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!

6458 replies

2,491 - 2,500 of 6,458

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@WIP lovely to see you! Thanks for popping in...how are you going? 💜

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Good morning @Anastasia ...how are you feeling?

I had a great time with my brother! We had a long gourmet lunch at a brewery and talked for a couple of hours before that, at home. It was great to see him!

I was also delighted as he didn't touch anything, sat in the seat I had prepared for him and didn't even use the bathroom/toilet, which I had cleaned. The ideal guest! I can't generally have people in my house as I worry about things they touch, and about their handbag or whatever touching my armchair - handbags are very germy as they get put down on public seats and in public toilets etc. But I felt it was important that I had my brother over, as we're close. He didn't even comment on my remaining clutter on the kitchen floor or bench.

I lay down after his visit as I'm not used to talking and socialising for 4 hours any more!

And I'm enjoying my more clean house too 🙂

----------------------------------

Oh no - I just went looking and I see you spent yesterday crying and on the phone to SANE! Plus a sleepless night...oh no 😞

I'm relieved that Determined and @Eve7 and @Emelia8 were there for you.

I'm just so sorry you feel so broken and low 😞 Grieving for the life you thought you'd have. I hear you...and I am wishing for healing for you, my dear friend... 💔

Sending you heaps of hugs and 💚 ...and lots of wishes, dear @Anastasia ...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hello dear @NatureLover

I love how respectful your brother is/was at your home 💚

And your time together sounds just perfect. Warms my heart ☀️

I agree about handbags, I stopped using one when covid hit.

So you should be enjoying your nice clean house NL, well done, you did great ✔️👍🏅

Yes, a dreadful afternoon yesterday, I was doing so well but then a call from my boys Dr sent me reeling. I now have a near migraine from crying all afternoon and night and drinking way to much last night. Stupid.

I recall you have lunch with some friends this weekend. How exciting. Finally a long overdue catch up for you. I think it's tomorrow for memory? Enjoy beautiful, I hope it's everything you hope for.

Love always 🌄💛🌳☕🥐🙏✔️💚

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi, was watching out for a message from you in my inbox, @Anastasia ...Am so sorry that a call from your boy's doctor upset you so badly...was it bad news? (You don't have to say if you'd rather not)

I really hope a full migraine doesn't develop...oh gosh.

Do you use washable tote bags for handbags? I do...it was a comfort to read that you feel the same way about handbags.

Yes, lunch tomorrow with the girls - ladies really.

Do you have any plans for the weekend? Just to get through maybe?

I really hope the situation with your boy is - I hardly have the right words - bearable?

Much 💚 and wishes...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Yes I do use washable ones but mostly just have sunnie's on head and EFTPOS card in phone case which lives in a pocket. I don't put things down on surfaces of I can help it. I wash my hands lot and have always been "aware" of germs so covids just amped up my anxiety around germs.

Not "bad" news NL just my boy possibly being manipulate. I can't really elaborate but I feel that he "plays" things at times when he doesn't get his way.

Forgot to tag you sorry @NatureLover

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

So happy for you @Anastasia about your pancakes!


@Anastasia wrote:

Not "bad" news NL just my boy possibly being manipulate. I can't really elaborate but I feel that he "plays" things at times when he doesn't get his way.


Do you mean your boy is being manipulated or doing the manipulating? (No need to elaborate, just wasn't sure what you meant by 'manipulate')

Thanks for understanding about germs, that's a comfort to me. Although I'm sorry you also have that anxiety. 💚

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

My boy is doing it 😔

@NatureLover

Dinner with other son tonight somewhere local for him ☀️

Yes so happy about 🥞😃

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?


@Anastasia wrote:

Yes so happy about 🥞😃


Something going right for you, my dear friend 🙂

Thanks for explaining about your boy. 😥

I hope it's a really lovely dinner with your older son tonight @Anastasia 🙂 Maybe some relief for your mental state to see him and chat about his news.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Just wanted to send you some wishes for whatever will fill your cup today, dear @Anastasia 💚

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thank you dear @NatureLover

I'll be thinking of you having a lovely time with your friends today 💚🌳💚

2,491 - 2,500 of 6,458