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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?

Yes, it does feel like a long time till our meeting.

I hope the psychologist appt went OK for you?

I had a good work day yesterday thanks. Today I have coffee at 10.30.

My house has got messy again 😣 I have a friend who might come on Sat, so should be tidying and cleaning! But it's the "might" that seems to prevent me! I always need a deadline.

It makes me sad when you're so hard on yourself. I hope you can be kind to yourself.

@Dimity

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I understand procrastination from way back @NatureLover and that's why I try so hard to declutter consistently. Unfortunately I continue putting off paperwork. And I can't face the big decisions I need to make.

Thanks but the psychology session was miserable. I'm supposed to follow up with my gp. Something else to procrastinate about!

Back to housework - big wash today.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

4 hours cleaning and decluttering today, trying to catch up. Feels like a hamster wheel. But glad to be trying, and hopeful I'll eventually move forwards.

Good luck with tidying before the weekend @NatureLover - hope you got somewhere today, on your day off.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

4 hours, well done! @Dimity 👏

I hope that made you feel pleased.

I had a 5 hour coffee catch up yesterday, so no house cleaning. Maybe today.

I have a GP appt for scripts and a referral this morning.

I understand not being able to face big decisions. 🫂

Sorry to hear your psychology appt was miserable 😥 Are you still doing the EMDR?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

No, no EMDR last session @NatureLover .

Bad day today, trying to organise physiotherapy.

Perhaps you can squeeze in some chores tomorrow in case your visitor does show up?

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Sorry to hear you had a bad day yesterday, @Dimity 😣

Were you able to organise physiotherapy?

My visitor has cancelled on Saturday, so no pressure for me to tidy! Oh dear.

Work today. A big project coming up. My car won't be ready till next Weds.

I really hope today is a much better day for you 🤞

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

You can choose to tidy, or not, as you choose @NatureLover with zero pressure.

i was put on a waitlist for physiotherapy after battling a string of administrative hurdles and refusals. But I went to an osteopath today. I'll see the gp and exercise physiologist next week. My psychologist checked in, good of them, I've been far from ok.

Another week gone and I'm not keeping up with my goals.

Hoping tomorrow is better than ww expext.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I took the day off today @NatureLover . Hope you had a good day.

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @Dimity , I'm really glad you took the day off yesterday. That might have relieved your constant pressure a bit?

I took the day off yesterday too. But I didn't need that as much as you, I reckon, as I haven't been working hard.

I'm sorry you're far from OK 😭 I'm glad your psychologist checked in.

How did your osteopath appt go? And I hope it's not a long wait for the physiotherapist.

I need to write up my notes today for my psychologist appt on Monday. I chose Telehealth as I don't want to drive the hire care in the suburbs. My car is due back on Weds.

I hope you feel a little more OK today 🤞❤️

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

Re: Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

I'm glad you'll have your car back soon @NatureLover

The osteopath was great thanks. Well worth it. I'd been upset by the trouble trying to see a physiotherapist - struggling with bureaucracy for weeks.

Good luck with your psychologist tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to seeing the exercise physiologist tomorrow, but I was due for review weeks ago.

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