Comment on How do I deal with the outside world when I have germaphobia and don't really like outside?
MushuChupacabra@lemmy.world 1 day ago
You’re describing OCD.
OCD is treatable, so I’d work towards getting a formal diagnosis and begin treatment.
Tedesche@lemmy.world 8 hours ago
This. It is very treatable, but requires a good therapist and a strong desire to overcome the condition. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be used to help you understand that the anxious thoughts are entirely irrational, and then willful counteracting behaviors (e.g. going outside, resisting the urge to wash hands, touching stuff without a Kleenex, etc) gradually erode the problem behaviors until your brain is effectively rewired. It takes dedication and consistency, but if done, it’s very effective.