If so what do you do to get through it? I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember. I don’t touch doors/handles, I don’t shake hands unless of course I can wash immediately, I take a salsa class and it took more than a month for me to warm up to partnering because I was afraid to touch their hands. I can do it now but I still take frequent trips to the men’s room. But I’ve never been phobic to the point of dysfunctional.
Lately however, I notice that I am getting more “concerned” if you will, about cleanliness in general.
This weekend I had a pretty bad experience. I was out with some people who didn’t know me all that well and they decided to visit a gentlemen’s club. I nearly passed out. I wouldn’t sit down or touch anything, I was doing well until one of the dancers approached me and started rubbing my back. I think I lost consciousness for a moment there. No offense to exotic dancers but I was praying for a tub filled with penicillin.
2007-07-17 09:59:58 · 6 answers · asked by flightleader 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
Don’t get me wrong. I enjoy being a spectator; I just don’t want to be a participant. This probably explains why I’m an academic and not a porn star.
Now this wasn’t my first visit to one of these clubs but my close friends know my issues. We all laugh about it. Its still always a pretty traumatic experience for me. I take pains to avoid sitting down and/or being touched. It sometimes works to my advantage though. For example when I’m on a date women get the impression that I’m just a gentleman since I’m not “hands-on”. I always tell them that I have an issue with public displays of affection, such as hand-holding. Once I warm up to them I’m fine though.
How do I get past this phobia? I think I’m getting worse.
2007-07-17 10:00:11 · update #1
I am similar, not as extreme. In public restrooms, I use the washroom, don't touch the toilet, use a paper towel to turn the water on to wash my hands and then use another one to open the door, which I discard somewhere outside of the washroom. And use a hand sanitizer that I keep in my purse...
Also a chicken blood, and pork blood phobia... I bleach the heck out of the utensils I use, as well as counter top, and sometimes discard the cloth I used to clean it LOL..
I have never once in my life had a food related illness...
I'd rather be safe than sorry LOL
Have a great one!
2007-07-17 10:07:00 · answer #1 · answered by ™Tootsie 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I understand your concern. I used to work as a registered nurse and the danger from germs is very real. I too will not touch door handles and won't shake hands. I took 2 years of microbiology, there are germs that can sicken you! But the problem may be the power you have given the germs. You have moved from precautions to panic. I would suggest maybe a few sessions with a therapist that deals with phobias. And don't take any medication for this, learn to address your irrational fears head on, with rationality. Good luck!
2007-07-17 17:07:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's really a misconception to think you have to touch things to come in contact with germs. You have germs all over you. They are in the air, in the water, in your bed, EVERYWHERE. And how much have they hurt you? How much have they hurt anyone? It is only in extreme circumstances where germs cause serious problems and exposure is a concern. Some "germs" are even helpful.
Just stop and really think about it - how much can it really harm you? Be honest. Other people practically wallow in germs and they're just fine. Why would it be any different for you? I always suggest really evaluating the real consequences of any fear that you have. Like I said, you can't escape germs by not touching things. You can't escape them at all. They are an integral part of our natural world. Once you really accept the reality of germs, I think you'll be fine.
2007-07-17 17:08:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I don't know , but my husband ,who is diabetic was that way and he seemed to get sick a lot too. Then He met me and my 6 kids.(2 girls and 4 boys) The germs were everywhere .I kept telling him germs are everywhere you can't run or hide from them. So , it's taken about 1 and half. He isn't sick any more either.
GOD BLESS
2007-07-17 17:12:03 · answer #4 · answered by TCC Revolution 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hypnotherapy is probably one of the best ways to cure a phobia.
Your phobia has probably got a name, have a look at this list of phobias
http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/Phobia%20List.htm
You will find some helpful information on the following link.
http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/Fears%20-%20Phobias.htm
http://www.hypnotherapistregister.com/index.htm
2007-07-23 10:57:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i am sort of the same, but not near as bad as you....luckily i get doors opened for me, and people pump my gas for me. when i shake hands i don't touch anything on me till i wash my hands, I carry hand wipes with me and that helps a lot. it is weird and cannot explain it.
2007-07-17 17:06:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋