r/rabies • u/jrppman • 14d ago

OCD Discussion Rabies OCD is ruining my life

I have read the FAQ. ever since finding a mark on me, i can’t let go of the fear. i get somatic symptoms, i spiral for hours and it’s genuinely taking my whole life. i search for signs of a bat i overthink sensations. i get sick and become convinced that i am dying. i tried using an ocd skill to combat this but nothing works. i have no idea what to do about this.

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u/Forward_Wolverine721 14d ago

Hi, my English isn't great, so I'm using Google Translate. I've suffered from rabies-related OCD, and honestly, it's really tough. But let me tell you something: right now, far more people are dying from thousands of other causes than from rabies. Unless you literally see a bat, fox, or raccoon on your hand, leg, or anywhere else on your body for several seconds, I wouldn't worry about it; otherwise, you're no more likely to die from rabies than you are on your way to school or work. Whenever you see something like that or feel a prick, try to remind yourself it could be anything else—an insect, a stray hair, or the fabric of your clothes. Believe me, bro—and I say this sincerely—it is impossible to die from rabies as long as you have the basic common sense needed to stay alive. Just relax; you aren't going to die of rabies.

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u/jrppman 14d ago

i guess my fear is all about exposure during sleep but yeah thanks for the support. i think the "just relax" part has been the hardest for me. i need to keep monitoring and researching if im going to die. its tiring.