Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Morning @HenryX,

I'm really pleased to hear that over the past 12 months you've been able to access support to help you through this struggle. You mentioned that you believe your situation is almost unrecoverable, but I'm wondering whether you've been able to see some glimmers of hope?

A few years ago, after a traumatic event, I experienced a big exacerbation of what I now understand to be OCD, and which I endured for a few years. At the time it felt like I was stuck in a living nightmare – my mind created rules around "safe" clothes, "safe" people, "safe" food etc (an ever growing list ensued) and the surrounding intrusive thoughts that would flood my head space when I didn't adhere to these "safe" rules felt unbearable.

After intensive therapy I now live with some of the hallmarks of OCD, particularly during times of stress, but they don't dominate my life. I attribute this recovery to seeking the right professional help for me, as well as A LOT of hard work and identifying the deeper reasons for why my mind felt it needed to control my environment.

I'd love to hear what's been working for you, what you can share with us that you've learnt over the past 12 months in your path towards living with this/these mental health conditions. Only if you have the time and space to share of course 😊

Rhye ☘️

Thank you, @Former-Member , I really valued your message this morning. ❤️

Unfortunately I got incredibly stressed. My neighbour rang, immediately messaged and then knocked, all while I was in the middle of uploading photos to the remote inspection technology (which times out if you leave it). I ended up half-yelling at him, "Can you please just give me 5 minutes?" I am not proud of that, as I am not a shouter. But I thought he must have an urgent matter, as he knew I had the rental inspection this morning! The technology actually started right back at the start 6 times, but I finally got it done in time, before the due hour thankfully. Then I went to see my neighbour, and it wasn't at all urgent, in fact he should've asked my other neighbour himself, as I couldn't help him. Amyway, I apologised to him and he apologised to me.

Afterwards I collapsed on my bed for 3 hours, then went to sit outside in nature and walk slowly. I am wiped out. I really need 3 days to knock myself out with books and recover from this ordeal...but I have my volunteer job tomorrow, so maybe I will knock myself out with books on Friday and the weekend.

I can hardly even enjoy the neat and clean house, as it was all too massively stressful. But I am so relieved that's over...I hope I pass.

Thanks again, @Former-Member and friends ❤️

@Anastasia @Eve7 @HenryX @outlander @Lilly6 @Snowie @WIP @pancakes @cloudcore @Jynx @Bow @BlueBay @Shaz51 @Emelia8

That does sound really stressful @NatureLover (isn't it always the case that you never get a knock on the door and then when you least need it, there's the knock!).

That said, bravo for persevering and making it through the process. You mentioned that you feel wiped out, and I'm not at all surprised. I hope the next few days you're able to get some much needed rest and to also really feel proud for what you've achieved. You're building that resilience muscle when it comes to your struggles with anxiety, and that's so huge.

Win 1 (I've no doubt of many) to @NatureLover.

Well done 🎉

Hugs @NatureLover ❤❤

Mr shaz has been diagnosed with OCD years ago , he claims I have OCD also which I have never realised until he has brought it up

Not sure if I am used to his OCD tendencies

What do you think @Former-Member , @Emelia8 , @Anastasia , @HenryX

I might bring that question up on the carers side of the forum too

You did very well @NatureLover, a huge achievement that you should be proud of. I'm not at all surprised you're exhausted.

I'm sending wishes that you get through work and then can rest and recover with some fabulous books.

Take care precious friend ☕🌻🌄🌳🤸‍♀️🌷🌟

Thank you heaps, @Former-Member . May I just say, you are very skilled at what you do, and with encouragement! I have noticed this all around the boards, not just here on this thread. Thank you.

Thank you so much, @Anastasia and for your wishes.

My arms and hands and legs are shocking at the moment...now to work on healing some of that up (bit embarrassing for work). (No need for wishes) I'm quite enjoying getting up at 5.30 and spending the dark time online, then I can go outside earlier. Can't get enough of outside.

I hope you can concentrate on yourself this week and have that precious down-time.

I also hope your boy isn't worrying you too much...

Lots of 💚 and hugs...

You are most welcome @NatureLover, but thank you goes out to you and all the other members who make this a real privilege for me. To be able to share my experience and for it to have meaning, it means the world to me.

You are all brave, you are all so resilient and you are all so kind 🐨

Thank you for your kind words, @Former-Member ❤️

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@Former-Member wrote:

To be able to share my experience and for it to have meaning, it means the world to me.

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This made me stop and think...and I think it's true for me too. Yet another thing to be grateful for! 🙂

Hello dear @NatureLover

How are you?

Are your hands, arms and legs improving?

Leaving you lots of gifts for when you visit 🌄🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁🎁