Anyone up? Emetophobic and panicking

[1AngelicFruitCake]

I started feeling unwell with a cold yesterday, I’ve been having a really busy time at work so I think I’m just rundown. Unfortunately I’ve got an important work event today so I just need to get through it. Whenever I feel anxious or worried I imagine I’ve got a stomach bug then I go through how ill I’ll be and what I’ll miss/the impact and who will have to cover me at work. I tend to start spinning.

im nervous about today and now I feel sick and panicked I’m hoping I’m not ill, I hate that I do this.

Appreciate any help.

Can you go and do anything to fill your brain up and distract you? It sucks and it sounds like your nausea is driven by your anxiety. The only way I can get through that is to distract myself totally. So maybe physically doing a load of chores while also listening to an engaging podcast. Or going for a walk while listening to something engaging. So it needs to involve physically moving my body and distracting my brain.

Ah I always get a bit sniffly and run down when I've been working extra hours + a bit anxious! My best tips are a good breakfast (fruit, carbs, fibre and a good drink) so my body has some good fuel and a bit of a pick me up. I put on a favourite outfit and a bit of extra makeup to make me look perky (even if I don't feel it!) and I'll take a cold and flu capsule or similar to give myself a boost if I'm feeling run down. If the event is away from your usual work make sure your bag is stocked with tissues, snacks, medicine and drinks so you're totally prepared for anything 😊

Honestly from the sounds of it it's anxiety talking, not illness. Have a good shower, good breakfast and take a deep breath! You'll get through this event and then this evening you'll feel much better. Good luck!

Thanks both! I managed to fall back to sleep for a bit and just had a shower with my expensive shower gel that I say I won’t save but hardly use (got it for Christmas). Off to make myself eat. At work I’m probably the person people would think is least likely to get like this! I appreciate both your replies, I tend to just panic so you both helped. Thank you and have a good day x

Sounds like anxiety is playing tricks on you try a good breakfast, some feel good music, and deep breaths; you’ve got this.

When was the last time you were sick? I think one plus side of emetophobia is that something generally prevents you from being sick!

Hope it all went well OP!

You should consider treating your underlying anxiety

Sorry all I didn’t notice the other replies. I was last sick about two years ago when I caught a bug. I’ve struggled with this since an event triggered it when I was a child. I’ve had various treatments over the years, I went through a serious stage with it in my teens where I barely ate as I was so terrified of being sick so I know I’m doing ok keeping on top of it. I just struggle when under a lot of stress. I was fine in the end, thanks for your help, completely drained when I got home but I had a good breakfast, a shower and drank lots of water. Thanks everyone 😊

I’m similar, it’s exhausting at times. Glad you were okay