How do you not be OCD about being vegan?

Question

I've been a vegan for about 5 months and I'm having some problems. I have severe OCD (I get treatment) and my life is miserable freaking out about every single possible animal byproduct. I have this eyeliner that I only use because I'm also OCD about money (not wanting to spend) and because it would be a waste. I don't know if it contained animal products, but it's remove.
My family uses animal products all the time and I'm freaked out and have to keep washing my hands.
Sometimes I have to tell myself to stop worrying so much and I'll stop washing my hands or freaking out, but then I wonder if the situation I'm panicking about is OCD or not. I don't know any other vegans so I can't ask them what they would do.
I can't stop being a vegan because I'm very passionate about what I believe it, but I really need some help from other vegans on how to not be OCD about the whole thing.
Please don't be mean.
And I might post other questions about situations later.

Answer 1

Part of your freaking out could be because you're a new vegan. I was very nervous when I first went vegan, but I gradually relaxed and now worry about the biggies as far as animal products go. Sure, I read labels obsessively--any intelligent vegan does--but I look mostly for the most obvious animal ingredients.

Finish up the eyeliner you're using and then find a vegan-friendly brand. Urban Decay and Hard Candy are available at your local Sephora; they do not test on animals, and they have a number of vegan items in their ranges. You can even print a list to take with you. If you can order online (you did not indicate your age), check out www.veganessentials.com, www.veganstore.com, and www.alternativeoutfitters.com for lots of wonderful vegan items.

And as another person pointed out, excessive handwashing and use of antibacterials makes the bacteria meaner and more resistant.

Answer 2

Taking notice of your OCD moments is the first step. After you begin to recognize these moments you can focus your attention of changing your behavior. Start with small things first and work your way into larger things. Try different breathing techniques to divert your attention from the situation at hand and calm you. You will eventually find your own way to recondition yourself but remember that practice and patients leads to productivity.

Answer 3

Just get yourself a cup of herbal tea and chillax for a moment.

The body is full of microorganisms, humans are literally petri dishes full of microbes.

Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient to every animal on earth, yet only bacteria can produce it, either in soil or in us.

theres no need to clean everything in sight, theres no need to keep washing your hands constantly, in fact a little bit of dirt is good for the good bacteria in us.

they are like little worker friends, we feed them and they help us : )

just do your best, if you know something has meat in it then dont eat it, but if you accidentally eat something with it in it, just learn from it and try not let it get ya next time ; )