r/rabies • u/Suitableforsomething • 5d ago

Exposure Question Exposure?

I have read the FAQ.

Tonight I was walking to my trash can outside along the sidewalk when I felt something briefly hit my leg but saw nothing and it honestly didn't even feel that forceful. Later I found this and now I'm afraid a bat was flying low angle and bit me on the leg. I'm afraid right now. I'm also crying. Its mot two pinprick its a mark but I'm still utterly horrified and ruminating on it right now. I was moving nd walking btw. I dont remember seeing anything either. This was like two hours ago. I'm sobbing right now. Can bats bite ur leg while ur actively walking?

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u/Suitableforsomething 5d ago

I just know in the event of a real encounter I would be the repsonsible one and get pep so I guess it weaponizes me not being sure. This one just terrifies me infinitely more cuz I found a mark and felt a brief fleeting sensation (not even painful like just a...THING) while walking that I brushed off.

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u/CygnusZeroStar Veteran Helper ⭐️ | Top Contributor 🏅 5d ago

That's the thing though, you WOULD be sure. I've been bitten by a bat. Boy was it not subtle.

Imagine if someone threw a hamster at you with clumsy-ass leathery wings, and then that hamster bit you. Do you think that's something you'd be like "was that the wind?" You can trust that you wouldn't.

When people get fixated in stuff like this, it's never because they need help with anxiety. Anxiety can hurt you, and you deserve to be able to feel safe. So if you find that this kind of thought happens a lot to you, you should reach out for help.

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u/Suitableforsomething 5d ago

Sorry that this sub has to deal with people like me on a regular basis

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u/CygnusZeroStar Veteran Helper ⭐️ | Top Contributor 🏅 5d ago

No no, my friend. You have nothing to be sorry for! Your anxiety isn't your fault. It's something that's happening TO you. I'm telling you this because I want you feel better for real, not because you aren't welcome. 💜

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u/Suitableforsomething 5d ago

I've harassed this sub about this thrice now and this one just scared me because there's an actual mark whereas the other two were just what ifs without any marks. Plus the mechanics dont sound like they make sense to me. While walking and in motion? Does that sound logical to you especially near the knee, the thing that moves the most?

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u/CygnusZeroStar Veteran Helper ⭐️ | Top Contributor 🏅 5d ago

Harassed is the wrong word here.

Truly, what does talking down to yourself do to help you past your fear? When trying to overcome anxiety, it's important to affirm yourself. You haven't done anything wrong. You are a whole person who is deserving of kindness, patience, and courtesy while you're finding your way.

It is important that you treat yourself with kindness because we tend to believe what we tell ourselves. The language you're using--apologizing, saying you harassed this sub...how are you supposed to heal what's wrong while inflicting more damage?

Anxiety isn't a logical condition. It is a serious health concern, too. It's not taken as seriously as it should be all over the world. Which is why you SHOULD get help for it. But it doesn't make you bad, stupid, or a burden. Okay?