clean freak?

Question

Hello,
I am a clean freak....i clean doors baseboards door trim almost on a daily bases....with 3 kids its always dirty. if i cant smell the products i used to scrub the bathroom the day before then im right back in there the next day scrubbing to get that smell back.....i dust vacume some times 3 times a day....this is wearing me out i cant keep doint this..im tired all the time but i just can sit still. BTW my husband is not home. He is currently deployed to iraq could this have anything to do with y im this way...it always hasnt been this bad...but its getting worse......i am currently on lexapro for depression but i ve stopped taking it bc when i do take it i just sit around all day in bed and the house gets filthy again...th only reason y im on here is bc its spotless clean...i need a break but if i dont do i then who willl heeeeelllpme

Answer 1

I would suggest getting a job or a hobby to occupy your time. You should always consult your doctor before you decide to change the amount of medication you take. I would suggest continuing your medication as you were directed to. A job or hobby woud make a reason for you to hop out of bed while keeping you away from the cleaning.

I am a fellow clean freak, germ freak, and neat freak. My apartment is quite spotless and hopefully as germ-free as possible, but I don't spend as much time as you. I have a job and I will soon have studies to occupy much of my time as well, but you really need to follow your doctor's instructions on this. If you don't feel comfortable taking this medication, request an alternative or seek a second opinion, but you definitely need to receive help about this excessive cleaning! It is good that you keep a clean house, but you cannot let it affect you like this! Good luck!

Answer 2

Sounds like someone needs an intervention. Okay here is what you do.

You set like an hour a day when you clean. Have the kids work with you- and don't go behind them and finish the job- it will affect their confidence. give them each a chore to do- this will take the burden off of you. Then once you have finished cleaning, don't clean anything unless there is an accident- like if someone spills. Then just clean up that spill and not the entire floor. When the kids are done with the toys, have them clean them up. This way they will learn to clean up after themselves. but don't make them keep everything spotless when they are playing. Also it is okay to not have a spotless home, especially with children. Then right before you go to bed put away any clutter that has been left out, again have the kids help you and the husband. Set a couple of hours on Saturday aside for cleaning. This is when you do the cleaning that you could not get to the rest of the week. I think you will find that you have been alot more relaxed, it may be tough at first, but it will be worth it in the end.

Answer 3

I was just like you. It will pass.It passed with me when I was about 57 and no one was home but me. ( I had 2 kids, a dog , bird, cat and baby sat for 2 children) I still keep very clean house but I don't vacuum 4 or 5 times a day like I used to, or clean ash trays when some one put 1 ash in it, moped the floors several times a day. It never bothered me. I could not stand to see dust or dirt in the house or around my out side of house. Now I am retired 63, and I am happy to say I can see dust on my glass top table and it doesn't bother me at all. My father is still alive (89) and lives alone and his house is immaculate. Cleaner then mine. When his other house had a basement in it he vacuumed the beams. If you can function on other things and it doesn't get in the way just go with the flow. My mother calls me Ms. Clean. Nothing wrong with a clean house. I love it.

Answer 4

Ok clean is good and I am a clean freak but honey you are acting like an obsessive/ compulsive. You need more than just the Lexapro, you need to talk to someone. You are having trouble coping with your husband being away and I feel for you. It has to be difficult, but especially with three kids it has to be doubly difficult. For the kids sakes and for the sake of your marriage when hubby comes home - get some help before you collapse.

Whatever branch of the service that your husband belongs to must have a family or wives support group. And talk with your doctor. Another idea is to get a part time job to get yourself out of the house. If you can't afford childcare - offer your cleaning services in exchange for a few hours away from the kids and getting out of the house.

You are not a lone....get help....and soon.

(((((hugs))))

Answer 5

first god bless your family......we love you guys.you need to talk to your doc about some new meds if this is the case.maybe he can find something else that will work for you.sometimes it takes a few trys to get the right one.
as for the cleaning maybe you use it as a outlet for your lonlieness from your husband.did you ever stop to think maybe you are doing this becouse you are just waiting for him to come home and want things to be as they were befor he left?maybe in the back of your mind.there is nothing wrong with being a clean freek.but you need to take time for yourself too.even if it is just a day or an hour.but it needs to be done.maybe after the kids go to sleep you could light some candles and read for a few.or put them in the bathroom and take a hot soak.just a few min of peace and quite for you.you deserve to have a moment to sit and regrupe.i am a mom of 4 and though my hubby is home daily he works nights i am left to take care of all the kids needs most of the time.maybe you could find a support group you could go to with the kids for moms and wifes and husbands just like your self and just have someone to talk too.it gets you out and the kids.talk to your milatry org.and see if there is if not start your own.this may help you too.
god bless you and bring him home safe to you all

Answer 6

I realized a few years ago that I go through the same type of thing when I am really stressed - I think it's my way of having some control over things when other things in my life are out of control! And, I at least have something to show for the effort :-). With your husband gone, it may indeed be your way of coping with the stress. I would mention it to your doctor, as it could be some form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is treatable with medication. Good luck and God bless!

Answer 7

It sounds a lot like you should go to the doctor to discuss the symptoms you've been having. Let him/her know that you've stopped taking your antidepressants and suggest that they find something else that doesn't have that effect on you. They may also want to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication. It sounds like you've got a lot of nervous energy from all the stress in your life right now. The anti-depressant would be taken once a day and the anti-anxiety would be taken as needed.

Answer 8

it could be obsessive compulsive disorder...i do the same thing sometimes too...i clean my bathroom all the time and the house has to smell good all the time...i clean in every corner in thekitchen cos i just think that it themost dirtiest place.....i am pretty messy sometime tho but everything has to be germ free....

you should just give your self a break...and maybe just let the house be dirty for once and not worry about it too much..

Answer 9

You need a friend, sister, mom or someone to come take you out on a shopping spree, lunch or to the gym. You need to focus on other wonderful things in life and not just the 4 walls of your home.

Good Luck and God Bless

Answer 10

I am a soldier and my boyfriend is as well. I am a CLEAN FREAK. I suggest getting a part time job or hobby to take your mind off missing your husband. Try and meet other wives whose husbands are gone as well. Their support will really help you during this tough time.