#germ phobia

[ayronaught]

Having a germ phobia sucks because we did a practical in biology today using E. Coli and I am now being mentally assaulted with images of hospitals and illness. Do I know that they used a harmless strain and not O157? Yes. Does my brain care? Guess

[notsocuddlefish]

I need a shower but dysphoria is kicking my ass

But

Germs.

[mentalillnessmouse]

I have a lot of hygiene issues and I have no idea why. I often will go days without showering or brushing my teeth or even changing my clothes if I can. I know that these are obviously bad habits but I just continue to indulge them and I don't know why. I also have been developing a phobia of germs which you think would improve my hygiene but really, I'm just beginning to feel trapped in my own grossness. I'm just really concerned and embarrassed. I'm not sure what I'm asking exactly but yeah.

Hey anon,

I have some idea what you’re going through. For a long time, I had an aversion to showering and brushing my teeth, and I had a hard time doing them with my depression.

Have you talked to a therapist about this? It would be a good idea, and treating any underlying issues could help you. Setting a pattern can also be really helpful, like taking a shower at a certain time each day or brushing your teeth before taking medication, etc. 

I understand the embarrassment, but try not to feel bad about this. In my experience, feeling ashamed/guilty about not doing something just increases your aversion to it.

You will get through this.

--roboraptor 

[lochnesssage]

Whenever meeting someone:

Person: *holds hand out to shake* Nice meeting you.

Me: *keeping hands to myself* Pleased to meet you.

[asfalseascressid]

Sharing time

So I have a moderately intense germ phobia and I haven't cooked myself an actual meal in months because a lot of it centers around food. But tonight I cooked myself a grilled cheese and I just... Like I know it's just a grilled cheese but this is such a big deal for me. It shows a fuck ton of progress and I'm super happy and proud of myself. Also it was pretty damn good if I do say so myself.

[germking]

Double-dipping spreads bacteria. But does it get people sick?

What experiments tell us about the age-old practice

[germking]

Does double-dipping really spread germs?

The Mythbusters were debating the question: Does double-dipping really spread germs? Find out if double-dipping really spreads germs with the Mythbusters.

[lassidophiluss]

everytime i watch a movie or a t.v show

i think of mr. monk

and that somewhere,

in some weird dimension

that adrian is there,

washing his hands.