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Old 18-05-2008, 12:44 AM   #4
Dramatic
 

I have to agree with Queer Fringe. Despite the fact i am no doctor, and can not diagnose you, your symptoms do sound consistent with OCD.

The reality is - despite how difficult it is to come to terms with - you can't avoid germs for the rest of your life. It is physically impossible to avoid germs.
It all comes down to your immune system. Holding your breathe will not stop the germs entering your body. If you have quite a strong immune system, it's likely your body will naturally fight any germs off, hence the reason to why you haven't contracted any colds etc.
Breathing the way you do will not only mentally/emotionally exhaust you, it can also cause physical problems.

It's understandable to why you do it. It's like an ED - you don't eat to feel in control. But in your case, it's "not breathing" to feel in control.
OCD can come in a number of forms - folding clothes a certain way, washing hands on a regular basis, unable to go "outside" of certain daily routines.

The only way you will overcome this is to do things in little steps. Take a few minutes off everytime someone sneezes. Gradually bring it down to being able to stay in the same room as the same person. Germs can travel, so whether you move or not, they're still in the air.
But it's all about controlling yourself in these situations.
Have you spoken to your GP about this?

I wish you the best of luck hun xx

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