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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!

6456 replies

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Sticky notes sound good @tyme . I tried them but mine are old and aren't very sticky so fell off the microwave. I write notes and lists that build up on the kitchen table.

I have an old whiteboard in my clutter. Maybe I could go back to using it. I bought it when my mother was having chemo. She drew a Cheshire cat's smile in one corner.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Down to one sticky note! That's excellent, @tyme .

Re seeing my abusive father twice a year, I don't have to do it, but it's a boundary I've set with him (he wants more contact than I'm willing to give him).

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I didn't go out for a dawn walk this morning @Dimity as it was -3. I refuse to go out in minus temperatures! But the sunshine during the days are worth the cold nights / mornings.

I haven't done a Zoom meeting yet, but of course would fix my face, hair and clothes for one. At least my top half!

I reckon the guided recovery programme might be worth figuring out the camera and microphone on your tablet - or can you do it on your phone?

Today I have the GP for the annual referral to my ophthalmologist. I also need to check my scripts before I go in.

Also, I need to seriously clean and tidy the house for a smoke detector check on Thursday week. Eeek, I'm dreading it. 😣

Good luck today with whatever you have on...

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

At least you've got good advance notice of the inspection @NatureLover .

I'm very tired. New MHCP today so long and difficult consultation. And spoke to a potential family therapist.

Tomorrow I hope to recuperate and maybe get closer to my preferred routine.

Haven't tried Zoom on my small older phone.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Yes, I'm very glad of the extended notice of the inspection, as usually they give less than 24 hours' notice!

Well done for getting through the difficult appt for a MHCP. Do you think the family therapist will be good?

I've got dog walking today plus hopefully sitting in the sun with a book. I should be cleaning but I can't pass up the sunshine. I can hopefully clean when it clouds over / rains.

I hope you can enjoy your day of recovery today if possible...

@Dimity

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Inspection @NatureLover ???? ARGHHHH!

How are you managing everything?

Heya @Dimity , how's it all going for you too?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @tyme @NatureLover

The sun was nice today.

I'm still here.i should have a clearer picture of legals and financials by the end of next week. It will be hard until then.

I'm still trying to pursue family therapy. It could be a game changer if it works out.

Today I got through some chores but never seem to get enough done. But it was a better day overall.

I have a hyacinth nearly out. Either white or pale pink.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hey @Dimity , I hope it works out for you. You deserve it.

It sounds like it's been super stressful.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Thanks, @tyme ! Luckily it's not a real estate inspection but an annual smoke detector and power point inspection. But they still report to the landlord so I've got some cleaning to do!

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

@Dimity I'm glad there seems to be some progress on your legal / financial matters coming up.

Are your family willing to engage in family therapy?

Your hyacinth sounds nice. My jasmine has lots of new growth but not quite buds yet.

I've woken up quite depressed. Still in bed. No walk.

Hope you have another better day today.

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