Not coping should I make appointment at gp

[Lollypops8]

I did post this in mental health but only got one (gratefully received reply) I think I just want a bit more validation to go to the gp because I feel like they’d look at me like I’m insane.
I am emetophobic and have been for as long as I can remember. The fear is mainly around others being sick. If somebody says they feel sick, they are sick in front of me, I see it or hear it, I will have a panic attack. I’ve never really known how I’d react if I were to be sick or if my reaction would be as extreme as it is when it’s others. This is because I can’t remember the last time I threw up (apart from the time I’m going to tell you about) I take a lot of steps to prevent it from happening. Around 3 weeks ago I caught a stomach bug. It only lasted 24 hours but in that time I was sick a lot. Ever since, I don’t really want to eat, I am on edge all day and I struggle to get to sleep at night because I am so terrified of being sick again. I feel like a nervous wreck. I have tried to tell myself that I am being silly and it’s my phobia talking and it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen but I just can’t shake this constant nervous feeling

YANBU its not normal to be so afraid and panicky of what is essentially regurgitation. You need help with this and to get through it, not just your recent experience but the phobia in general. I assume you have no children? Generally this sort of thing fades if you do as it's something you just have to deal with and get on with when you have kids.

Yes make an appointment to speak to your GP

I'm so sorry you're struggling with this. It really sounds like your phobia has taken hold of you. Absolutely see your GP, you sound really unwell with it and knowing the state of mental health services it might take a while to get the right help.
Are you in the UK? If so, you can self refer to Talking Space or in some areas a mental health crisis "safe space" you can go to. Not eating properly is going to make you physically ill as well, please get some help.

Oh, OP, I'm so sorry. Phobias and anxiety can be so limiting. And as you know, trying to talk yourself out of it is easier said than done. Seems quite logical, in the terms of a phobia, to be extra worried about it after having been 'flooded' by exposure.

Be kind to yourself, it can take time for your system to reset itself/recover. Exercise can help, gentle exercise, but you need to see a GP before doing any if you're not in great health. Daylight and fresh air and a walk every day are a good start.

You need to be assessed for anxiety, as well as treatment for your phobia.

www.nhs.uk/mental-health/nhs-voluntary-charity-services/nhs-services/how-to-access-mental-health-services/

@ffscatmove Yes I’m in the UK. I will have a look at those suggestions. Thank you
@ArabellaScott Thank you. Yes it is very limiting. It seems to follow me everywhere. I’ll have a go at the things you have suggested and I’ll try and book in to see a gp

Yes definitely speak to a GP, whether they offer talking therapies, anti anxiety meds or something else, you're not going to get better on your own by the sounds of it. ,

A couple of other things to try, OP: 'tapping' or EFT can be helpful, and there are lots of free videos on youtube of how to do it. Here's one:

Also B vits can help with stress, magnesium, iron and D vits. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, try to eat a balanced diet. Often anxiety needs a combination of approaches to help - that includes your GP, who may prescribe meds, which many find helpful, and/or therapy.

@HairyScaryMonster thank you, you’re right I definitely don’t think I’ll get through it on my own without some kind of help
@ArabellaScott Thanks so much for all the tips you’ve been really helpful

No problem, hope you find ways to access help and support, OP. You can get this sorted, don't give up.

I have just phoned gp, a doctor is going to phone me for a telephone consultation on the 20th of this month

Result! Don't minimise / chicken out. This is seriously affecting your life and is fixable

@FusionChefGeoff thank you, I really hope there’s something they can do🤞🏼