Stress Center Peer Support

Hi,
I'm wondering if anyone else freaks out about chemical smells? Like today, I was trying to lay backerboard for our tiled to be floor and the adhesive was really strong smelling!! I had asked my husband if the smell was bad and he said no, not really, it is kind of strong, but actually smells kind of good.

It didn't. And it made me feel panicky because I started what iffing. What if I am allergic to this and my throat swells shut and I die, or what if I pass out and knock my teeth out (a fear since I fell flat on my face on concrete in 6th grade while on a pogo stick and badly chipped my teeth-they needed root canaled and everything)?

So now the adhesive is slowly drying on the floor and I don't have the backerboard down. I have all the windows and doors open. I tell myself that MANY people have used this very adhesive and have been fine. I also can't stand cigarette smoke and car exhaust, ect.

Anyone else have this phobia??

Ocean

Well I go through the exact same thing. When I read your reaction to chemical smells it was like listening to myself. My family and boyfriend wonder what is going on with me. I thought I was just super sensitive in the smelling department. I am so thankful you posted. Is that something that has to do with anxiety?

Hi Mountain Girl, I think it is mostly anxiety and our oversensitive state, although chemicals are not natural, so I think it is normal to think they are nasty! However, I don't think it is normal to think you are going to die from smelling them (like me)! It is nice to know that someone else has this same fear! And although my husband had to finish for me yesterday, I went today and did quite a bit and talked myself through it. I think I'm finally realizing that even though I don't have as many limitations as I did a few years ago, I still need to go out and do the things which scare me and build my self confidence that I WILL be OK!!

Take care!!
Ocean