Tips to stop me spiralling

[weneedhelpandlove]

I have emetophobia (fear of vomit)
I'm getting to the point now where I have lost so much weight because I'm scared to eat incase it makes me sick and I'm trying to calm my anxiety and panic. So I'm sitting here. I've had a small plate of pasta today and some plain biscuits this morning. I genuinely can't tell the difference between hunger and nausea anymore. I feel like I'm panicking currently because I don't understand my stomach. I have super bad acid reflux (probably from my restricted eating) so constantly nauseous anyway. Urgh!! So angry at myself

Please see a doctor. You have developed an eating disorder and you need medical help. Kind words and tips on here won't be enough. Stop beating yourself up about it and get help for the root cause.

I have and they have just given me anti depressants 🙈 there's a 16 month waiting list for CBT too so I'm trying to help myself as much as I can because I genuinely can't survive like this.

Thank you for your reply

Can you afford private counselling? This really can't wait for 16 months. Use the BACP website or Counselling Directory to find a therapist who specialises in working with eating disorders. Failing that have a look for charities in your area who can offer low cost therapy.

How are you doing today @weneedhelpandlove ?

Do you have similar problems with drinking anything? If not, perhaps a daily nutritional drink or two can help you get some calories and nutrients.

This is a type of OCD and anti-depressants can help a lot with that.

I second the pp's idea of low cost therapy. Betterhelp (online therapy) charges less to ppl on a low income and there may be local in-person therapists that do too. Even a few sessions or one or two a month could help while you wait for NHS counselling.

I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling this way. I also have emetophobia and understand. There are lots of triggers for me too that I worry about. But I realise that to live healthily you have to eat and just try and manage the triggers.

there are only 5 things that actually make you vomit. Alcohol / medications; travel sickness; stomach bugs; food poisoning or pregnancy. Think about which one you’re worried about and control it.

check sell by dates on food, don’t eat dodgy restaurants, avoid anyone who had a tummy upset, don’t go on boats and don’t get drunk or take any medications that have it as a side effect. That’s all totally manageable and sensible behaviour?!!

also I carry cyclizine which is a good anti vomiting medication (yes I know ironic as medications on my no list) but I have one with me at all times and it gives me some comfort

My daughter had emetophobia for years from the age of 7 and I discovered a really good podcast: Emetophobia Help with Anna Christie. Lots of great advice, and case studies/success stories (Anna Christie herself is one of them). Can thoroughly recommend.

Also take a look at the book Free Yourself From Emetophobia by Alexandra Keyes and David Veale. It's a self-help CBT book. David Veale is a renowned expert in treating emetophobia.