Aa
How do you cope?
Hello!
As some of you know, I suffer from OCD. I have a huge fear of HIV. I was wondering how some of you have coped? I have books that I read. I am a college student so I do not have money for therapy.
When I was out yesterday I stopped to use a bathroom, and I made up a crazy scenario about someone putting a needle full of HIV blood in the toilet paper dispenser. It doesn't even logically make sense but I can't get it out my head.
How do you all deal with situations like this?
God bless.
As some of you know, I suffer from OCD. I have a huge fear of HIV. I was wondering how some of you have coped? I have books that I read. I am a college student so I do not have money for therapy.
When I was out yesterday I stopped to use a bathroom, and I made up a crazy scenario about someone putting a needle full of HIV blood in the toilet paper dispenser. It doesn't even logically make sense but I can't get it out my head.
How do you all deal with situations like this?
God bless.
Wow, it is such an amazing feeling getting responses from strangers! I seriously thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for your kind words. I am coping (I tried the breathing exercises when i get worked up, and yes it helps!) better than before. Whenever I get an irrational thought, I think a positive thought after.
Thanks again for everything. It means a lot.
Thanks again for everything. It means a lot.
Ask God to give you peace of mind and strip away these fears.. That was the first thing that came to my mind to offer you when I read the last 2 words you ended your entry with. He's faithful.
How are you doing otherwise? Are you able t cope on most days and just have those few where you struggle?
As you know, breathing is the initial key. Once you get your heart rate back down you are able to think more rationally. Statistically, you know that your chance of being infected this way is absolutely 0 percent. This is not how HIV is transmitted.
You say you are in college. There are always counselors on college campuses. I'm sure you can make an appointment with one of them for free. Also, do you have a general practitioner? They are able to write prescriptions for medications that help with OCD even though you cannot see a psychiatrist.
Do you have this book? The OCD Workbook: Your Guide to Breaking Free from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It has a five-star rating from people that suffer with OCD.
You know you are not alone. There are plenty of us out there that have irrational fears. You know they are irrational and that is the worst part. We are not stupid by any means, our minds are just playing tricks on us. So you have to take control of your mind. And yes I know, easier said than done. But it can be done and has been done by many people.
You can always post here if you need reassurance and sorry my post is a bit jumbled. Just giving you as many options as I can think of. My Best!
As you know, breathing is the initial key. Once you get your heart rate back down you are able to think more rationally. Statistically, you know that your chance of being infected this way is absolutely 0 percent. This is not how HIV is transmitted.
You say you are in college. There are always counselors on college campuses. I'm sure you can make an appointment with one of them for free. Also, do you have a general practitioner? They are able to write prescriptions for medications that help with OCD even though you cannot see a psychiatrist.
Do you have this book? The OCD Workbook: Your Guide to Breaking Free from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It has a five-star rating from people that suffer with OCD.
You know you are not alone. There are plenty of us out there that have irrational fears. You know they are irrational and that is the worst part. We are not stupid by any means, our minds are just playing tricks on us. So you have to take control of your mind. And yes I know, easier said than done. But it can be done and has been done by many people.
You can always post here if you need reassurance and sorry my post is a bit jumbled. Just giving you as many options as I can think of. My Best!
Ok first of all I am not claiming to be any type of expert. What I am is someone who worried about HIV for 7 years ever since losing his virginity to a girl from a club.
I cope by telling myself each time it was protected vaginal and oral sex, and therefore no risk. Speculating about touching the penis with the vaginal secretions etc - that has apparently never been documented as a way for transmission (unless someone can tell me otherwise).
Just be happy you haven't had sex with a CSW. I have and though it was protected I worry. I've been told no risk - but I still worry.
I cope by telling myself each time it was protected vaginal and oral sex, and therefore no risk. Speculating about touching the penis with the vaginal secretions etc - that has apparently never been documented as a way for transmission (unless someone can tell me otherwise).
Just be happy you haven't had sex with a CSW. I have and though it was protected I worry. I've been told no risk - but I still worry.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Community
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
