Does the thought of touching a doorknob in a public place make you cringe? Or maybe the sight of someone sneezing nearby has you reaching for hand sanitiser like it’s your lifeline. Fear of germs can take a serious toll on everyday life, making even the simplest activities feel overwhelming.
The good news is, with the right strategies, it’s possible to manage and even overcome this fear, allowing you to feel comfortable and safe without needing to sanitise every second. The Very Well Mind defines this condition as mysophobia, an extreme fear of germs, dirt, or contamination, often linked to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is said to disrupt normal concerns about food cross-contamination, bodily fluid exposure, and hygiene.
Other names according to the above source are germophobia, bacteriophobia, and verminophobia. The publication states that therapists can help treat phobias through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. CBT is said to involve changing negative thought patterns, while exposure therapy gradually exposes individuals to their fear source.
“Online therapy may be another option you might want to consider. Online therapy is effective in the treatment of several mental health conditions. Studies also suggest that virtual reality exposure therapy can be just as effective as real-world exposure therapy.”
The actions you take to avoid germs, which may seem counterintuitive, are actually reinforcing your fear of germs over time, states Wonder Mind. It is claimed that by avoiding germs or cleaning things, you reinforce the idea that germs are dangerous.
The publication explains that when you don’t get sick, your brain sees it as proof that safety behaviours are worth doing, this cycle continues, making your fear of germs a tiger that grows. “The next time you’re tempted to engage in one of these behaviours, think of them as fueling behaviours, not safety ones. Even though they might ease your concerns a bit at the moment, you’re basically drinking a big ol’ cup of anxiety juice.”
FHE Health mentions that medical professionals provide accurate information on germs, but social media posts can be misleading. Therefore it is advised that you do proper research on the nature of germs and learn that “Most germs are an essential and beneficial aspect of our health and our environment. Moreover, out of the billions of germs co-existing with humans, only a handful cause common illnesses.”
Also see: Items you should be sanitising at home
