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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?

Hi @Dimity , how is the 5x5 working?

I did my 3 hours yesterday. I'm trying to do 3 hours each day that I'm home. At the moment it's just chores but eventually it'll get to decluttering. I'm also not being as strict as usual, and so I'm not deducting things like time for taking tablets or toilet breaks or laundry. Too demoralising.

I popped out this morning for groceries and now can stay home for the rest of the week if I want. I'm ignoring Christmas thankfully apart from calling my mum and opening some cards. I've already sent presents, cards etc to people here and overseas. I feel a bit guilty for not volunteering at work on Christmas Eve as usual, but I need to rest this year. I'm not even going to volunteer on the forums on Christmas Day...I need to look after myself.

It sounds like you're getting chores, decluttering plus gardening done... Well done.

Good luck to us both today with our tasks.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@NatureLover the 5×5 is good at starting me on troublespots I'd usually avoid.

Well done on your 3 hours. I dealt with some admin stuff today and haven't tidied. I'll try to do a little tonight. I'm not making much progress but I'll keep plugging away, a breakthrough might come.

Do you feel you've averted the burnout you were expecting?

Edit: Update. Did 5×5 and discovered a stash of word puzzle and Sudoku books I haven't used in aaaaages. Must treat myself to some.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Well done on your 5x5s and discovering the puzzle books!

I don't feel I've averted the burnout. On the contrary, I think I'll need more time off work. I'd happily have a full month off and then reassess. Am working myself up to asking for more time off.

I hope tomorrow (Christmas Day) is not too stressful for you with seeing your family. I hope it goes well and you can enjoy as much as possible. Happy Christmas ❤ @Dimity

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks @NatureLover . It will be a very small gathering.

I hope you have a peaceful day.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks @Dimity .

Thinking of you today and hoping all goes well. Merry Christmas!

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Merry Christmas @NatureLover

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @Dimity , how was your Christmas Day yesterday? I hope your family were not unkind and that you weren't too stressed 🤞

I was out early watering and re-staking the tomatoes. Now inside for the hot day. Pretty tired.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

It was a nice day thanks @NatureLover I hope you had a good day too.

Are your tomatoes flowering well and setting? My cherry tomato isn't.

I got through some sorting and tidying today and the coffee table clutter is much reduced. I hope to keep up the momentum, there's a lot to do before I'll feel comfortable with having household help.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Delighted to hear you had a nice day with your family - amazing!

What does "setting" mean? There are a few flowers on my tomatoes...

Well done for your tidying and sorting. I haven't achieved much the last 2 days. Next step is a shower...

Hope your day today goes well.

@Dimity

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

It was only 4 people total @NatureLover so hardly "family" at large - I'm estranged from most.

When fruit "sets" it means it's been pollinated and the baby fruit are starting to grow. I've had hardly any flowers on my cherry tomato but noticed 2 little fruit today.

I'm battling to get stuff done. I worked for 3 hours yesterday and the same again today but I don't seem to be getting anywhere yet. I hope you're having better luck.

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