Health ocd related, I guess

Hi Hannah, also Hannah here lol. I don’t want to give reassurance bc that’s part of a compulsion but know no matter what happens, you would handle it. It is so rare to die from that, there is probably more to the story you’re not reading about. That that person may have had an underlying issue that you do not have. There’s so many factors to that. I completely understand your anxiety, and have had this before too. What I can say that has helped me, is stop researching for tonight, take some deep breaths, drink some water, eat something if you’re hungry and put your mind onto something else. Any hobby that you have that can get you out of your head for a little? Mine is playing video games because it uses my hands too. When the panic rises say to yourself “these thoughts are thoughts and nothing more, they are not reality. These thoughts are bringing up fear and uncertainty. I am allowed to feel these feelings, but I am not going to engage in my compulsion and ruminate”. Then just go right back to the thing that’s getting your mind off of it. You’re not alone. Thank you for being vulnerable

I live in Florida and I live on the beach so I totally understand your fear. I literally went swimming yesterday and had a cut on my ankle from shaving and didn’t remember until I got home to shower. I also started spiraling and I went straight to the er. They told me that it’s not a common thing to get this. They said hundreds of people swim in this water daily and only two have contracted the virus in my area. So that really put my mind at ease. I know this could be reassurance for you but I had to share because I felt the same way. I hope you feel better soon.