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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?

@Till23 I have trouble with energy/motivation/stamina/focus . I tend to work in blocks of 25, 30 or 60 minutes. When I'm resting between blocks I tend to lose track of time, which is something I need to change.

I guess I'm a recovering hoarder. I no longer purchase new stuff and I've been very slowly divesting myself of stuff. The "clutter" that remains is very depressing but I feel I need to work through it thoughtfully rather than having a bulk clean-out. My attitudes to it are underpinned by a complicated mixture of anxiety/depression/bipolar disorder, c-ptsd that hasn't been formally diagnosed but that I commenced EMDR for, and troublesome family dysfunction that impacts me daily. It probably contributes to my social isolation.

Cleaning/tidying/decluttering has become my major focus, pathetic as it sounds, and I really need to diversify into other interests. I keep hoping I'll rediscover something that sparks joy a la Marie Kondo.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I've already voted too @NatureLover .

I woke very late after being in pain.

Good luck with your efforts today. I'm inspired to try again.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Sorry you've been in pain, @Dimity 😥

How's the pain now?

I'm glad you're feeling inspired.

I'm very slow to get going today. I watered front and back and have done laundry, but that's all. Am resting after lunch. Not sure how much I'll achieve today.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I understand @Dimity lately I have been lacking in motivation to do things.

There is an association between hoarding and early life trauma.

I need to down size my possessions a bit. I also have been clearing out my father's place after he passed away recently. He lived with me at the end and I have had difficulty moving his things on.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

That sounds very difficult, @Till23 😥

I know my hoarding is related to childhood trauma.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

How's your pain today, @Dimity ?

I didn't end up getting going on the house yesterday, only a bit more laundry.

Hoping to achieve a bit more today, although I'm starting late as I had a bad night and slept in.

Hoping you feel OK today 🤞 I mean, as OK as possible.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

sending you understanding hugs @Till23 , same thing with my mum , she has passed away a year now and still got lots of her stuff here

she collected a lot of things and elephants ornaments

how are you feeling today @Dimity , I have lots of pain in the lower back area

hugs @NatureLover

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hello @Shaz51 @Till23 @NatureLover

Sorry to hear about your back pain Shaz. I've had leg pain that might be sciatica, from the back.

I still have some of my late parents' stuff too. Quite a lot really.

Hoping your day improves @NatureLover.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

It’s a drizzly and cool day where I am @Dimity @NatureLover @Shaz51

I worked long days on Friday and Saturday and have a headache so I have decided to try and have a rest day today if the guilt lets me.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

That sounds reasonable @Till23 ... let the guilt have a day off. Hope the headache eases.

It's overcast here with a light wind. I'll do some necessary chores... keeping up with the cat... perhaps it will lead into more.

I'm relieved the election is over and the main results are through.

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