Hypnotherapy for Fear of Germs
Did you know that fear of germs was a significant issue for about %15 percent of the population in America even before COVID-19? However, it’s true that after the big pandemic hit, many people became even more conscious about germs and a 2021 study found an increase in this fear by 40% among the population. That’s huge!
Even though “being a germaphobe” has become a common term for us, a serious fear of germs can be very controlling, leading to excessive hand washing, avoiding social situations and public places as well as instilling a fear of losing health.
You don’t have to let germaphobia ruin your life, there are ways to overcome and live a free life. Hypnosis is one powerful way to overcome germaphobia, leading to a clear mind and long-term relief. Let’s dive deeper…
What is the root cause of germaphobia?
Especially following COVID 19, there are some obvious reasons why one may be germ-conscious. However, if you are taking it too far, it will start ruining your life.
Just like many other fears and phobias, there is no clear reason for germaphobia as well. However, a common cause is a related trauma that took place earlier in life. Even childhood experiences or other people’s experiences we observed growing up can have a huge impact. Subconsciously we may revert to that moment when we are exposed to triggering situations.
Another common reason for fear of germs is existing mental health issues such as anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or other related issues. In these cases, the best option is to check with a licensed mental health therapist to identify the main issue and receive the necessary help.
Is being a germaphobe healthy?
It may seem like being a germaphobe will lead to a healthier lifestyle but in disguise, fear of germs can lead to a very limited life with lots of blocks.
Think about it, there are germs everywhere. Whether we go to someone’s home, the market, dinner, or even within our home, there are germs. It’s unavoidable and it’s part of our lives. There are some measures we all tend to take to limit this exposure and protect ourselves such as washing hands, showering, changing clothes, or cleaning.
But for a true germaphobe, it doesn’t end there. It continues into washing hands, dishes, and clothes over and over again. Moreover, they adapt to many avoidance behaviors that limit life significantly.
So no, being a germaphobe can be detrimental even though it may seem like “cleanliness”.
What is the best treatment for germaphobia?
Depending on the cause, there are different options for germaphobia. Even simple lifestyle changes such as controlling stress and improving sleep can help tremendously. If you suspect a mental health issue related to it, psychotherapy is a good place to start.
Another help for germaphobia is hypnosis. Especially if there is a root memory that triggers germaphobia, hypnosis can be helpful to resolve it subconsciously while helping establish healthier thinking patterns.
Hypnosis is one powerful way to overcome germaphobia, leading to a clear mind and long-term relief.
How can hypnosis help with the fear of germs?
Hypnosis can help with germaphobia in multiple ways. Essentially working with hypnosis enables you to tap into your subconscious associations and patterns. This is where your triggers, memories, and learned behaviors are. By changing these unhelpful mind patterns, it’s possible to overcome germaphobia.
Working with the root cause of germaphobia with hypnosis
As mentioned earlier, a good portion of germaphobes usually have a significant event that is embedded subconsciously. From this memory, they learned to avoid germs. Even though this memory may seem insignificant, it may still affect the subconscious way of thinking.
Hypnosis is a very powerful technique to work on subconscious memories and emotions. Oftentimes, we store memories with negative emotions. By releasing the negative emotions and becoming indifferent to that event, you can actually train your mind to be okay with germs at a healthy level.
Another technique may be rescripting that event subconsciously. This is a technique that helps to look at a previous situation from a positive angle without going through the negative event. In turn, this serves to code the event differently subconsciously.
There are also other subconscious release techniques that can help with removing stuck emotions about germs and the fear of getting sick. Since the work is done subconsciously, the results will be much more significant.
Hypnosis for desensitizing triggers
Germaphobes usually have triggers that awaken the fear within. Each trigger takes them to a primitive fight-flight-freeze response that eventually leads to avoidance. Whatever the trigger is, by becoming less sensitive to it, one can handle common situations much easier. Especially when this desensitization is done subconsciously, it will be much more effective.
There are many powerful hypnotic techniques to accomplish this such as future pacing, systematic desensitization, or adding an anchor. Your hypnotherapist will guide you towards the best option based on your situation.
Can self-hypnosis help germaphobia?
Another more self-guided option for someone who wants to work with their subconscious mind is self-hypnosis. Self hypnosis is a hypnotic tool that is similar to meditation but it is more suggestive thanks to the power of our own words. You can learn more about self hypnosis in my previous article here.
Self hypnosis can help with germaphobia but it can be limited because it’s hard to see past our subconscious blocks especially when it comes to issues that affect our lives significantly. However, with persistence and commitment, it’s possible to feel some relief with self hypnosis as well.
Final words
Fear of germs can be overwhelming. Even simple things such as our phones are infused with bacteria and germs. We can only avoid it so much but the thought of constant avoidance can make life miserable. If this is you, don’t give up. Know that your mind has the power to overcome this phobia just like how it learned about it in the first place!