Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @NatureLover I became a hoarder following a major depression in 2008. I have had OCD & anxiety for many years prior to hoarding. I have learnt exposure therapy & have had loads of therapy which has got me to now, where I think I am ready to begin sorting & cleaning, but it’s going to be very slow, as parting with my stuff is not going to be easy. I have been on meds for OCD for many years and that has reduced my need to count, wash & keep checking, well it’s heaps less. I look forward to getting to know you and how are you going now and hearing your story. I hope you have a good day! 😊from @1stepup61

@1stepup61 I'm so impressed you've done exposure therapy! I tried it and found it too alarming, so have been working on the Hoarding Disorder and childhood trauma instead. Was your exposure therapy to do with the germophobia? I would be fascinated to hear some details, if you feel like sharing them...

I've been working on the hoarding for years now and have had good success. I used to have a huge pile of boxes outside, under two huge tarpaulins...those boxes went back 30 years. I had been through most of them before, but was unable to throw things out. I psyched myself up for most of a year, then got rid of the whole pile in 2 days, about 2 years ago! My nice older neighbour sat outside for 2 days for moral support, drinking tea and working on his laptop. I couldn't have done it without him there. He didn't interfere unless I asked him a question, such as "where would you store something like this?"

I kept two boxes of "stuff to keep" from that huge pile, but unfortunately they are still in the shed as there's no room to put anything more inside, not one centimetre of space for anything. I've added a couple more boxes of stuff to the shed since then as well. 😞 Plus the house is piled high with stuff on every surface, plus the floor 😞 However the floor stuff is only at floor level, not piled high.

I can totally understand that it's going to be hard parting with your stuff. I want to support you in any way I can from afar. I'm delighted to meet you and to be able to discuss this stuff! 🙂

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@Anastasia wrote:

Maybe?

I have little energy. I appreciate the reminder. I don't want to go back to my old one. I'd prefer a new one...but how do you choose? No need to answer just my thoughts.

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Of course, @Anastasia

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@Anastasia wrote:

So a few emails and calls but that's all. No work. In fact I'd I could never go back that would be good.

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I hope it went OK...I too wish you didn't have to go back to that workplace 😞

I don't think I'm going to be able to get all the house cleaned and ready for my brother's visit on Friday...I might have to ask to go to his Airbnb instead, to spend the morning before we go out to lunch. I did do a big clean out yesterday of food - I have food obsessions, and then I go off them. So once every 9 months or so, my psychologist suggested I donate the excess food to a community assist group. I am working on my food buying habits...but anyway, I tidied up my grocery shelves (I don't have a pantry) so at least those are neat.

(It's funny...the man yesterday said "bless you" to me for the food donations...if he only knew I did it to help myself!!)

I'm hoping that today you can simply rest, my dear friend. Am sending many wishes to the Universe for you, and your boy of course. 💚 Lots of hugs, no need to respond.

Yes "Bless you" @NatureLover

you could just toss it out ✔️🙏🌳💛

And for so many reasons to name too.

If going to the Airbnb is what you decide then that's ok too, I'm excited for you, only two more sleeps 💞

Hello dear @NatureLover

I couldn't sleep so got up and made myself a tea. Going to try again in a minute but I thought I'd wish you well for a day filled with all the things you need tomorrow.

I am heading into the office with a 9am appointment booked. It will last around three hours and then I'll get a few things done and head off to my surgeon for a checkup after.

I wanted to let you know I got my results today and it was a nasty mole so I am blessed he removed it along with any nastiness. Phew! I was able to finally shower today so feel most human again haha.

My boy has been quiet but I believe is in contact with "the girl" and he said she intends on visiting. My bf has told me that any girl could potentially hurt him, I know that's true but I can't help but be fearful that leopards don't change their spots. I am going to work on shifting my mindset to a place of acceptance and gratefulness that she cares for him enough to spend time with him. I'm digging deep NL!!!

I bet you're excited about your brother coming now that's it's only really one more sleep when you read this haha. I am so excited for you. It sounds like you are close?

We had lots of rain today and when I looked out of my office window I could almost see the grass growing!

Anyhow, keep smiling my precious friend

Here's a cuppa and croissant for breakfast

☕🥐

And some love 💛💚 and sunshine ☀️

OMG @Anastasia your mole was nasty! 😮 OMG!

I hope you were able to sleep after you were up writing in the night?

I suspect going in ot the office is challenging...I hope it goes well. And also the surgeon's appt this afternoon.

I see you're digging deep regarding the girl...you are amazing. Sending wishes to the Universe to support you.

Yes, I'm very close to my brother, he's the best brother in the world. I'm proud of myself - I did a little tidying yesterday, but more importantly, I was able to stop doing that and prioritise and do the cleaning! So now he can come here on Friday morning, which I felt was important. It's clean(ish) but not tidy. There's still the pile of stuff /papers on the kitchen bench, and grocery bags on the kitchen floor - there's nowhere to put the excess groceries, not much storage, so they tend to sit there. But that will have to do. I'm really pleased and wanted to tell you.

Super-busy day today with work and three other things! (Bad scheduling on my part, but again, prioritising the cleaning so I guess it's all good.) Then the big day tomorrow with my brother. Then errands on Saturday, then on Sunday catching up with some girlfriends I haven't seen all year due to lockdown. By Monday I'm going to be a wreck, lol!

Thanks for the ☕, the 🥐, the sunshine and love ...Back atcha! 💚

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@NatureLover wrote:

OMG @Anastasia your mole was nasty! 😮 OMG!

I hope you were able to sleep after you were up writing in the night?

I suspect going in ot the office is challenging...I hope it goes well. And also the surgeon's appt this afternoon.

I see you're digging deep regarding the girl...you are amazing. Sending wishes to the Universe to support you.

Yes, I'm very close to my brother, he's the best brother in the world. I'm proud of myself - I did a little tidying yesterday, but more importantly, I was able to stop doing that and prioritise and do the cleaning! So now he can come here on Friday morning, which I felt was important. It's clean(ish) but not tidy. There's still the pile of stuff /papers on the kitchen bench, and grocery bags on the kitchen floor - there's nowhere to put the excess groceries, not much storage, so they tend to sit there. But that will have to do. I'm really pleased and wanted to tell you.

Super-busy day today with work and three other things! (Bad scheduling on my part, but again, prioritising the cleaning so I guess it's all good.) Then the big day tomorrow with my brother. Then errands on Saturday, then on Sunday catching up with some girlfriends I haven't seen all year due to lockdown. By Monday I'm going to be a wreck, lol!

Thanks for the ☕, the 🥐, the sunshine and love ...Back atcha! 💚

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I am doing my happy dance @NatureLover, you my friend are the amazing one!!!

☕🥐💛💚☀️💐🌳💞

💙🌻 @NatureLover 🌻💙

It's finally here @NatureLover!!!

🎉✔️👍💚💛🥞🥐☀️🌳

I am so happy for you. Enjoy every second. No need to reply. Just go and make the most of the time with your wonderful brother and then friends over the weekend.

So you don't worry, all is calm and fine in my world ✔️😄

💛💚🌄☀️

Aww, you're the best, @Anastasia

Thank you! I am excited. 🙂 I can't even remember when I last saw my brother. Maybe early last year sometime?

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@Anastasia wrote:

So you don't worry, all is calm and fine in my world ✔️😄

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I hope so...in any case, it's Friday, which means I know you will be very tired and longing for the weekend. Sending lots of hugs and much 💚 and ☕