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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?

Thanks, @Dimity .

You're online early!

You had a good rhythm in the lead up to Easter. I hope you can find it again.

I'm struggling today. Still in bed.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I've just had breakfast @NatureLover . I hope you find your mojo. It's grey and chilly so maybe bed will do for a while.

It's lonely here but I'll see people Tuesday. I guess it's likely those social groups will be wound down after the changes in government funding.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Oh no, @Dimity - I hope your social groups won't have to cease!

Have you ever considered U3A or maybe a walking group? You enjoy walking. I know Meetup has many walking groups.

Yes, I figure bed's OK this morning. I'll get up later. Likely won't be a high achieving day though.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I hope your day turned out OK @NatureLover .

I don't want to sound negative but ... I tried U3A and it didn't work out, I wasn't good enough. Transport is tricky and there are limited options locally, but I could try again. And I'm not a good enough walker for a group. I'm slow and don't walk far enough (I'm not allowed to mention distances, but I walk less than half the distance of a local group.) Having read more on government plans my groups will almost certainly be closed down as social connection and facilitating community participation aren't going to be subsidised in future. Another item I read implies I'll pay 6 times as much for help at home, if I get it at all. And I feel intimidated by having to engage and manage providers myself.

I continued trying to declutter this afternoon but it was too stressful and I was making things worse.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I'm sad to read all that, @Dimity . 😥

I'm sorry that your damage seems to make you feel.not good enough in any group situation. 😥

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I'm broken @NatureLover .

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

So very sorry, @Dimity 😭

Sending care, hugs and wishes for you ❤️🫂

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hello @NatureLover . Thanks for caring.

I trust you're OK too.

I've let things slide. They look worse than usual because I'd unpacked stuff to work through. I'll try to do something this afternoon. It hasn't been a good week.

Best wishes for your weekend away from work... I know it's not something you look forward to.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Very happy to see you, @Dimity ❤️

I've been worried about you. Glad to see you here talking about your normal stuff.

I'm very sorry it's been such a bad week for you. 😥

I'm OK thanks. It's pretty gloomy outside though, isn't it?! I wasn't able to go out much of the week, but managed to go out today for all the errands I'd missed.

I hope you can slowly build up to normal again ❤️

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

ohh hugs @Dimity

sittng with you and sending lots of hugs xxx

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