looking for a little advice!

[krosee]

I’m not sure how to start this and hopefully it isn’t too lengthy. I’ve been having some real lows lately with my anxiety and OCD. Both are very closely related. Super close sisters. I have a lot of phobias around germs and a newly developed fear around anaphylaxis. A few months back my partner and I adopted a young cat from a local animal shelter and almost immediately, I wish we hadn’t. I don’t want to sound like a terrible person or like I hate animals because I don’t. I’ve had cats and dogs my entire life and some of them have been the best companions ever. This cat is super sweet and wants all sorts of affection and never stops meowing... and I mean it. She starts howling around 530 AM like clock work. Anyways, since bringing her home my OCD has been off the charts and I’m constantly worried I’m going to have some type of reaction (I’m not dealthy allergic to animals, just slightly). There isn’t a single spot in our home where I feel comfortable enough to be. I get no relief from anything. The OCD turns into anxiety and then the anxiety turns into attacks and tears and I’m miserable every day. My partner keeps saying we just need to work through it and I don’t know how to bring up this conversation. To be honest, I don’t want the cat. I agreed mostly because it made my partner super happy and now I feel like a wiener for having these feelings. What would you do if you were in my situation? Thoughts and feelings welcome!

 

[triceps]

I’m not sure how to start this and hopefully it isn’t too lengthy. I’ve been having some real lows lately with my anxiety and OCD. Both are very closely related. Super close sisters. I have a lot of phobias around germs and a newly developed fear around anaphylaxis. A few months back my partner and I adopted a young cat from a local animal shelter and almost immediately, I wish we hadn’t. I don’t want to sound like a terrible person or like I hate animals because I don’t. I’ve had cats and dogs my entire life and some of them have been the best companions ever. This cat is super sweet and wants all sorts of affection and never stops meowing... and I m ean it. She starts howling around 530 AM like clock work. Anyways, since bringing her home my OCD has been off the charts and I’m constantly worried I’m going to have some type of reaction (I’m not dealthy allergic to animals, just slightly). There isn’t a single spot in our home where I feel comfortable enough to be. I get no relief from anything. The OCD turns into anxiety and then the anxiety turns into attacks and tears and I’m miserable every day. My partner keeps saying we just need to work through it and I don’t know how to bring up this conversation. To be honest, I don’t want the cat. I agreed mostly because it made my partner super happy and now I feel like a wiener for having these feelings. What would you do if you were in my situation? Thoughts and feelings welcome!

Hi krosee. I wouldn't feel badly about your natural feelings. You're an adult and can change your mind. One option instead of bringing the cat back might be to get yourself an epipen which might ease your mind about possible allergies. However, what I would do is explain to my partner that the cat, cute as she is, just isn't working out for me. Or you could get an epipen, use it on the cat around 5am and I'll bet it won't be meowing at 5:30 am anymore. I'm kidding of course. With your luck it would just make the cat more hyper.

 

[Butters]

There is nothing wrong with how you are feeling. It is a natural reaction to a big change in your life and daily routine. If push comes to shove you have to look out for your own mental well-being. I'm sure you're partner will understand. Good luck.

 

[krosee]

Thanks for the responses guys! The conversation did not quite go as planned lol but we’ll just have to talk it out a bit more so we’re on the same page at least.