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Author Topic: i worry all the time  (Read 3195 times)

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Offline strangefearguy

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i worry all the time
« on: September 04, 2008, 07:56:39 pm »
Hi,

I think I have an unhealthy fear of getting AIDS. On a regular basis something happens in my life and makes me think I am going to somehow get sick. In fact, I accidentally found this website through a search engine by typing some question along the lines of 'can you get AIDS by stepping on a needle at a park?'.  So I decided to write a post about my irrational fears, and see if anyone could offer some advice to help me get over this.

Here is an example.  Today I was working on a house and there were some cleaning ladies working at the same house. One of them had cut herself, and they asked me if I had a band-aid and some scissors. I have a first aid kit in my van, so I agreed to help them. So when I got it and took it back to them, I saw the lady had gouged a big chunk of skin off of her arm, and she wanted to cut the skin off with scissors. I handed them to her but refused to help her further, as I was already starting to panic a little. I didn't get any of her blood on me that I know of. I think her hand may have touched mine a little as I handed her the scissors, but thats it. And that was enough to start the worrying.

These are the kinds of things that scare me all the time. I'm pretty sure you cant get AIDS this way, yet I worry just the same. I don't use drugs. I am in a monogamous relationship. We were both tested before we became sexually active and I have never cheated. I don't use drugs or engage in anything else that I believe might be a risky behavior.

It's the strange fear that I will somehow get infected in some obscure way that really worries me. When something happens, like the situation I described above, I worry myself sick with the 'what if' questions. I am not too sure how to put these fears to rest.

Thanks for listening, I feel a little better having written this out.

strangefearguy
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Offline chillaxin230

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Re: i worry all the time
« Reply #1 on: September 04, 2008, 08:16:21 pm »
In my unprofessional opinion, maybe you should talk to someone? You should also read the facts on HIV transmission and engrave them into your head.  ;)

Sorry to be blunt. And again, my opinion is most unprofessional.
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Offline jkinatl2

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  • Doo. Dah. Dipp-ity.
Re: i worry all the time
« Reply #2 on: September 04, 2008, 08:53:06 pm »
Strangefearsguy

I am sorry you have what is most obviously a disorder manifesting itself in an irrational fear of HIV infection. I am sorrier still that this site is not at all equipped to help you. I highly recommend that you read the LESSONS section of this site regarding HIV transmission and prevention. Beyond that, there is little any of us could say that would assuage your fears.

I recommend you find a competent, trained therapist with whom to resolve this issue. No one ought to live in fear, and it's worth whatever it costs for you to get your life back.

I do not in any way intend for this to become a scenario-based dialogue, and firmly believe that hanging out on forums like this one is only going to be detrimental to your mental health.

I sincerely wish you peace.
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"Many people, especially in the gay community, turn to oral sex as a safer alternative in the age of AIDS. And with HIV rates rising, people need to remember that oral sex is safer sex. It's a reasonable alternative."

-Kimberly Page-Shafer, PhD, MPH

Welcome Thread

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: i worry all the time
« Reply #3 on: September 04, 2008, 09:41:52 pm »
Strange, like JK I see that you have a serious issue to deal with related to  your concerns about HIV. However, we are not equipped to deal with that in this setting. I strongly urge you to see a counselor or other mental health professional to get the support you need.

Good luck with getting help in the proper setting.
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Andy Velez

Offline Andy Velez

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Re: i worry all the time
« Reply #4 on: September 04, 2008, 09:44:03 pm »
Chill, you need to read the welcome thread with regard to those who are authorized to respond in these threads. However well intentioned your intention is, you are not so authorized so please follow our regulation about this.

Thanks for your cooperation. 
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Andy Velez

Offline chillaxin230

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Re: i worry all the time
« Reply #5 on: September 04, 2008, 09:50:14 pm »
Quote from: Andy Velez on September 04, 2008, 09:44:03 pm
Chill, you need to read the welcome thread with regard to those who are authorized to respond in these threads. However well intentioned your intention is, you are not so authorized so please follow our regulation about this.

Thanks for your cooperation. 

Apologies Andy. Completely understood.
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Offline Andy Velez

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Re: i worry all the time
« Reply #6 on: September 04, 2008, 10:03:25 pm »
Great! Thanks, Chill.

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Andy Velez

Offline strangefearguy

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  • Posts: 2
Re: i worry all the time
« Reply #7 on: September 05, 2008, 03:01:13 pm »
Thank you all so much for the advice. I had been thinking this myself for a while now, that I needed help.  Its just kind of hard to admit sometimes that something is really wrong and its something you cannot fix it on your own. A therapist sounds like a wonderful idea, hopefully they can help me deal with this because frankly I cant on my own.

Thanks again for the advice and the non-judgmental responses. I intend to see a counselor asap.

strangefearguy

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Offline Andy Velez

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Re: i worry all the time
« Reply #8 on: September 05, 2008, 03:41:31 pm »
Good. Being willing to acknowledge when you need help is not a weakness, it's a strength. And the best thing you can do for yourself, everyone in your life and the world at large is to take good care of yourself.

Good luck in getting this issue sorted out.

Cheers,
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Andy Velez
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