My name is Heather, I am 25 years old and for my whole adult life (began at 17/18 years old) I have struggled with OCD (I am a checker, but what interferes the most with my life is my obsession with germs/getting sick and compulsive handwashing/disinfecting), anxiety, depression as well as a chronic illness called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) . My doctor's are currently working with me towards a more precise diagnosis, they believe I possibly have Bipolar 2 Disorder. At the end of November, I contracted Covid. It was a breakthrough case, which really affected my mental health because I was cautious, but confident I would not get sick as I work in a place where social distancing is extremely easy and I don't go out to many places because of the pandemic and because I don't know many people in my town as I moved here only a year ago. Right after Covid, I contracted a staph infection, which is also recurrent for me, but I built up a lot of confidence surrounding my health because I hadn't gotten one in almost 9 months after struggling with getting them every other month for almost two years. I know this was the trigger that caused my mental health to go into severe decline. Over the last month I have had to go part time at my job and have considered quitting after being there for over a year because my anxiety and obsessions keep me up at night worrying and then hopping out of bed to wash my hands to ease my anxiety (surprise, it never does). I know germs are everywhere and I have come into contact with them everyday for my entire life, but I can't seem to get a grasp on the reality that no amount of worry and anxiety and compulsive tendencies are going to change the future, and prevent me from getting sick. Then when I follow through with my compulsions, it triggers my eczema and the open cracks and dry skin on my hands makes me worried about getting skin infections even more, as eczema is a risk factor for staph. When looking for an outlet and relief, I came across Mighty and am very excited to hopefully get to connect with people who have similar struggles, and possibly discuss tips that have helped some of you manage your obsessions and compulsions. #ContaminationOCD #ObsessiveCompulsiveDisorder #Depression #PolycysticOvarySyndrome #ChronicIllness