Found out something I thought was normal was a symptom

[OverlyAnxious]

So I've been chatting with my therapist and I mentioned that some of the things I do, things I either thought were normal or were just casual quirks, and he said these were actually symptoms of my anxiety. For example, I tend to be very compulsive in hand washing. I'll wash my hands dozens of times a day, not because I don't like germs, but because certain textures and smells bother me immensely, or I'll wash before, during, and after making food, as well as after I finish eating, because I dont want what I've been touching in the food, and I dont want the food getting everywhere after im done. I didnt even realize I was overwashing before my Aunt mentioned it to me. It makes me feel even less normal. :/

 

[may71]

Even if it's not "normal", it doesn't sound like it's that bad unless it's really causing you harm or interfering with your life.

People with really severe OCD might wash their hands hundreds of times a day. Imho, that's the level where it's really a problem.

My take on it is that it's nothing to worry about unless it's something that bothers you or is really interfering with your relationships

 

[kat319]

I'm with @may71 on this. I wash my hands just as much. I just think it's good hygiene. However, you know your situation more than anyone.

 

[Human Ex Machinae]

Ditto and ditto, I agree with @may71 and @kat319 . Washing hands before, during and after preparing meals is what people are supposed to do. I work in a restaurant kitchen, I'm washing my hands all day!

 

[Nick]

I would be more concerned if you didn't wash your hands. As the others have said, I'm pretty sure you're supposed to wash your hands that much. If you were washing 100+ times a day, that would be excessive.

 

[Walker]

Lots of things really ARE just normal or quirks. You can pick them up as "symptoms of more" or you can back burner those things as being nothing much. If it makes you feel less normal then screw it. It really doesn't seem THAT abnormal, honestly.

 

[auybv]

Too much hand washing is often associated with contamination OCD, and the therapists sometimes can be too alert about this kind of symptom. Not to mention dozens of times, even if it is just a little more than usual, many of them already start to suspect whether it is OCD. But as you mentioned, it is not about germs in your case, so I think it should be normal unless it has severely impacted your daily lives. And it should be a good habit to wash the hands before and after making food.