Fear of asbestos fibres on clothes

[Tormented]

I am currently suffering from severe ocd mainly relating to asbestos.  I currently fear that asbestos is everywhere, especially following the mulch contamination in NSW.  Ironically I  was recently triggered by seeing what I thought was asbestos on the ground on my way to an appointment with a psychologist regarding this issue and my extreme.  I am ashamed to say that when I returned home this triggered me to strip off all of my clothing as well as my shoes in the garage and double bag them and throw them in the bin.  I also removed the car mat but forgot to throw it out as well.  Because of my anxiety I have developed a fear of washing my families clothes and can often was the same load over and over again.

My mother recently came to my place and offered to take the washing and do it for me.  Because she walked out of the house via the garage and near the car mat and some laundry of the laundry was spilling over the laundry basket, my immediate thought was that the mat has now contaminated all the clothes and my daughters sheets.  My mum told me not to worry that she would put disinfectant in the was, but I am convinced that washing them once will not be enough.  I am so scared and paralysed with fear.  

Im so ashamed and feel so responsible for everyone’s safety.  

What do I do??

[Summer Rose]

Hello and welcome to the forum

I’m very sorry to hear that you are struggling with severe OCD. You’re in a tough spot right now and I would like to share my thoughts on how to get through this. I don’t have OCD but my daughter does and I have supported her for over a decade. 
The first thing I encourage you to do is let go of the shame. You have an illness and are currently unwell—that is nothing to be ashamed about. If your diabetes was flaring or your eczema raging you would not be ashamed, you would reach into your “toolkit” of remedies to treat your illness. Same applies here.

Breathe and think: what strategies have you been taught for moments like this?
I am not a doctor and don’t know if you’re engaged with CBT or ERP or something else, so I will be general and say this:

Whatever harm OCD says will eventuate from your mother not “sufficiently” washing the clothes is a lie. OCD is a liar. Never forget that.
The thoughts OCD is putting in your head are lies and they are just that—thoughts. These thoughts cannot hurt you.

I know it’s really, really hard and that it will make you anxious, but if you can sit with these thoughts and not perform any compulsions they will pass. Try to keep distracted and keep your hands busy. If you can ride out these storm clouds, I promise you it will be easier to do it the next time.

I’m happy to chat anytime.

I am holding you in my thoughts and sending kindness and light

[Tormented]

Thank you so much for your support and kindness.