is disgust purely psychological?

Question

i have a case of OCD whereby i 'see' images of digusting things and I feel as if I will be contaminated / harmed by being anywhere near it.

This has an affect on my life. If I tell myself it is purely in my mind, would it help to overcome it?

Answer 1

First, the focus here is not the disgust you feel. Since you have admitted to having OCD, we need to look at it from that angle as a symptom of that disorder. The obsession with the fear of contamination is a common factor in OCD. Should you succeed to overcome this particular obsession, it is likely you would substitute it with another. OCD is a mental illness that needs in-depth psych. therapy to be able to manage it. I could tell you ways to help overcome it, because of my background, but it needs to be an ongoing treatment. Seek out a good therapist if this is causing you such a problem that it is interferring with your daily activities.

Answer 2

Yeah, I'd say disgust is psychological. Subjective, really. I think Ranch Dressing is the most disgusting thing in the world; but, this opinion surely isn't shared by all.

I was about to tell you that you might need to face these fears of disgusting things, especially if they are interfering with what you're trying to do in Life. But if I was so totally repulsed by something simple like the telephone like I am to Ranch Dressing, yeah, I wouldn't go near it either.

But it is purely in your mind! Keep telling yourself that and that you can do anything you put your mind to- it's a start.

Answer 3

Yes, disgust is psychological, as clearly illustrated by the popular show, Fear Factor. Contestants are subjected to eating, doing some pretty bizarre things. Some will readily participate, focused on the the prize money, while others grudgingly, if not outright quitting mid-task, out of their perceptions of disgust, and fear. So basicly, it has much to do with one's mind set.

Answer 4

no, it is not "just" in your mind.
obviously your body feels this.
your body has a response.
it is your body's response that is the problem.
if i envision something disgusting, i don't necessarily
have feelings of disgust. if that makes sense.
i can picture a dead dog without actually feeling the response.
but your problem is the response you're having to the pictures.
obviously if it is a picture in your mind, you are not actually near it so on the physical plane it will not harm you.
i recommend mediation (yoga) to overcome this problem.

Answer 5

You need to visit with your doctor perhaps a Shrink, To feel digust is a feeling of revulsion or profound disapproved aroused by something unpleasant or offensive.