My anxiety/emetophobia are ruining my life - please help

[thereallochnessmonster]

I feel so stupid not being able to handle my anxiety, but it's getting worse and worse and I am on the verge of tears all the time, I have changed loads of things about my life (throw out food, don't go out to eat, eat a limited range of foods), and being sick is the first thing I think about every day and the last thing at night. It's taking away all my enjoyment in life. Everything is about how likely are we to be sick/catch a sick bug?

We're going on holiday this week and I am so anxious I can't think - what if we're ill before we go?

DD was due to meet a friend today but the friend has a sick bug so can't make it. DD arranged to meet another friend, and I was on the verge of telling her not to go out today, to stay in, as then she'd be safe.

How fucked up is that? I desperately want to feel better and feel free of this. I don't want to fuck up the kids' lives and minds too as both dc have anxiety issues about various things and I hate to think I've done that to them.

What can I do? What has worked for you for emetophobia? Please?

First and foremost go see a GP. Paroxetine is an antidepressant but I'd used to treat anxiety also. It may help. Try exercise and deep breathing too.

It's

And will it really work? Will I feel less anxious or just numb? I'd like to solve the underlying issue as well.

At the moment, if anyone just says they feel sick or mentions a sick bug, it gives me diarrheoa, makes me cry, and I won't relax for days. It's crazy.

Sounds awful op

Have a look at Nomorepanic website.

Go to doc and gets some ads or anti anxiety meds. They will hopefully let you gain more confidence and control over your reactions while you sort out underlying issues.

Then perhaps look at a combination of cbt, talking therapies, mindfulness, relaxation exercises, exposure therapy etc.

Having been through the mill with similar problems though, facing any fear is the only way to conquer it I'm afraid, hard though that sounds.

I think they will help you yes but you need to combine those with maybe some CBT? Best see your doctor though I'm not a GP. I take Paroxetine.

Thank you, both. Much appreciated.
(unMN x)

Good luck!

Yes, hope all goes well for you op

Hi OP
This is my first post on here but I wanted to leave a message as I'm going through the exact same thing.

Emetophobia and the anxiety it brings has ruined my life at points - spoilt holidays and trips. I don't have any kids yet (which I think stems from this phobia). It's affected me at work. It's affected travelling. I spent four years not eating out at restaurants and I'm still picky with food/eating out. I'm always thinking about whether I'll catch a bug or whether I'll be sick today.

I know exactly how you feel when somebody mentions a sick bug....

Do you ever have phases where it seems less intense? I do - I've always had the phobia (possibly since I was 5/6) but I do have months/years where it doesn't bother me so much....

I've been to the doctors today and have been prescribed a fourth anti-anxiety med to try (tried fluoxetine, citalopram and sertraline) and referred for CBT.

Maybe we can try to support each other here?

The first thing you should do is start your day with some mind relaxation exercises. I think you need consultation for your anxiety. Recently I have heard about one voyance pure consultation. There they provide proper guidance to individuals. This consultation is totally over the phone, you no need to personally go there. I hope it will be useful to you to overcome your anxiety.