Asking for perspective…

[Sun999]

Hello all, looking for some perspective on the following event. Went with my husband to the shopping mall and someone walking in a hurry hit me with something in my leg. Looked to see what it was and got panicked when realised that what looked like to be a drug addict scraped me in my leg with some bags she was carrying while she was walking  to search for left overs from others people trays. I am afraid with the possibility of the existence of syringe with needles from drug injection in her bags. As soon I arrived home, 2 hours after, went to check my leg to search for any evidence of injection or scratching but didn’t find anything resembling that, except for the pimples I usually have due to waxing. My husband believes I am overreacting because the lady looked drug addict, however somehow I felt pain on my leg and even felt it the day after (husband says it’s anxiety doing the trick!!). Am I being paranoid? Would I perfectly see a puncture in case of needle injury right? Am I at risk of HIV? Really thank and sorry if looks stupid question comparing with probably more serious queries from other people in the community. Just need some guidance!!

[GuitarRox]

Here is some perspective. The ONLY ways a person gets HIV is to have unprotected vaginal or anal intercourse or SHARE (INJECT, not poke) a needle to inject IV drugs. Air inactivates the virus. Getting HIV from a shopping bag? No. Getting it from a scrape? No. Checking for injection sites like they injected you? No. Do you suffer an anxiety disorder? That is what this sounds like. I also think it is a shame that you look at someone at the mall with shopping bags and decide they are IV drug users.

[Sun999]

Thank you for your honest perspective!  It’s clear! Want to apologise if it sounded like prejudice. English is not my first language and I just wanted to give you an ideia of my fear and not be mean or insensitive and maybe didn’t choose the best words.  You are right … anxiety is the real issue. Don’t know why I am feeling anxious lately with things that Would not cross my mind in the past especially when I am not working and have mind free.  will address it to not enter in this loop. Maybe will have a look at anxiety community here. Wish you all the best.

[GuitarRox]

I wasn't so much thinking 'prejudiced' as again, being anxiety driven to make an assumption someone is dangerous and a drug addict. Knowing that you struggle with anxiety and perhaps ocd (needing reassurance for your fears) is really helpful to finding actual relief. Psychologists can help you with this. The big thing is to not continue to ask for reassurance or seek it for yourself. Just be uncomfortable with the anxiety and believe it or not, that is how it ultimately gets better.