[Maven]

I just want to let friends here know that my phone is dying, so there may come a time when I won't be posting for awhile. (I hear some of you clapping! &#128541

Right now, the phone only works for long if it's plugged into an active charger, the sound doesn't work for videos and some other things (it goes silent most of the time, and won't hold the volume where I want it when it does work), and the back is coming off. There also appears to be a problem connecting to WiFi--it won't.

I can't afford to get it fixed or get a new one (I can't get a used one because of my OCD), so I don't know how long I'll be "away." Or, it might not happen at all. Maybe some things will work out. But I wanted to post this, just in case.

My phone is my lifeline, and it eases my anxiety. I'm bummed because I can't watch videos anymore. As some of you know, I haven't had TV in over a year, and I'm behind on my favorite shows. 😬 Thank goodness for books and magazines. But it's not the same as communicating with friends.

I hope, if this happens, I'll be back soon. And I don't lose data. That's already happened before, at least with some apps. Thank you, if you took the time to read all of this.

As you know, I'm still struggling with the mess, cats and my boyfriend. I don't want to be all alone in this, and hopefully, my phone won't stop working before I get another phone. The thing is, I *have* another phone, but my boyfriend told me we'd get this house cleaned up by fall and it's not happening. I can't count on him, and he won't hire anybody who will help while understanding my OCD concerns. He doesn't want anyone to see, which I understand, but I'm going crazy. Just wanted to get that off my chest before I post, in case I do lose my phone anytime soon. Thanks for listening.

[Shazerac]

If you have another phone why can't you use it? Can you not find it? Is your boyfriend telling you that you can't use?

I don't know enough about your current situation to offer any advice, but I hope you get your phone/lifeline sorted out soon.

[Travelinglady]

I hope you get a working phone soon, too.

[Maven]

Originally Posted by Shazerac

If you have another phone why can't you use it? Can you not find it? Is your boyfriend telling you that you can't use?

I don't know enough about your current situation to offer any advice, but I hope you get your phone/lifeline sorted out soon.

It's because of my OCD. I don't want to expose the new phone to unwashed bedding, dust in the air, my current purse (I've sweated sleeping partly on it, so I have to get a new purse when I get clean), my bedroom in general, and dirty me. I can't count on my boyfriend, and I don't know what I'm going to do.

[Sunflower123]

Here's to hoping your phone stays operational.

[unaluna]

Dont disappear on us!

[Maven]

Originally Posted by unaluna

Dont disappear on us!

Trying not to!

I am sorry to learn of this situation. I realise OCD is gripping in that it can be greatly limiting. I'd like you to think though regarding the second phone; how is worrying about it of benefit?

Find some paper and a pen and actually list off the advantages to worrying about the phone. Now, list off the benefits to starting to use it. My psychiatrist asks me to do this little exercise when I am obsessively worrying about something. It usually helps. Although I may be reluctant to accept the benefits to moving past my worry the reality tends to win out.

Another very helpful tool I use when obsessing (I tend to think catastrophic thoughts) is a "Decatastrophising Worksheet" Basically they are a way of working through the automatic negative thoughts about a worst case scenario and accepting what is more than likely to happen.

Just to make this even more lengthy, this sums up a worksheet (can't find on internet)...

1. what is the catastrophe you worry about?
2. How likely is it actually to happen?
3. How awful realistically would it be if it did?
4. So, in the event it did, what could you do to cope and mitigate it?
5. In retrospect then, what can you say to reassure yourself?
(reconsider your thinking then, do you feel as though the worry is more controlable?)

Incidentally, I use an alcohol based glass cleaner that comes in handy individual wipes. Would such a thing be useful?

[Maven]

Thanks, but I know what would happen:

1. My new phone would become "dirty" to me (and, as I've said in past posts, if not these ones, dirty doesn't mean exactly what you think of when you think of that word; even "contaminated" isn't the right word)
2. 100%
3. It would be like being stuck in mud, muck and sewage
4. Use it until my room and everything is clean, then get rid of it and buy another (which I don't have the money to do) for after I, myself, am clean
5. Nothing
(No)
I use disinfectant wipes, too, but they won't work in this case. The phone would be as if it were the contamination itself, as if it was part of it, in all of its parts, not just the outside.

Thank you, but there is no helping me until I'm out of this mess.