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!

6457 replies

4,611 - 4,620 of 6,457

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@Dimity I'm shocked and horrified that the psychologist tried to trigger you 😯 Did she even apologise? It doesn't sound like it! It sounds like she's not a good psychologist. I agree it raises trust issues. Well done for emailing her...maybe she'll learn from this experience not to do this to other patients.

But the result of trying to work with her is so disappointing for you 😥 Well done for giving it a go.

It took me 18 years of trying many psychologists and counsellors before I found one good one 16 years ago, then another when that one retired. To me it was worth the wait as I've had a lot of healing from those 2 counsellors. (Actually the first one was that rare creature, a psychiatrist who did talk counselling.)

Sorry you had a bad day 😣 And the AI is indeed scary. I have an Android phone and that hasn't happened to me yet. I will tell it to piss off too.

Good luck with the family event next week...I hope it's not as stressful as expected 🤞

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi again @Dimity , I'm outside on my phone and can't condense 2 replies into one like I can on my computer.

It's early days yet 🤞 but I seem to be getting up and going out earlier. Like I used to. I feel better for it. Not because of feeling virtuous but because it's more in line with my body clock.

I really hope the new vet practice can help and offer more care 🤞

I'm very sorry you don't feel safe 😥 You've been having a very bad time for a very long time. And now the disappointment of this so-called psychologist, plus the worries about your cat, and family events 😥

Is there anything I can do, other than listen?

Sending much care ❤

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I'm so glad you're starting to refind your morning routine @NatureLover . And that you were able to get outside.

Thanks for being encouraging about finding another therapist. It means a lot. I may have to wait until next year to start another MHCP.

My odd neighbour from up the street called at my door this evening - wanting a cat carrybox and help rehoming 5 kittens and a very pregnant cat. So I've swung into action. I've contacted several cat rescues and the RSPCA. And I gave her 2 carryboxes... freeing up some cupboard space! From what she said she's been feeding feral cats and ended up with a cat colony under the house.

Getting back to the psychologist, yes she apologised, but she also tried to justify herself. I'll try not to worry about it, but i wonder what she'll report to my gp.

It's been a long day.

Enjoy your weekend.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @Dimity , it's a gorgeous day today, how are you feeling?

Do you think you'll look around for another therapist?

I don't really think it's an apology if she justified herself. 😣

Oh gosh 😯 re the neighbour's cat situation! Did she take the cats home with her?

I was out early again, and then I did 3.5 hours' gardening! I've really caught the gardening bug. Plus I can't bear to be inside where it's dark and messy. I'm sitting outside while I write this. The dogs are away but I'm expecting them back any time now. 😥

Hope you feel up to a walk this evening and it's not too hot for you...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi dear @Dimity , I hope you are coping OK...

I'm working in 10 minute slots on the house today.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @NatureLover I haven't got started yet. I might try for 2 or 3 pomodoros.

Thank goodness we got the cat situation sorted for now. The pregnant cat is at the RSPCA and I'll hope a rescue gets to her in the 8 day grace period. The kittens are being fostered. The neighbour says there are several more including the mama but she'll work on trapping them. She's been feeding them all in her backyard.

Odd weather here. Intermittent rain, Intermittent wind gusts.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

The pomodoro is 25 minutes, I think?

Oh gosh re the cat situation! At least you haven't had to take any in, by the sound of it?

We've had stormy weather here too.

@Dimity

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Yes the pomodoro is 25 minutes. Enough to get a task or two finished.

I refused to take in any cats or kittens although asked. It wouldn't be fair to poor old Tiger.

@NatureLover

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Ah yes, @Dimity . I'm glad you felt strong enough to refuse. It sounds like your neighbour has let the cat situation get out of control. I hope they can all be rescued and rehabilitated.

I misjudged the groceries so will have to pop out this afternoon. I generally like to spend the weekends entirely at home.

Which day is your family event on next week?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@NatureLover it's Friday. My psychiatrist encouraged me to stay for the duration although I'll be anxious and overwhelmed and wanting to leave early.

Good luck with the groceries, I hope it's not too busy.

4,611 - 4,620 of 6,457