Hey everyone, I have issues with heath anxiety and OCD but my OCD makes it really hard to move on from a worry. I am especially anxious about chemicals but recently I have been super anxious because of sulfuric acid at my work. I didn't even work with it myself but I am near it and someone at work was showing me this drum that it was stored in and talking about how it is so strong that sometimes he gets holes in his clothes and that it is even corrosive to the floor. My imagination has been driving me crazy because I keep thinking that maybe he pumped some on the ground from the dispenser to show me how strong it was and that maybe a little splashed on me when I was standing near it. I don't even remember that happening and I doubt they would even do that. My imagination just keeps making it seem as though that might have happened and it is driving me crazy. I have been checking those clothes for holes and my skin for burns and the worries occupy way too much of my time. How do I move past this? Does anyone else have that problem where there imagination starts to create scenarios that could have happened and then have a hard time telling if it is even a real worry? Any help on this issue would be greatly appreciated!
Fear of contamination- sulfuric acid at work
- Thread starter Majaks
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Cuchculan
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We have another member who has a fear of contamination due to other things. OCD as well about such things. Two of you should really talk to each other. Might be able to help each other out.
But think of this person working with the sulfuric acid. He is still in one piece. It has not done him any harm at all. Health wise. If it could do that to him, I don't think he would be working with it. At most he showed you the drum it was in. Nothing else at all. If any of that got on you, you would know all about it. it is not something that could get on you and you not be aware of it. Trust me, you are all good and safe.
I will tag the other member who has similar problems. See if he can relate to your problem here. Though his OCD about contamination is about other things. @Phil10 this might interest you. Both share similar problems.
But think of this person working with the sulfuric acid. He is still in one piece. It has not done him any harm at all. Health wise. If it could do that to him, I don't think he would be working with it. At most he showed you the drum it was in. Nothing else at all. If any of that got on you, you would know all about it. it is not something that could get on you and you not be aware of it. Trust me, you are all good and safe.
I will tag the other member who has similar problems. See if he can relate to your problem here. Though his OCD about contamination is about other things. @Phil10 this might interest you. Both share similar problems.
bigjetplane6
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Yes. I went through a phase where I started making fake scenarios in my head
I was a pharmaceutical chemist for many years and worked directly with sulfuric acid and other strong and dangerous chemicals. If you got sulfuric acid on you, you would know it. You wouldn’t need to hunt for holes or burns, you would have felt it immediately.
I have said one thing this forum does is make you realize others struggle with something in which you thought you were the only one. I to thought i was alone in thinking someone messed with a drink or something when they didnt....or something similar. We just need to do our best in knowing its irrational
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Thanks for the info. Would it be ok if I messaged you with a couple questions?
Sure I’ll answer then as best as I can. I haven’t been in a chemistry lab in years!
Thanks yes I suffer similar issues with my ocd but the symptoms only occur when I’m less anxious. I do have issues with contamination and bins and replacing items. Done CBT but never been able to fully recover yet.