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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!

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

What a nuisance re your bin @NatureLover . At least it wasn't your general waste. I hope you can catch up without overflow.

I was a bit sore after sawing branches but nothing serious. It's all done now, unless the neighbour throws more branches over the fence.

Well done with the bags, and for getting to work. It can take an effort of will.

I got all of the jobs done yesterday if you count making a start on the livingroom. And I got my errands done today. I'll have to try to find a sprinkler to water the back garden.

I wish you all the very best for the weekend.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

You're kidding - your neighbour throws branches over the fence into your private garden?! @Dimity Wow, your neighbours (all except one I think?) are a real menace!

I'm glad your back wasn't too bad after clearing up the branches.

You're right, if it had been my general waste I would've been stuffed.

Well done on your achievements yesterday. 🙂 Do you have the sprinkler somewhere in your house?

I didn't achieve much yesterday but felt exhausted from my big day on Thursday, so I gave myself the day off. It was nice and relaxing. Which means today and Sunday I need to use my limited energy wisely and try to achieve lots. I had meant to go out to 2 supermarkets (for different things) yesterday, as I prefer to stay home on the weekends, but now will have to do that this morning. I do feel better today though (so far) so that's OK.

Well done on making a start on the living room stuff. Are you hoping to continue it today? Good luck...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @tyme , I saw on another thread that you wrote that depression is only depression if you don't know the cause. I had understood that it was still depression even if there was a clear reason for it.

Can I ask you to clarify further? Only if you have time...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hey @NatureLover ,

After I typed that comment about depression, I realised I may not have been clear enough. I tried to be clear using the fewest words possible.

Thanks for reaching out to clarify.

What I meant was, if something happens, a person can feel 'bad' and 'sad', but it doesn't mean they are 'depressed'. However, if this continues past the 'bad', 'sad' stage so that you continue to feel low even if the cause is not current, then depression is something to look out for.

If I remember correctly, the member was saying that they no longer get out and find it really hard to do things. They've also had depression and TMS in the past. After having 'recovered', they are now finding themselves running back to bed (besides the reason for needing to sleep), then it may be sign of depression as opposed to being 'sad' over an incident.

Is this a little clearer?

Sorry if I continue to confuse you.

Hope you are okay.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @tyme , thanks for clarifying above. I appreciate it!

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I really appreciate you reaching out and asking. I recognise my post may not have been clear in the first place so I apologise.

Hope you are well. Have you been volunteering much lately? @NatureLover

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @tyme , no need to apologise 🙂

Thanks for popping in, I appreciate it 🙂 Yes, I've been getting to my volunteer job. It helps me to feel competent about something, when I'm not competent at home (to manage the house, among other things).

Do you like the upcoming heat here in Melbourne?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @Dimity , I miss you... Sending care and wishes for you... I hope you're safe ❤️

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @Dimity , not sure if you have notifications turned on or not, but just wanted to send you some care and support through the screen...I miss you and am hoping your OK... Well, if not OK, then safe. ❤️

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hey @NatureLover ,

I'm glad to hear that the volunteering gives you a sense of accomplishment. That's what's important. As long and it drives you to keep going, it's worth it.

As for the heat, I can't say I'm looking forward to it. But I'm pretty chill because I'm just at home, and will jump into the pool later today.

My sister wanted to go out for the long weekend, but I said I'm just staying at home. I told her I could get a treat (takeaway) for the kids, instead of going out in 40 degree heat.

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