Asbestos anxiety

[Hme44]

Hi,

I have a long history of ocd and anxiety which often attaches itself to something specific in my life. Currently and for the last year my partner has been working with Telstra pits and has been trained to remove the asbestos ones and replace them (does not do it everyday) I have developed and unbearable anxiety and fear of asbestos. He wears all the appropriate ppe and follows all the rules however I can’t help but think it is coming home on his clothes under the Ppe or on his phone he might have used after doing it or his work iPad which all get used after work hours. We have a young child and I think this is why I get so worried. My partner assured me it’s fine and he would never put us at risk but I can’t stop worrying. It has gotten to the point I make him get changed outside and leave his clothes there which I know is totally unfair. Does anyone else have this anxiety ? How did you help manage it. I’m also thinking it’s floating around everywhere and every time we go somewhere I’m finding myself checking walls and fences etc. I know it’s silly but I can’t help it, would love to hear from others who have this worry or from anyone who can assure me. Thanks

[PamelaR]

Hello Hme

Exposure to asbestos is very serious, so I understand your concern. It's good you've been able to find your way to the Beyond Blue (BB) forums. You'll find the people who respond to your post are friendly, supportive, caring and respect privacy.

Because of the seriousness of asbestos exposure, most states have legislative to ensure public and individuals have their health, safety and welfare met. So when your husband indicates he is not concerned, I think you should be able to be assured things are okay.

So the above address 'the concerns' and the risk of anything happening is unlikely.

However, you have indicated you have a history of ocd and anxiety. For me, also a person who has ocd tendencies and anxiety, I would:

• make an appt with my GP and discuss the option of going onto a Mental Health Plan (MHP). This would entitle me to 10 visits to a mental health professional.
• Google ocd and anxiety on the Beyond Blue home page

We'd like to hear back from you about how you've progressed.

In addition, others on the forums who've had direct experience with asbestos exposure and/or OCD may like to respond to your thread.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[geoff]

Hi Hme, welcome and thanks to Pamela for your good comment.

I know how you are feeling because I've had OCD for 58 years, I'm 63 and don't really know what a life would feel like without having this illness so I've grown up with it.

I know someone close who also has it, although married life has slowed it down, but he had a shed at the back of his yard and asked me whether it contained asbestos, unfortunately it did, so he was worried about it spreading to his family, but I reassured him they would be OK, being an ex-builder/handyman.

There were no sheets that were broken so the fibres stayed in the shed, it was then removed and he was scared about any fibres floating in the air, but it was taken away by specialists who knew what they were doing and handled it as they should have, in a legal way.

This would be happening with the Telstra pits because it would be diabolical for any pits to expose any asbestos, the cost would be gi-enormous.

Get Telstra to send you a letter saying that all workers are safe and protected in a legal way, and ask your husband to get changed at work.

Please trust what he has said to you.

Please get back to us at any time you wish.

Geoff.

[geoff]

Hi Hme, sorry I forgot to say that where I live there are houses that still have asbestos roofing, although many of them have been replaced, the occasional one or two in the poorer areas still exist.

People walk past these houses daily.

If the asbestos has been wet, there is definitely no risk as it weighs down any floating fibres, so I would wash your husband's clothes if he can't change his clothes at work.

If you like, install a flywire door between the kitchen or whatever room it is that would block off the laundry so your fears would be reduced.

Remember the washing machine will get rid of all the dirt on his clothes, so there shouldn't a worry about putting your clothes in, maybe if you can afford it get a second hand or new washing machine and put it somewhere away from the house, but you shouldn't need to spend all this money, but still get a letter if that will make you more comfortable.

Best Wishes.

Geoff.