ph.D. in philosophy, Taylor brings compassion and insightfulness to his counseling sessions. If you think you may have Contamination OCD or need help to calm your fears of contamination, schedule a session with Taylor online or call 770.552.0333 for a free phone consultation.