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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?

@Dimity Sorry you've been feeling so low. Well done for going back to pay for the bulk item. I admire your integrity and honesty.

It's not just the journalling - I've given up on that. I record everything, like doctor's appts, thoughts, notes, etc. Missing recording makes me feel out of control.

Thanks for your good wishes about the new neighbour. I find neighbours can make a massive difference to your quality of life, if they are bad.

I stuffed up my morning again. Trying to catch up now. Very behind on tasks, such as contacting the handyman again, booking further dentist appts, etc.

Hoping you feel a bit brighter today...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hello @NatureLover sorry to hear things seem so difficult and out of control. It sounds as though you're trying hard to get back on track. Making the appointments is a good start, and I hope you can get back to your record keeping systems to keep on top of everything.

I've just been attending to some of my paperwork and was seriously challenged by by the tech of Web forms and apps but got most of what I needed done.

What's happening? Are your household routines still out of kilter? Mine too. Today I stepped back and reflected on what I need to do differently. Lots. But I'll start with the basics, regular hours if I can.

Gently does it. One thing at a time. Take care

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks for your encouraging message, @Dimity .

I made a couple of records today. Still need to do my notes for my psych appt on Fri. Usually I make notes for the appt throughout the month, but of course with things being all over the place, I haven't. Will have to do it all in a rush on Friday morning. Not sure what to say....don't want to waste the precious appt by being unprepared.

Yes, my household routines are still all messed up. Just scraping things at the last minute. Regular hours are so important, you're right.

Web forms are beyond me, so well done for battling with them.

At least it was a lovely sunny day today, although cold in the morning. Did you get out for a walk?

Hope you are managing...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

One step at a time @NatureLover .

We're thinking of you.

Does the sunshine help you feel a bit better?

@Dimity , hugs to you too.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@NatureLover I hope catching up with your psychologist helps. I'm sure it won't matter if you're not perfectly prepared.

Yes I walked - perhaps the only thing I did today. I'm not coping. I hope I remember to put out the bins tomorrow and don't forget again.

It sounds as though you intend to work tomorrow. Best wishes, hope it goes well.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks, @tyme . Yes, the sunshine really helps a lot.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Sorry to hear you're not coping, @Dimity . That's a truly horrible feeling. 😥

Thanks for your good wishes, always appreciated ❤

I hope you feel a little stronger today. Don't forget to put out the bins... 🙂

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 the sunshine helps.

Over my side, we had sunshine early this morning, and then everything changed 🙂

Thinking of you @NatureLover . Hope the forum changes are okay for you and everyone else.

It's taking me some time to get used to, but hopefully it will be easier to navigate.

Take care everyone @NatureLover @Dimity @Eve7 @Shaz51 @scruffypuffball

Oh, and a reminder we are having the Peer Group Chat tonight. It will be on ending therapeutic relationships (if anyone is interested). You can login here tonight at 7pm AEST.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

hello @tyme , @NatureLover , @Dimity , @Eve7 , @scruffypuffball

cloudy here and less rain today

had fun taking tissues pieces off all the clothes on the line 😁

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Tissues in the wash are such a pain @Shaz51

Hope you had a better day @NatureLover . Thanks for the reminder re bins.

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