HELP ME PLEASE!!!!! Need Bathroom Door -- Severe Germ Phobia...

[DoorianGray]

Ok, I am moving with my family into a new home. It has two bathrooms. One of the bathrooms is atached to the bedroom that I am pretty much being forced to take. I was fine with the room until I realized the bathroom was very small and had NO DOOR. The size doesn't bother me, it's a toilet and sink and squeeeezed so tightly I don't see how the hell I'll be able to use it anyway but the main point is if I can't have a door on it then I refuse to use it or the room.

My mother is furious with me as the main purpose of moving is so that my sister and I don't have horrendous knock-down-drag-outs over having one bathroom in a cramped space, me having a weak and random bladder, she having a vanity problem and always wanting to primp and apply makeup for hours on end.

She asks me over and over why it bothers me so bad, she thinks a curtain over the "door space" would suffice. I cannot explain to her why it bothers me but I find it DISGUSTING that I should have to use an open bathroom whilst germs and everything get into my ROOM, whereas if it had a door, I would be able to calm my illogical fears and feel that the barrier of a nice wooden/whatever door would not let the germs escape into my room and onto my prized posseions.

I know I sound insane, but if someone doesn't help me find a door solution to this terribly horrendous germ problem I'm not going to be able to handle this.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if anyone knows anything about a door that would fit a tiny bathroom frame, or one that doesn't need hinges as we don't have the money to install one (i do but she won't freaking listen to me and let me spend the money for my sanity) please help me I neeeeeeeeeeed help.

[nursegirl6572]

Ok, your problem is two-fold.  FIRST of all....NOT because of your germ phobia, but your request for a door on your bathroom is absolutely NOT unreasonable whatsoever.  I'm NOT a germaphobe and would not tolerate that kind of situation due to lack of privacy!  Just approach your parent(s) kindly and explain that also for privacy reasons, you want a door installed.  It's not an expensive or difficult project.  It would probably actually be easier to install an actual door than to mess with some kind of vinyl fix.  Don't be demanding about it and make it clear that you're willing to be patient and even willing to help with the project.  Places like Lowes and Home Depot would be very helpful.  All you would need is the doorframe measurements.

Secondly, all of the door issues beside, you need to seek help sweetie.  You have a phobia that is clearly affecting your daily life and causing you a great deal of anxiety.  There is help out there for you!  You owe it to yourself to start addressing these feelings and getting yourself on the road to wellness and peace.  Seeking help is in no way a sign of weakness, and there is no need to suffer with this when there is so much help out there!

Good luck...keep us informed!

[AnnieBrooke]

I didn't say a flimsy shower curtain, I said some of that heavy, thick vinyl.  You could make something that conforms to the door edges and provides a seal, you could even glue a gasket on.  An air cleaner is also a good idea, there are some that have hepa filters minute enough to even take viruses out of the air, and there are some with purifying lights inside.  Good luck with whatever you do.

[DoorianGray]

That's a good idea and I will definately do that. I still need a solid barrier between the two rooms, though. I am currently looking into items like the "Peel N Stick Tarp Zipper Door"...it may be a waste of money but it's a lot cheaper than therapy so meh.

Still very much open to more barrier ideas.

[erin626]

You could get lysol sprays and cleaning products. They have sprays that disinfect the air and surfaces. I use them a lot to help my germ phobia.

[DoorianGray]

if there are gaps the paranoia and fear will remain, like if i use a flimsy showe curtain there will be gaps in the sides where air escapes through, on that air will be airborne germs fresh from the bathroom flowing directly into my room with all my things and if I'm eating in my room...the thought is just gross.

as I said, I KNOW this is f'ed up and illogical, but I can not control it and this sitiation is a huge deal to me right now. Please try to understand my eccentric mentality and put yourself in my situation with said mindset.

[AnnieBrooke]

OK, I guess it's too obvious to point out that your germ phobia is going to ruin your life if you don't address it.  But leaving that discussion for another time, preferably one that is not an emergency, why not go to a fabric store and get some of that heavy, thick vinyl that can be sponged down, and make a door out of it?