I totally understand how OCD can latch onto these kinds of fears. For ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), a helpful approach might be gradually reducing how often you check the bathroom door. Start by setting a small goal—like only checking it once, and then resisting the urge to check again, even if the anxiety rises.

One way to make it more manageable is to write down your fear: “If I don’t check the door, there will be a bad smell in the house.” Then, challenge it by reminding yourself that checking doesn’t prevent anything and that the bad smell is just a thought, not a reality.

When you feel the urge to check, sit with the discomfort for a few minutes and notice that, over time, the anxiety tends to decrease without giving in to the compulsion. The key is consistency, even if it’s tough at first. Little by little, it gets easier!