Maja's Battle with OCD: Overcoming the Compulsion to Wash Hands 50 Times a Day

Maja Schönnberg, 19, who suffers from OCD, could wash her hands 20 times in just one hour.

When the pandemic ended, most people felt relieved. Social gatherings resumed, and strict hygiene measures were relaxed. However, for Maja Schönnberg, 19, from Filipstad, life only got worse, as she previously shared with NWT.

"During the pandemic, there was an enormous focus on not getting sick. Washing was the best thing you could do, and you were praised for it. That's when it started to stick in my head," she explains.

Those around Maja noticed that something was not right.

"I started washing more when everyone else calmed down. After that, it just went downhill. The worst was in spring 2023, when I felt I couldn't live anymore."

The only thing Maja Schönnberg could think about was the compulsion to wash her hands. In her mind, it was the only way to stay healthy.

"It Was Like a Voice Screaming in My Head"

"It was like a voice screaming in my head to wash, even though I had already washed my hands 20 times in an hour. I had thoughts that I must die before I show symptoms of being infected by something."

At this point, she was washing her hands an average of 50 times a day, showering three or four times, and using half a liter of soap. But she couldn't let go of the thoughts.

Eventually, it became unbearable.

One spring evening in 2023, Maja Schönnberg completely broke down. She had to seek help. Since she was under 18, she went to BUP, the child and adolescent psychiatry in Karlstad. There, a team specialized in OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, was available.

For a year, she received treatment. This included challenging her fears, doing exactly what she was afraid of.

When she turned 18, she was supposed to turn to adult psychiatry. But she didn't quite find her way there and decided to manage her recovery on her own. In June, she graduated and is working at Ica over the summer. She has moved to Karlstad and lives with her boyfriend Måns, and in the fall, she will start studying in the social work program.

What helped you recover on your own?

"Support from family and changed life circumstances," she says. "I think it's important to feel good 'outside' the illness. It helped me so much."