OCD is worrying me to death?

Question

Lately I've been trying to fight it since my Doc told me it was the best way to get back control of my life. Not even two hours ago I sat in a friends house who suddenly appeared with this new can of air freshner and began to spray it about. Chemicals of any kind is one of my fears and as I felt the mist lit on my arm and all on me I paniced inside but somehow managed to seem cool. The whole time I'm worrying and I refuse to go to the bathroom and clean my arms and face (in an attempt to ease the anxiety) but so far the anxiety hasn't lessened. I'm worried to death I'll go blind from the spray or just die. To a normal person without OCD I have to ask; is this rational fear or irrational. I would ask one of my friends but the last thing I want is for them to look at me like some freak.

Answer 1

Look on the can. It more than likely says something about the spray being non-toxic. Even if it doesn't, think about it-- an air freshener makes the air fresh. If it was poisonous, the company would not be allowed to make it. It has gone through MANY health and safety tests to ensure that it will not make anyone sick.

Congratulations on your working on getting a handle on OCD. Just try to remember you are NOT a freak. If your friends hold that opinion, it's THEIR ignorance. There's nothing wrong with you. Working through your fears (and any rituals/obsessions/compulsions you might have) is the best thing to do, and you seem to be doing very well to ask this question.  

Answer 2

It is really irrational. My friend once sprayed perfume straight in her eye and she has better vision than I do lol.

So do what you did today and keep telling your self that nothing is going to happen to you. And if they are your real friends, they wont think youre a freak honey. good luck :]]]

Answer 3

um, have you ever heard of anyone dieing from air freshener?

did your friend die?