What has happened to me?

Lately I have been obsessing over contractions, (like can't, don't, I'm, etc...). I know what they mean but it seems like I have convinced myself that I don't. Every time I hear one or even say one, I focus on it and can't focus. Also, sometimes I go through them in my mind and start feeling crazy. I am really scared, as this has never happened to me before. I do occasionally obsess over things, but I am always able to clear them from my mind. This has been going on for about one week. Please give any advice that you think might be of help. I greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

Just when that contraction obsession (or any obsession) has a chance to take hold, interrupt yourself and think of something else like your own breathing or something immediately noticable by you.

Your brain will then try to think of the contraction though straight after, again refocus onto your breathing, and repeat until your mind wanders back to normal, you may have to actually pause what you are doing as this takes effort but your mind WILL eventually stop the circles.

The point of doing this is separting the obsessive thoughts with the anxiety generated by them.

You will still feel the anxiety initially but do not panic about it. Let it flow though you (i.e accept the feeling but dont "notice" it). Since it is now disconnected from the obsession this anxiety will quickly fade.