My Mild OCD...I'm a Bather...

[wiredinsomniac 0]

To me I would say it is mild because I think everyone should bathe are shower at least 3 times a day. I also have the door lock ritual because I always have this constant fear someone will break into my house. The bathing thing started when I had this stressful job and since water calms me I would go home on my lunch break and take a shower.

My family says it is not normal but I must be clean. I am also a big girl and I have the fear of others thinking I stink when I never have and never will.

[shaun 6]

Showering too often can cause more harm than good because it disrupts the natural cycle of the body. Your skin naturally produces oil which moisturises and protects the skin. By showering 3 times a day you will interrupt this process, especially if you are using soap or shower gel.

How often do you wash and how often do you check the door is locked?

[Gilly 1086]

I had the bathing thing when my anxiety was high, I had to bath every night, sometimes more than once. Just in case anything happened, I had to be clean. That has passed though. But I do have to wash in a certain order when I get a bath or shower, left arm, shoulder, right arm shoulder, chest etc

[deecee 2]

I think most people have a specific order in which they bathe, so I don't think that is too much to worry about.

The bathing 3 times a day could be bad for your skin, as someone else said. It is also not good for your water bills to be using that much water.

[Quirky Jessi 2]

You might want to consider trying to cut back a little. To wean yourself off one of the showers, try using things outside the shower. For example, if you're at work, wash your hands and arms in the sink. Use a baby wipe on your arm pits and crotch area where you might be afraid of a smell coming from. Spritz a single spray of body splash into your hair (it'll hold the scent longer without being overpowering or smelling like you're trying to cover something). You'll feel clean and refreshed without having to go home to shower completely.

[shaun 6]

You need to challenge your beliefs and assumptions. You assume people think you stink because you are overweight. Is this a rational thought? What could be a more realistic thought? People probably don't think you stink because you are overweight. Maybe losing weight would be a better way of overcoming some of your issues. It would improve your self-esteem and confidence.

[lovelikewinter3 0]

Bathing 3 times a day is definitely not good for your skin, but I understand your need to complete it. Can you try maybe shortening each shower until you are able to drop one? Washing that often will strip your skin of the natural oils that keep it soft and healthy, oils that cannot be replicated with body lotions.

I definitely understand the locking the door, I constantly check the door lock as soon as it's dark outside. Every time I walk by the door, as well, I have to check and make sure it's locked.

[tajnz 0]

You're not the only one. I'm not sure if I even have mild OCD but I do display a few OCD tendencies.

One being that I bathe often like you. Normally twice a day but sometimes up to three times a day. I also wash my hair everyday. If I haven't washed my hair during the day I sometimes find it impossible to sleep and therefore get up in the middle of the night to shower.

I also find showers relaxing and anytime I'm stressed or upset I have a shower. So perhaps it's not normal but you're not the only one. In saying this I do realize it's probably not healthy to bathe as much as we do. So over time I'll gradually cut down to 1-2 showers a day instead of 2-3.

[dawood 0]

Try INOSITOL (vitamin b8). Hopefully solve your problem.