Panicking about likely asbestos in my home. Please help!

[247worrier]

Long time reader, first time posting.

I have read every thread about asbestos..over and over. I’m desperate for some rational reassurance. I can’t stop crying, im sick to the stomach with fear.

I have been in a rental for 6 months now. In the lounge room, there is gap in the brick wall that is covered by a piece of metal. Behind it is copper pipe with what looks like asbestos around it. It looks like it is damaged/not sealed and I’m fretting that it has/is putting it in to the air. I didn’t realise what it could be until a few days ago. My children play right next to it as that is where their toys are and the cover has been knocked off a fair few times. I sent pictures to a asbestos removal company and they said it does look like asbestos insulation, the guy is coming tomorrow night to check it out.

I don’t know what to do between now and tomorrow. And then if it is confirmed, I don’t know how I will cope. I have OCD and Asbestos has been a trigger of obsessive thought and fear for a long time, which is why I’m angry at myself for not realising what it could be until now. My worries are for my kids, not myself. My husband isn’t too concerned by it and tries to reassure me but it hasn’t worked.

Any help is appreciated

[247worrier]

Croix, that is a really good idea. I will do that.

I used to be normal, not a care in the world. fast forward 10 years and I’m a mess. I hate it.

Ill report back in a couple of weeks after I get help.

I appreciate your advice

[247worrier]

Hi Paul.

It’s a horrible thing to fear. Rationally, I know that there is far more things to be worrying about that can affect us right now, yet for some reason, my mind has chosen this to focus on, plus a couple of other worries. Actually, they’re all cancer related.

To break down the health anxiety, cancer is the fear.

I fear it so much, yet have been lucky enough to never have lost anyone close to me to it. which i feel selfish and guilty for because I know that so many people are going through it themselves or their loved ones 😞

[blondguy]

Hi 24/7

I understand your pain myself albeit in a different way. Anxiety of any type or description is very common. Even though its not rational I have had difficulty with chronic anxiety attacks for a while now....It may not be health anxiety...yet its still a pain to have a fear that isnt rational

Any level of anxiety can be horrible to have 24/7. Everyone's levels of anxiety are different yet fear is fear and its an awful place for you or I to be in

Cancer is also a very common fear for many people.....All we have to do is turn on the radio and hear the warnings about the tests we 'should' have. You dont have a selfish bone in your body 24/7. You have a proactive attitude where your health is concerned.

Just a note...I still see my GP every 4 weeks for a 'tune up' as he has a strong focus where anxiety is concerned

The forums are a safe and non judgemental place for you (and me) 24/7

I do know that ongoing frequent counseling (even seeing a GP) can reduce anxiety levels...If that helps 🙂

my kind thoughts always

Paul

[geoff]

Hi 24/7 worrier, with OCD this is a reasonable worry for you, because if you keep checking door locks or making sure the oven is turned off, you need to do it as many times as you believe you have to.

If this is a worry in your mind then 'easier said than done' is often easier than we thought they would be once we finally get started doing them because if we stop doing them then we are stuck.

These are thoughts and fears are called obsessions, caused by having intrusive thoughts and a counsellor can help you with this.

Best wishes.

Geoff.