How do I stop myself from excessive handwashing? I’ve developed a fear of getting infected mainly from when I touch metal, vegetables, trash bins and when I pick things up from the floor
>>77406888Just use mild and dehydrating soap-
>>77406888It's a self-reinforcing habit.>touch something>fear containation>wash hands>fear subsides>cycle repeatsYou're teaching yourself to fear touching certain objects. The way to reverse it is to touch objects and not react to the fear response by waiting it out.
>>77406895this. put your fingers in your mouth after handling the trash to desensitize yourself. stop washing your hands when you use the bathroom too. you want to disassociate washing your hands with the idea of removing harmful germs
>>77406888Just make sure you don't wash for too long. Maybe start counting to a certain number every time you wash to get it exactly right, just enough to eliminate the risk of contamination but not too long or you could damage your skin. Just make sure to stick to the ritual religiously so nothing bad happens.
>>77406888your hypochondria is actually weakening your immune system over time and one day it will become as weak as you think it is.
>>77406888>How do I stop myself from excessive handwashing?Bathing should be enough but if not then only wash you hands if they are ACTUALLY dirty or if you are about to eat and will be touching food.
>>77406888Only do it before you eat or if you've encountered ethnics
i haven't used soap or shampoo in years.
