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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!

6457 replies

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

You are so so right there @NatureLover . I don't think I'll ever forget those feelings. It's pretty unbelieveable that things are different now... I think I'm still in awe because I don't understand @NatureLover

I hope things improve for you. I sure remember how hard it was.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Just acknowledging your past and present struggles @NatureLover @tyme .

I used to keep bags, and newspapers, and buy multicoloured stationery, and lots of books. I've shed most now except the books. I had very little as a child and most of what I did have was thrown out when I was 14 or 15 when we moved.

Hoarding can be horrible and life-threatening when extreme and I think it goes with profound sense of hopelessness and helplessness and lack of self-esteem. But I've been told it's a lifestyle choice. It's not. It's an illness deserving care and intervention and recognising the poor soul whose self-inflicted torrnent echoes profound trauma. Here I'm advocating not so much for myself as for someone I know.

@NatureLover you've not done nothing but water and laundry. You've been diligent at times when feeling better and achieved heaps - you've told me when you've had successful days. I'm so sorry you feel burnt out but perhaps your resilience is better than you give yourself credit for. Your sticking to your volunteer job despite management changes is admirable.

Forgive me for saying all this - I'm probably a bit overwrought and overtired.

Take care.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

You are RIGHT... @Dimity . Hoarding is NOT a lifestyle choice. I know that for sure. In a way, as mentioned earlier, it's a need for control when life is so out of control.... and that looks different for everybody.

I hear you @Dimity @NatureLover

Let's just say we are all doing our best to cope and that can look different for everyone.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Just dropping by with some love @NatureLover I am sorry for not being around much.

💚💚💚

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Love the Title ….. so much more to go….. The title of this Forum is keeping me going…. Up to gave away …. Now wood like to bury the rest to have a treasure hunt for fun….. what do think…. 🤔

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hello @Clawde

Do you mean you'd like to have a treasure hunt in your own possessions? I feel like that sometimes when I'm decluttering

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

So beautiful to see you, dear @Eve7 💛 Thank you so much for popping in ❤

I am sorry for not being around much for you too. Sending care and ❤ xx

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks for your encouragement I appreciate it, @Dimity 🙂 Nothing to forgive!

(By the way, my new boss seems lovely)

I'm very sorry most of your things were thrown out when you were a teenager. That sounds traumatic to me. 😥

Any news on when you can go home?

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 your new boss seems nice and good to work with @NatureLover .

I feel weak and wobbly but my mind is clearer. I'll be reviewed tomorrow re when I can go home.

Can your gp or psychologist suggest anything to help you overcome the burnout?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Do you mean you feel weak and wobby physically, after your fall? @Dimity

Or mentally, after your psychosis?

(Maybe both, oh gosh)

My GP didn't suggest much. Eating plenty of green vegetables, meditation, sleep, and walking for 30 minutes 3 times a week. I'm not planning to do the walking, as if it's Chronic Fatigue that I'm developing, that is the worst thing.

Having said that, I did have a bit of energy yesterday, for the first time in many months. I used it to sweep outside and do a bit of gentle tidying inside.

I will ask my psychologist about burnout strategies at my next appt on Friday week.

I really hope your neighbours, the young couple, have been watering your garden. It's been very hot while you've been away.

I'm glad your mind feels clearer. Good luck at the review tomorrow 🤞

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