FORUMS

Connect with people who understand what you are going through, seek advice and surround yourself with support. We're free, anonymous, and professionally moderated 24/7.

  • 47,612Members
  • 1,358,869Posts
  • 1,400,000Visitors
Our stories

Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi, I have just joined. I have a few mental illnesses, but am especially interested in hearing if there are any diagnosed germophobes or people with hoarding disorder on these forums?

I don't know any germophobes in real life, and would be interested to know how any of you pre-Corona germophobes are doing. Can you find enough sanitiser? If not, what are you using instead? Has your germophobia gone sky-high in this pandemic? Do you find it less or more lonely now that nearly everyone is a self-confessed germophobe?

My germophobia is quite bad - I can't have anyone in my house, and need lots of sanitiser when I go out. E.g. I use it after leaving my house and before I get in the car; again before I touch the steering wheel, again after touching my purse, again before putting my seat belt on, etc. I am struggling to find enough sanitiser. If I run out, I was thinking about diluting some disinfectant and putting it into an old water bottle to take out with me. I had one really bad panic lasting 3 days that was debilitating, due to COVID-19, but after that thankfully my germophobia came back down to normal levels. I guess normal levels are not that great but at least I am used to them!

I am strangely finding it more lonely as a diagnosed germophobe now, and would really like to meet some other germophobes online and hear how you're going. At least I had a friend tell me that I was in a stronger position than him, during this health crisis, as he had trouble remembering to wash his hands, whereas I wash them a hundred times a day already!

6456 replies

1,051 - 1,060 of 6,456

In response to: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@NatureLover Thankyou. I’m not doing well. I did a stone yesterday, it’s on the Re: Craft Corner.Number 3 attempt . I saw my physio this morning. I will start water therapy next year, it’s doesn’t start till then. I see someone else about my hands once a referral comes through.

My storm is a big one. I miss someone who was special to me, but everyone leaves. I will get through this, in time, but my walls are higher now, not coming down.😭😭

I would really like to know how you are doing, but I don’t want to impose. I care, I really do. Sending lots and lots of ❣️❣️❣️❣️

In response to: Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Wow, @Maggie ! Your stone is stunning! I really like the gold, turquoise and coral colours. I could look at it for ages. I'm so glad you felt up to doing it.

Are your hands very painful? They must be...😣

Am so sorry you're missing someone special. 😥 And that your storm is such a big one. I thought you might not be doing well...am really sorry.

I know you really care, and I'm grateful. 💜

I had 3 bad days where I couldn't face going out, even though I had arranged to go to several places. I had to ring up and explain about my agoraphobia...didn't worry about explaining the germophobia and the depression as well. Achieved nothing on those days either, except one laundry wash. Today I felt stronger thankfully, and was able to go out to three places, including the chemist (very germy in my mind, takes a few days of psyching up and involves long cleaning rituals when I get home). So I feel pleased. One more place to go to tomorrow, I hope.

I do feel bad about how far behind I am on everyone's news. So thank you for telling me how you are. I guess a big storm might take a while... 😥 ...sending lots of 💙

In response to: Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@NatureLover There is no pressure to reply, I just want to call by and let you know I really understand agoraphobia and depression, the days of pushing through with tiny basic stuff.

You did well going to the chemist. Those germ factories must make it extra hard, and the rituals must be draining. I drive myself crazy with counting, especially when anxiety is high.

Please don’t feel bad about not keeping up with everyone. The forums can move fast at times . You give so much, try to be gentle with yourself, I know that’s easier said than done.

Sending lots of 💜💜💜💜 and strength for your going somewhere today.

In response to: Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@Maggie , thanks so much for your reply and for the poster - it was just what I need.

Thank you for understanding - I'm sorry to hear you understand agoraphobia. And also that you have the counting thing 😞 💔


@Maggie wrote:

Please don’t feel bad about not keeping up with everyone. The forums can move fast at times . You give so much, try to be gentle with yourself, I know that’s easier said than done.

Sending lots of 💜💜💜💜 and strength for your going somewhere today.


Thank you heaps, more than I can say 💜

Please take care of yourself 💙

In response to: Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

To my dear forum friends - I've woken up today feeling like I've been hit by a truck, and I've realised it's more than the SAD depression. I've been in a bit of denial, thinking it was the depression, but I think I may be burning out / have already burnt out. 😞 I'm going to ring the SANE helpline today for advice, as I'm not due to see my psychologist for nearly a month.

I don't know what they will advise, but it seems that I'm unable at the moment to keep up with all your news, and support you like I want to. I'm really sorry. I miss you all and want to be there for you. I care a lot about all of you. I just feel like I have hardly anything to give, even to myself.

Please take good care of yourselves

@Maggie @Lee71 @Eve7 @outlander @Anastasia @Emelia8 @Former-Member @Lee82 @Snowie @Sans911 @The-red-centaur @WIP @Lilly6

In response to: Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @NatureLover ... I know you are struggling right now, and I want you to know I care and that I'm here for you.

Emelia 💕🌼

In response to: Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Its all good @NatureLover ... you need to take care of yourself the best way you can. Everyone understands how much time and effort you put in here, and knows you need time out for self care now.

We were obviously posting at the same time, so I didnt see your post until after I posted my message, but its quite apt anyway, as it turns out.

I know you will be here for me, and everyone else, when you're able. I am already missing you though, as I know so many others will be too.

Emelia 💖🌻

In response to: Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@NatureLover you can't pour from an empty cup, please take good care of yourself and fill your own cup up a bit

In response to: Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Sending love @NatureLover

💚🧡💚

In response to: Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Dearest @NatureLover

I'm really sorry to hear that things are so tough for you at the moment. The most important thing is to look after yourself everyway you can. Ringing the SANE support line sounds like a terrific start.

I wish you all the best to feel a bit of relief and a bit better soon.

WIP xx

1,051 - 1,060 of 6,456