I can't get clean?

Question

After I've done something like using the toilet, or gardening, I don't feel clean enough and I'll wash my hands 3 times and not touch food for a while because I'm scared of getting sick. How can I stop being so obsessive about this??

Answer 1

There is a TV series named Monk ,,, see it and u may see yourself and may laugh and be cured,,, Monk is like u

Answer 2

You are wise to see that you may be developing a problem. Cleanliness is good, but so are germs & dirt.:http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060616/ap_on_sc/dirty_rats;_ylt=AjE5GPxKF0S1dxRGNNxs_dCs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3ODdxdHBhBHNlYwM5NjQ-
On your own, you can try to wash your hands only once, but very well, and then touching food that does not go directly into your mouth, like fruit that has to be peeled, like an orange. If you cannot work up to normal food handling, and NEED those multiple washings, you may need to see a psychiatrist. There is no shame in obsessive compulsive disorders or phobias, many people have some form of them, but most are not crippling like yours could be if taken to an extreme. I, for instance, like doing things in multiples of 5. I will wash 5 pieces of silverware, then 5 plates. If I have leftover things to wash, I will re-wash something I have already washed to make up the 5. Weird, I know, but not really crippling to me, and noone else ever even notices it. But excessive hand washing could really make life harder. How would you be able to go to the bathroom when out to dinner? Or perhaps you won't even go out to dinner because you can't see who is handling the food, or how clean the kitchen is.

You do need to nip this in the bud, good luck, it is not easy to overcome this kind of thing. Remember, there is no shame in getting professional help.

Answer 3

Definitely speak to a professional. My amateur opinion thinks you sound like you may be suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and possibly Germophobia. But you should not feel bad for it, a lot of people, myself included, suffer from the effects if we don't seek treatment. There is nothing "wrong" with you, it's just a condition that could have been any number of other disorders. You'll be okay once you get a professional diagnosis and follow through on any treatment the doctor recommends. Be patient with yourself and have courage. You'll be okay.

Answer 4

Well, it's about training yourself to see that you are clean. So for example, lets say you went to the bathroom, and you washed your hands once and you still feel dirty... well give yourself a limit, like you are only allowed to wash your hand 3 times and tell yourself that after cleaning your hands 3 times you are definitely clean, even if you don't feel it. It's all about training your mind to think differently.

Answer 5

While washing , make sure you clean yourself very well. After wards, whenever you feel like washing, repeat yourself " I AM CLEAN".
It would also make sense to ask a doctor. Such obsession are often the result of shocking experiences (sexual abuse or so)

Answer 6

it sounds like your a germaphobe. you should probably either see a psychiatrist, or try to think of it in this way: the cleanest your hands will be is right after you wash them off. if you go to the bathroom, wash your hands off, then touch something, your hands are dirtier than right after washing your hands.

Answer 7

Definitely sounds like an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Please, see a doctor. This might take over and ruin your life! Talk to a professional now!

Answer 8

you have obsessive compulsive disorder, and need to consult with a psychiatrist, so that you can be put on medication and receive counseling, and this will help you a great deal!, best wishes!

Answer 9

Sounds like OCD (Obessive Complusive Disorder), you should talk to your doctor to really make sure what is going on with you.

Answer 10

what is your definition of clean? there are bacteria everywhere, even in your soap (research it and see). there is support available however. try these people. some say medication is needed, of course counseling can help anyone. http://hometown.aol.com/west24th/index.htm?f=fs