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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?

Yes that will be a big decision for you @NatureLover . Would you know anyone at the new job, and would the work be similar? It's a pity if the change of management at your current job is responsible for so much upheaval and job losses.

The time change means I have to walk before dinner not afterwards. I'd like to walk in the mornings too but it's hard to get started.

I did some chores and some weeding today, with a break for some reading. I guess I should be happy with that rather than regretting what I didn't do.

I hope the illness in your workplace clears.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Chores, weeding and reading sounds like a good balanced day to me, @Dimity , well done.

After 2 intense days of talking to a lot of people, I've decided to stay at my current volunteer job, as long as they'll have me. I'm glad to have that resolved.

I only did laundry yesterday so need to refocus on the house today and tomorrow. Brunch with friends on Weds.

It might've been raining for your walk before dinner last night?

I hope you have a successful day today.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Well done on reflecting and seeking counsel on your work @NatureLover . I hope and trust it means you've been able to resolve some of issues with your new boss and that she's meen easy to deal with

I postponed my walk a while yesterday until the showers eased.

This morning was productive for me, the gardener transplanted my plants into pots, closely supervised, then did some weeding.

The afternoon is ahead - I have no plans. Lunch and exercises and my walk and washing up - perhaps reading and decluttering.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Oh, I'm so glad your garden helper listened to you this time and did what you wanted!

Were all the plants saved? Is there room to get a digger in now?

I think "resolving issues with the new boss" will mean me further adjusting to her and changing my attitude to embrace chaos as the norm 🤔 Nevertheless, I'm pleased I've decided to stay.

It looks rainy out there today but I hope it ceases before your afternoon / evening walk.

@Dimity

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

It sounds stressful @NatureLover .

I hope we've moved enough plants.

It was a little drizzly this morning but I didn't notice anything this afternoon.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Yes, a bit stressful, but I hope that by altering my attitude to accept the new norm, I can reduce my stress.

It sounds like you're ready to book the digger?

Hope you can enjoy a walk this afternoon.

I'll check in with you a bit later re tidying 🙂

@Dimity

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I've given the go-ahead for the digger @NatureLover . It might be next week. It's a big expense but it's time for a change.

Trying to alter your attitude is a big step. Huge. I'm not sure how you avoid setbacks and disappointments except through what I think is called radical acceptance. I hope your psychologist can support you through it.

I'm feeling I need to change my outlook too, and move on now I've had the 3 surgeries in 6 months. I have to adjust to a new normal too, recognising my limitations and doing my best with what I have.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Wow re digger, @Dimity ! I hope it goes well.

I don't know much about radical acceptance, but I like the sound of it. I do feel calmer and less stressed at work, so that's good.

3 surgeries in 6 months is huge, too. Accepting new limitations is hard. Well done.

I've overdone it today. Really need a quiet 2 days at home, but there's a big social event tomorrow.

Off to see your thread now..

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Enjoy your social event @NatureLover . I hope you find space to unwind.

I just got rid of some old household chemicals I'd sorted months ago... I had to wait for an opportunity to dispose of them properly.

It's a lovely day.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

It is a gorgeous day! I watered front and back, plus hung out 2 loads of washing. Now lying down resting before big social event.

Well done for getting rid of the household chemicals.

Hope you enjoy this nice day, before it starts to get much colder.

@Dimity

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