For anyone out there struggling with obsessive thoughts or fears about past events in their lives, please hear that you are not alone – and that recovery is possible.

I've often noticed that the passage of time seems to be a big contributor to changing how I relate to an obsession. I've had countless moments where I was triggered by contamination concerns; stuck staring at and inspecting some unknown substance or spot on a surface that I touched or got close to. I'd be trying to assess my level of risk and whether or not I need to do anything about my "predicament." Because I'd be engaging in all sorts of compulsive behavior I never really left the scene...

My experiences with social anxiety have ebbed and flowed over the years, with an overall upward trend of improvement (thank goodness). I...