Someone who keeps a bottle of hand sanitizer with them at all times and is absolutely terrified of using public restrooms and pools is often labeled a “germaphobe,” but what does it really mean to be a germaphobe anyway since the term is overused these days?
Well, for starters, a real germaphobe will have some form of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which consists of excessive thoughts (the obsessive part) and repetitive behaviors (the compulsive part). In many cases, being a germaphobe is a symptom of OCD.
Cleanliness is generally a good thing and it’s normal to worry about germs from time to time, but when does it become too much? It can be difficult to know if someone is a germaphobe since most try to hide their rituals, but here a few signs to look for:
- Washing your hands every few minutes
- Experiencing anxiety when not being able to act on your compulsions
- Spring cleaning is every day or every couple days for you
- Your obsession with cleanliness is interfering with your life
- Getting anxious when having to make physical contact with someone
If you feel like your obsession with cleanliness is taking over your life, then you might want to consider seeing a therapist to learn how to better cope with your germaphobia, also known as mysophobia. The sooner you gain control of the disorder, the better off you’ll be in the long run.
You May Also Like
