Coping with emetophobia?
Question:
I just don't know what to do anymore. It's gotton to the point where I'm always washing my hands, I carry hand sanitizer everywhere and am constantly using it, I don't go to parties or anything because I'm afraid I'll see someone throw up, I don't drink because I'm scared I'll throw up (which I guess is good :P), I avoid precessed foods and a lot of meats because I know that you can get food poisoning from them mostly, I avoid people who are sick, I don't go on fairground rides, I carry chewing gum on me all the time, I don't like car rides, I don't like eating out at restaurants, I will not try any new foods unless they're are fruits or veggies, I can't sleep because I don't want to puke while in bed, and many many more. I hate it!! It's taking over my life. I can't even have fun. And it's causing me panic attacks. It's horrible! Help.
Answers:
Get "Dianetics" It is a great book written by L.Ron Hubbard. The man knew what he was talking about when he wrote this book. You will learn exactly why you are acting this way and he will guide you on how to fix it. Good Luck.
www.emetophobia.org has a lot of really good articles and resources on what is actually a pretty common phobia. I suffer from it myself, and I too had days where I couldn't get out of bed because of it. It's not curable, but it IS manageable, with the right therapy and often medication. You're not alone, many people suffer from this debilitating phobia, and those who don't can't quite understand why we do. Recognizing the fact that the phobia is taking over your life is the first step to getting better :)
If you have not sought therapy and counseling you might want to try. It sounds as if your phobia is taking a lot from you. Professionals can help you learn to manage. Good luck.
therapy, medication and EXPOSURE TREATMENT
I suffer from this too, it has stopped me going to places just as you described.
It has eased a little over the last few years, I'm 30 and i have suffered from this forever! I actually thought no one else must suffer from this!
I think one thing that may have helped me was seeing people (actors) being sick in films or on tv, before i realised it was about to happen, it would make me feel sick, but i knew i couldnt catch anything from them.
I do not think actual exposure is right for this one, i couldn't do that.
You will definitely be okay and you will not puke in bed, please do not worry about that, i never have and i still worry about that from time to time, I had a panic attack about it just two nights ago!
A good thing to make you more relaxed when you go out, is to make a note of where the nearest bathroom or exit door is, then if you have to get away quickly for any reason you can.
And if you do panic take deep breaths.
I hope this makes sense and helps a little.
Hi, sorry to hear you’re feeling so bad. It's quite a common phobia - if you look it up on YA, you'll find a few people asking the same question. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks and fear of vomitting:
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, phobias and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/c...
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
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