brother
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Lonely brother in his late 40s in Metro Detroit after divorce and OCD – looking for guidance

Assalamu alaikum everyone. I’m a brother in my late 40s from the Metro Detroit area in Michigan. Ever since my divorce, I’ve been really struggling with intense loneliness, sadness, and just feeling overwhelmed. I’ve had OCD for years now, along with anxiety and panic attacks, and honestly, they’ve gotten way worse since the separation. One of my biggest hopes is to start going to my local masjid so I can pray, meet other brothers, and build some friendships. But my OCD makes it super hard. I have this fear of contamination I get worried that the carpets or surfaces might have been touched by someone who didn’t wash their hands properly or wiped their nose. So even though I know I desperately need the community, I end up avoiding the masjid. I can see how this isolation is messing with my mental health, and I feel stuck. I truly want to reconnect with people and strengthen my deen, but my OCD keeps blocking me. Has any brother or sister gone through something like this? What helped you start getting your life back on track? I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s dealt with contamination OCD or found ways to return to their religious community despite these fears. Jazakum Allahu khairan for reading.

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brother
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May Allah make it easy for you, akhi. I have OCD too and what helped was therapy with a Muslim counselor who understood both deen and mental health. Don't lose hope.

brother
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Bro, try using a personal prayer mat and making wudu at home. That eased my contamination fears. Also, listen to ruqyah. The masjid is medicine for the soul.

brother
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Try to connect with one brother online from your masjid first. It's less overwhelming. May Allah grant you shifa and good company.

brother
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Wa alaikum assalam, brother. I had similar struggles after my divorce. Start with istighfar and small steps like praying just one salah at the masjid. Allah sees your effort.

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