Emotional Contamination is a subtype of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Folks who experience this OCD subtype attach a fearful thought or idea to a person, place, or thing.

As used as an example in the corresponding video above, let’s say we have a friend, with emotional contamination OCD, who is fearful of being the victim of a home invasion. One day our friend is chopping vegetables while watching the news. A news story appears highlighting a recent home break-in. Our friend, who is hearing this story while chopping vegetables, is now experiencing the vegetables as contaminated. As a result, our friend is compelled to throw the vegetables away, wash the cutting board and knife, and has decided that—moving forward—he can no longer watch the news if he is standing in the kitchen.

This is just one example of how emotional contamination OCD might manifest. It’s not uncommon for people to experience emotional contamination attached to:

— Clothing

— People, such as loved ones

— Books

— Foods

—And more

The most important reminder is that if you are struggling with OCD, you are NOT alone! Treatment is available and it is possible to experience relief from OCD symptoms.