About Daimeera
Hello there!
I'm a 21 year old female from Nova Scotia, Canada. I'm not as active on this site as I once was, but I will almost certainly reply to private questions sent to me.
Let's see, about me. I've been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Clinical Depression, as well as some other related mental and physical illnesses. Despite this, I'm happier now than I can ever remember being.
I've been a vegan since August 2007. In other words, I do my best not to consume anything of animal origin, ranging from the obvious (meat), to the somewhat obvious (eggs and dairy), to the not-so-obvious (honey, wool, silk, and more). I love this life. I have so much more appreciation for everything and everyone around me, and I feel so at peace with myself and the world. I wake up everyday and know that I'm making a difference. It's been a huge turning point in my life.
I recently graduated from high school after an extra three years due to my illness. It was a long road, but it felt amazing to walk across that stage. An added bonus was having the 15th highest average (over my high school career) out of 258 students!
I intend to pursue a career in psychology, first obtaining my BA, and then attending graduate school in order to study for my PhD. It's a little daunting at times, but I know it will be worth it. I want to help people, plain and simple. I want to make a difference. I want to change the world. And I believe I can, if only in a small way.
I think that's me in a nutshell. I also enjoy writing, knitting, multiple other artistic endeavors (including drawing, photography, music, and more), web design, and many other things. So, feel free to drop me a message if you think there's something I can help with.
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I have a deep fear of germs and getting sick. Even the thought of catching a regular cold drives me crazy. I was my hands for 10 minutes, and at school, I wear a bandanna that covers my nose and mouth to help keep the germs away. I mean, hey it's not my fault that kids at my school go swimming in 10 degree weather over the weekend, and then catch a cold. Basically Everyone is sick at my school ALL the time.
Some of my teachers get mad at me when I wear my bandanna, but if they make me sit next to, talk to, and help out sick people, why shouldn't I be able to wear it? I'm not going to get sick because of one stupid person. Last week, I skipped alot of my classes just because I sat next to sick people in them and I don't want to get sick. Mainly because I just started working out, and if I'm sick, I won't be able to work out. (yes, working out is REALLY important to me.)
Now my question, I guess my question is, is there anything else I can do from getting sick? Any healthy tips that you can inform me on? (Besides obvious stuff like washing your hands.) Do you think the bandanna is a good idea? I've actually considered wearing a surgical mask but then people would think I'm even weirder.
Also, how possible is it that I'm going to get sick if I sit next to someone sick, for about 45 minutes every day? (Keep in mind that I'm wearing my bandanna over my nose and mouth.) ANY advice you have would be helpful because I'm flipping out right now.
This question concerns me. Germs and illness are certainly a legitimate concern, but you seem to be taking it to an unhealthy level. Unless there's some reason why it would be extremely dangerous to you to be sick, you might be endangering your health by being overly cautious.
I understand that being sick sucks. But washing your hands and not rubbing your eyes are pretty much the advised courses of action.
Using a bandanna, and considering a surgical mask, shows serious signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or something similar.
The other piece of the puzzle is that if you get sick now, it's actually helping strengthen your immune system for later on in life. Basically, the immune system will create antibodies for each cold and flu that you get, making it much less likely to get sick as an adult. If you were sick often as a child, it's possible that you already have a certain level of protection from that.
The flu shot can also help. If you haven't gotten it but it's available, you might want to try. If you have gotten it, it might help give you peace of mind.
I am concerned with your level of anxiety. Not only is it detrimental to your emotional and mental health, but anxiety can also weaken the immune system.
I suggest reading more about OCD and seeing if you fit the mold. This is a good site:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/DS00189
I would recommend that you talk to your doctor about your concerns. He or she can tell you if you're being overly cautious, or if your concerns and actions are reasonable given the circumstances.
Good luck.
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