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:
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.
For more great articles, click here.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
