
Honeybear
OCD thrives on resistance. If you have obsessions, don't try to reason with the obsessive thoughts as this will only intensify your symptoms. OCD is not rational, and you cannot reason your way to serenity. It may be helpful to simply accept the obsessive thought. For example, try telling yourself, “Big deal, so what?” So what if touching the shopping cart means I will contract pneumonia and die? I'm going to enjoy what little time I have left. It may sound counter-intuitive and even ludicrous, but this technique is often used in therapy and works. Simply acknowledge the thought and accept whatever worst case scenario your mind has concocted and move on.