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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?

It sounds very toxic @NatureLover, and I hope and trust your escape is to safety rather than bringing unwarranted repercussions.

If you need to can you let your psychologist know what's happened ahead of your next session? Extra support might be very helpful. I'm glad some of your friends already know what's happening.

You're bound to be reflecting on it, especially if the situation escalated quickly rather than brewing for a long time. I hope you'll draw on your forums repertoire of coping skills to help see you through. You have many friends here who care about you.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks for your kind words, @Dimity .

The toxic situation has been brewing since February when the new, bad boss started. But yes, the final denoument for me was quick.

I am feeling OK about leaving, however. Just fearful about possible unintended repercussions regarding the timing of the whistleblower coinciding with my resignation.

I realised I'm not seeing my psychologist for 3 weeks. At this point I feel OK about waiting.

It must be hard for you to get anything done on the house when your focus must be entirely taken up with your dire family situation.

I know my house has slipped since last Thursday as my focus was on the decision to leave work. But if I can get it neat again over the next 2 days, I'll count it as being still on track with my goal for my psychologist.

I hope you feel physically and mentally stronger today, and can get what you need done 🤞

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@NatureLover if things only started going downhill with the new bad boss it's awful they deteriorated even further after she left. 🫂 Hugs it must have been tough.

It sounds as though others are exiting the organisation too, so hopefully they won't single you out.

It's understandable you've been focussed on the work situation. If you can return the house to pristine in 2 days you're really doing very well in staying on top of it.

Yes I'm finding it hard to get things done here even when I'm not consciously worrying. But it would be nice to get to a point where I feel safe and at peace here. I chose to reset my mental timer of 40 days to establish better habits a couple of days ago but gosh it's difficult. I'll join you in seeing what I can get done in the next 2 days lto overcome 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?

Hello @NatureLover

I am just dropping by with some love and to check on you as I don’t see you around the forums so much any more and I miss your friendliness.

💚💚💚

Eve7

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Aww, thank you, dear @Eve7 ❤

I'm sorry I'm not around your corner if the woods much 😣

How are you doing? 💛

I've just left my volunteer job after nearly 20 years. A massive thing for me. It turned toxic with new management, lots of bullying etc.

Sending lots of care and ❤🫂

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thank you for your hugs, dear @Dimity .

I didn't end up clearing the kitchen floor yesterday, but I did lots of laundry and disinfecting library books and things like that. I will aim for the kitchen floor today. Nice to think of you working with me 🙂

The management did try to get me back yesterday. Yet to speak to them on the phone (today sometime). I'm not going back.

This afternoon I have a phone interview with a charity to do paperwork remotely, from home. I would prefer to go out, to an office, but this is what popped up through a friend. My psychologist would also prefer me to get out of the house. But I'll see how it goes.

I do have an enquiry out as well with a charity where I can go into the office.

I'm worried that you don't feel safe and at peace in your home. Is this because of the clutter?

Good luck setting your mental timer of 40 days for your new schedule 🤞

Sending care ❤

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@NatureLover it sounds positive that you have things to do and new opportunities (already!).

It's not just the clutter, important though that is. I've put down no roots with people or place. But on the other hand familiarity with surroundings is crucial as I'm so anxious and disoriented otherwise.

Good luck with your kitchen. I might spread myself thinly and try to do a little in every room.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @Dimity , I'm sorry you don't feel you've put down roots in your home.

I'm anxious as management are trying to bully me back to work.

Good luck with your tidying today 🤞

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I'm sorry you have that pressure and anxiety @NatureLover . It must also be awkward when you've been so careful in your communication and trying to avoid spelling out the reasons for your decision.

Hang in there.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thank you so much my dear friend ❤

Trying to psych myself up to ring them back.

@Dimity

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