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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?

"I worry I won't be able to make it home safely again. " Ah. I didn't know that was a thing. Me too. I worry I'll collapse or get hit by a car and always take my phone. I did collapse once and ended up in hospital.

Yes my home help mops the floor and vacuums. My big vacuum cleaner is pretty heavy. I qualified last year and they've now come 3 times so it hasn't been a lot. They haven't booked a repeat so I have no idea what's happening.

I guess I see the clutter and it worries me but I detach and don't get it done. When I do try it worries me too. It's months since I regularly chipped away at it. It would be good to get back on track.

Good luck with your errands I hope you're pleasantly surprised by the coin total.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @Dimity , sorry to hear your home help haven't booked to come back. Just when you need them!

You actually collapsed once when out? Oh gosh 😣 I wonder if you have some agoraphobia too.

The coin total was $170, so I'm pleased with that.

I have a couple of days at home now. Not feeling energetic today though, so I hope I can achieve something. Right now I want to go back to sleep.

I hope you can get back into decluttering when you're ready. I'm just focussing on the backlog of chores.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

It sounds as though you've never quite got back your sleep routine @NatureLover . Perhaps it will be easier after the clocks change if your SAD isn't too bad by then. It's great if you're getting onto the backlog of chores.

I'm working on establishing new routines, eg exercising in the morning. The physio wanted me to walk more but I think two shorter walks will be easier than a very long one. I really have to get back to decluttering too, even though it's so difficult. I took a few things to an op shop today.

I'll try to get back into the garden too. It's looking a bit sad.

Hopefully we'll find the energy and motivation we need.

Are you working tomorrow?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

You're right @Dimity , my sleep routine isn't as stable as usual. I think the clocks changing might help, as it will be lighter in the morning? (Hope I've got that right)

Well done for taking things to the Op Shop.

Yes, it's energy and motivation we need! No, not working today. Someone at work is keeping me apprised of the sickness there. I can't risk getting sick.

Got my psychologist appt tomorrow so need to prepare my notes today. Also need to do some gardening today as the leaves have started to fall on the lawn. Also need to trim my hair today (I've always done it myself, to save money).

Actually my list is so long that I can't dwell on it or I'll freeze up 😳

Good luck to us both today!

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hope you had a good day @NatureLover, with a good helping of energy and motivation.

I'm trying but not getting far. Didn't get anything done in the house today. Perhaps I'll have better luck tomorrow.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks, @Dimity . I did have a successful day yesterday working through my list. I only did 2 hours instead of the 3 I had been aiming for, but still got through a lot.

Today I had my psychologist appt plus errands. Now tired and resting.

I hope today you have the better luck you were hoping for 🤞

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Sounds like a productive couple of days @NatureLover. Well done.

I hope you can carry forward into the weekend.

Yes thanks, today was OK. I got through some tasks both inside and outside, and started a new book.

I might try to go to a concert tomorrow.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks, @Dimity . Although this morning things aren't working - I still haven't been for my morning walk, or started any laundry or tidying. I got up for breakfast but am still lying down at 12.20! Will have to redeem the day somehow.

At least it rained last night, for both our gardens.

Am excited to hear you started a new book! Your eyesight is stable enough? (I remember you said it fluctuates)

And well done on your achievements yesterday.

Good luck to both of us this weekend. I hope you enjoy the concert, if you go.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I had a slow start to the day too @NatureLover , up at 10. Hope you're well and not succumbing to something.

I did go to the concert. Enjoyed the music but glad it was a short concert, the church pew was very unforgiving.

Maybe my eyes have improved since reducing meds. I hoped they would. I guess the high intensity reading light helped.

Don't fret if today wasn't the best, perhaps tomorrow will be better after the extra hour of sleep.

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, @Dimity . I didn't achieve anything on the house or garden yesterday, but I was wrestling with a big decision. A potentially better volunteer job opportunity in a different organisation has popped up, so am tossing up whether to leave my current volunteer job. Most staff are leaving my current job as it's in chaos at present. Still not sure what to do.

I don't feel unwell - touch wood! - thanks.

I really hope your eyes have improved 🤞

That's good you enjoyed the concert 🙂

I need to do watering today. I like the lighter mornings, but the change of the clocks still throws me each time. Does it unsettle you too?

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