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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?

Another nice day, @Dimity . What are you up to?

I'm having a lazy day today. I had a late night last night at the social event, and ened up sleeping in till 10.15 this morning! All I really have to do today is change my sheets and do a laundry wash.

I hope you feel OK today.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hello @NatureLover

Hope you enjoyed your night out. I'm about to go out for afternoon tea with family.

Hope your sheets dry well

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Oh, I hope it goes well! @Dimity 🤞

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I enjoyed the day @NatureLover but it was very tiring.

Good luck with work tomorrow. I don't know how I'll spend the day... quietly perhaps.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Oh, I see I was already on your thread! @Dimity 😄

I'm glad you enjoyed your family day, that's great.

I fell asleep with all the lights on last night.

Good luck today, with whatever you decide to do.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

You must have been very tired @NatureLover .

I've been sleeping very late.

I guess today you might be recovering a bit from your work and busy weekend. I hope you can catch some of the sunshine.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

You must need the sleep, @Dimity .

Yes, am lying down after GP and errands. Not feeling very energetic.

Hope you have some energy today?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hoping you had a good day @NatureLover .

I'm a bit concerned at some of the policy gaps this election. And the US upheavals are troubling. But I'm noticing I'm spending far too much time trying to keep up with it all. I wish I could be more productive or creative or even just find ways to relax. The clutter is an ongoing worry and I'm trying to work on it again. So far I'm doing a little each day.

I've had a couple of disagreements. I guess they weren't major but conflict upsets me. I wish my therapist could help but in the 3 sessions I've made no progress.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I hope you can find ways to relax, my friend. Does reading help?

A little regular decluttering each day is good, as that means you're in the habit. I'm definitely not in the habit!

I agree, conflict upsets me too. I'm sorry to hear.

I think it does take time to start seeing progress with a new therapist. Hopefully next time she can send you away with something to work on.

I'm hoping to achieve between 3 and 5 hours' tidying and/or cleaning today (and Sat and Sun). It's a gorgeous day, and I'll start with watering. (Not including watering in the 5 hours)

Hope you wake up feeling good / better than usual.

@Dimity

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Yes @NatureLover the warmth is lovely. But I'll be glad of some rain after the change.

That's very ambitious, 3-5 hours a day. I hope it's not too much. Whatever you can get done is fine.

I should make time for reading instead of scrolling a screen for news and updates. Lately I've put on some music sometimes while working.

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