Embarrassment or shame is a horrible thing to experience. But what if this is experienced through OCD, forcing you to relive it every day?
I wouldn’t say embarrassment is one of the most frequent themes for me to experience, but I have heard the term ‘cringe attacks’ and it is a good way to describe intrusive thoughts that I experience regularly.
Many people feel embarrassed to have OCD in general, including myself. However this article is more about intrusive thoughts related to embarrassment, or ruminating on something embarrassing that has already happened.
Examples of compulsions related to Embarrassment OCD
Checking: Repeatedly checking a text message after sending it to make sure it didn’t sound awkward or embarrassing.
Staring: Constantly monitoring where your eyes are looking when talking to someone because others will think you are staring at their body inappropriately.
Washing or cleaning: Washing hands several times before a meeting because you worry someone might notice sweaty hands during a handshake.
Ordering and Symmetry: Adjusting objects on your desk repeatedly so coworkers won’t think you’re messy or disorganized.
Counting and numbering: Counting an even number of steps before walking into a presentation because going in on an odd number would mean something embarrassing would happen.
Hoarding: Keeping old emails or messages so you can check them later to reassure yourself that you didn’t say something embarrassing.
Ruminating: Spending hours replaying a conversation to figure out whether you said something embarrassing.
Reversing or neutralizing thoughts: Mentally saying “I didn’t say anything embarrassing” several times to cancel out the fear that you did.
Repeating words or phrases: Repeating a sentence in your head until it “sounds right” after worrying you spoke awkwardly.
Perfecting things or starting over: Rewriting an email multiple times because you fear you accidentally said something inappropriate.
Asking for reassurance: Asking a friend, “Did I sound weird in that conversation?”
Avoiding places, people or things: Avoiding social gatherings because you fear embarrassing yourself in front of others.
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