Germs, mess and anxiety

Hey @Undecided ,

It sounds really draining. I can see how it is affecting your relationships.

Has it always been like this, or it is something that has become problematic recently?

Also, do you have any professional supports you can speak to about how your anxiety is affecting you?

@tyme It really is. I'm absolutely exhausted. The thing is, it pretty much only affects my marriage, as I'm nowhere near as fussy about things when I'm not at home (unless it involves washing hands before eating).

I only really noticed it getting worse and worse over the past year. I think I have always been a little bit like this, but maybe after the pandemic it may have affected me more. Although it has only sent me into a panic maybe a few months into moving into a new rental property.

I am trying to find a psychologist at the moment but cost is a big problem and I can't seem to find one that charges less than $100 per session (after rebate).

It's tough @Undecided . You are certainly not alone. I hear how the pandemic has really changed the anxiety levels of a lot of people.

As exhausting as it is for you, I also hear how exhausting it can be for family members who are probably thinking that they just can't get it 'right'.

I really hope you find the supports you need to kerb some of the anxiety and help you function better in life in general.

@tyme I'm not surprised really.

I totally get what you mean and a lot of the time I'm sure my husband does feel that way. Although I don't think I'm alone when I expect my partner (or anyone for that matter) to wash their hands every time after going to the toilet, blowing their nose, and especially picking their nose!

Thank you. I hope so too.

Yes, you are certainly not alone @Undecided ...

Yet again... if he is at the ripe age that he is now, and he hasn't 'learnt' to wash his hands after going to the toilet etc... then all I can say is, "Good luck trying to teach an old dog new tricks" esp if he's not bothered...

Is it worth losing your family over it?

I am certain he has adhd though so this has a lot to do with him 'forgetting' to do these things. Even if he is not bothered, I still think we should be working on things that are important to one another.

Of course it's not worth losing family over.

I wonder if sticky notes work? Put a sign on the toilet that says "WASH HANDS!" lol... @Undecided

Find what works for you 🙂

Germs can actually build your immunity @Undecided. They have found that in studies people raised on farms being exposed to dirt, grime and other things have better functioning immunity systems than other people in big cities in clean houses.

I wouldn't get caught up in the fears to do with covid. Sensationalised press wants you in a state of generalised anxiety and fear. All these cleaning agents you are using in your home can actually serve the opposite purpose by burdening your body with toxic chemicals.

I think its good to wash hands etc but you have to live. Don't let the fearmongering get to you so you can't make proper decisions. Covid is nowhere near as dangerous as its been made out to be. Its like a flu. There may be stronger variants coming out in future, granted but at the moment its not that significant.

Fear is a powerful catalyst and its fear that obstructs the mind from making clearheaded decisions. When a stronger killer variant comes out I would say to be vigilant and maybe even wear a gas mask when going out but for now just relax, and don't be emotionally paralysed by the hysteria coming from the World Health Organisation, politicians and health officials.

I reckon a stronger variant is on the horizon possible killer variety like Ebola but I've seen people so frightened and filled with dread since 2020 that they can't make decisions that their lives are exhausted from all the stress.

That fear will lower your immunity more than anything else.

You're right, and honestly, I don't think this has anything to do with covid. I mean, I am little but worried about getting sick, but it has more to do with my husband picking his nose and touching something, or after he's had his hands down his pants! My anxiety is also around crumbs, food, hair, dirt, and things not looking clean and neat, above all else. I don't know why I'm like this.

@tyme he's gotten better at that actually lol It's the constant nose picking and hand down the pants that bothers me now :nauseated_face: