Sounds like you were in early stages of OCD. I can't remember much of how the condition came about it me, only that my anxiety levels increased gradually from about 9 years old (when I started having fillings) until by the time I was 12 it was beyond reason.

I'd have to go down stairs in the middle of the night to check the cooker wasn't on, that the doors were shut, that there was no water leaking, that everything was okay I'd go upstairs then I'd doubt I'd really checked things well enough, so have to do it again... and again... and again... All the time I was in panic about things and rituals was the only way to help.

I didn't know what was wrong with me, and to be honest I find it hard to believe it was the mercury, but I think that is a part of me being scared to think it is incase the anxiety doesn't go when I have them out. I don't do the rituals now, but I do still have urges to check things and I have many phobias.