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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?

Thanks, @Dimity . No, am not up to reading. But I am eating and drinking which is good.

I hope you really are OK...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hope the day is improving for you @NatureLover and you reached your psychologist

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @Dimity , concerned for you. How are you feeling?

I texted my psychologist but haven't heard back.

I don't feel OK, but I'm safe. Too scared to get up out of bed.

I hope you're OK...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hey @NatureLover hearing things have been tough these past few days. Good on you for reaching out to your psychologist, I hope you hear back soon.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hello @NatureLover I'm sorry to hear you're so poorly. I realise you're very upset about vour new neighbour, and you've never really gotten over your recent illness, but has anything else happened? You hinted at something a couple of days ago.

I'm struggling too but I'm safe. I spoke to someone at Beyond Blue yesterday who was kind but didn't really help.

Are you able to get groceries online?

Sending BIGGG virtual hugs. I hope you feel better soon.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks for your kind support, @Dimity ❤

I'm glad you're safe. I'm sorry the BB helper didn't really help. 😥 I hope your struggle eases 🤞

On Sunday night I saw that my new neighbour has a DOG. Running around loose in the shared garden. I'm very scared of dogs. The flies on the poo then coming inside, not being able to go outside any more, not being able to hang my washing out, it's all too much.

Then yesterday I had a medical emergency lasting 10 hours. I was away from home (agoraphobia) in a hospital (germs). You can see why I'mnot coping.

Groceries online have too many germs for me, but yes, I will do that if necessary. At the moment I'm just living moment to moment. Gathering a little strength for an hour then getting up to get some food to take to bed.

Thanks for listening.

And for your big hugs...sending some back.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Oh dear @NatureLover that all sounds very difficult and demoralising. Was the medical emergency resolved or will you need follow-up? I'm glad you're home again.

The dog situation is very tricky. Renters no longer face an outright ban on pets. But perhaps you could raise your concerns about the common garden. At least on walks owners have to pick up immediately after their dogs.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I meant to say, the medical energency was physical. And yes, it's been resolved.

Three whammies in a row is too much for me. I never want to leave the house again. Or my bed this week.

I don't think this property is suitable for a dog as it's not fenced and 5 units share the garden. I'm trying to renew my lease so I can't say anything 😭

Are your fanily still pressuring you?

@Dimity

And how are you coping today?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Yes @NatureLover I took medical as synonymous with physical health. I'm glad the hospital visit helped but long waits are never easy.

I'm enormously stressed by my complicated and difficult family situation but haven't had any more altercations. Actually there's fear and regret around both talking and not talking. I'm a psychological mess.

Are you occupying yourself with watching or listening to anything?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Your family situation sounds awful, @Dimity . I'm so sorry.

I'm glad there's been no more altercations, but I assume there is still dread of more happening. 😥

Looks like we are both psychological messes at the same time. 🫂

Do you think the SANE Guided Service counselling would help you?

I'm watching the sunshine out the window. Too scared to be out in it. I have library books ready to puck up but don't want to leave the house. Scrolling on Facebook a little this afternoon. Only the innocuous stuff. Can't really concentrate.

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