Getting over 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:
Emetophobia, sometimes known as emetephobia, phagaphobia or vimitaphobia, is an irrational and intense fear of being sick. It is actually the sixth most common phobia in the UK.
Vomitting is not a pleasant experience for any of us but for somebody who is unfortunate enough to suffer with emetophobia, even the idea of vomiting is absolutely terrifying.
Many sufferers find emetophobia or emetephobia totally governs their lives. They are unable to eat out in restauraunts or even eat socially at all. They avoid any place or situation where there is the possibility of either themselves or others being sick. The very thought or suggestion of being sick, even the written word, can lead to panic and distress.
Emetophobics tend to identify vomiting with dirt and germs and can be obsessive about hygiene and will also avoid places such as public toilets. Indeed many suffers may also have trouble with other hygiene related problems. Those suffering with emetophobia are often mistaken as having an eating disorder of some kind. This is because they tend to eat very little and as we have mentioned, rarely in public.
Emetophobia or emetephobia is frequently related to other fears such as choking, gagging, drowning, germs, hospitals and social phobia.
you poor thing. you should not let yourself obsess over this issue..put the thoughts in the back of your mind and try to focus on something elce...anything elce...play a game, read a book, work.obsessing on this issue is irrational, but if you know this its the first step to thinking more healthy.but it takes some time...self disclipline...as much as a habbitt it is to think like this, it will take alot of work on your part to learn not to think like this. in the meantime, you should get professional help...some meds will help too, along with behavior modification therapy.
Phobias are mental health issues. Counseling could help. Discuss hypnotherapy with a professional.
Try to get inolved in multiple hobbies. Perhaps reading, listening to music, or even sports. Sing even if you don't have t'the voice', who cares? I think memorizing song lyrics can help divert your thoughts. Try to divert your thoughts into something else. Its good that you don't drink and all. But try to control the sanitation. I mean, it's good but too much is still too much.
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