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Original poster

Phobias. I've developed one.

32 replies

carla · 03/11/2005 08:49

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Lonelymum · 03/11/2005 09:31

How bad are you? Can you force yourself to do it? Have you tried going out to do one small thing like post a letter?

I don't have agoraphobia, but I am a total slave to emetophobia (fear of vomit) and may understand your feelings if you want to share them with me.

Jasnem · 03/11/2005 10:15

carla,
can you go out with someone else? I know that if you do nothing it is likely to get worse. Start by talking about it - here is a good start - and with your GP if you can. If you are changing your rutine to accomodate your fear, it's a problem.

It is managable, though, so don't despair.

MeerkatsUnite · 03/11/2005 10:42

Have a look at this website for more information:-
www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/27000216/

It also gives names of organisations you can contact.

Please seek help for your very real phobia, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) is helpful for agoraphobics. They will not laugh at you or think you in any way strange.

With best wishes

Original poster
carla · 03/11/2005 11:23

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carla · 03/11/2005 11:24

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Lonelymum · 03/11/2005 11:30

Oh carla, you really need help! I don't know how you can organise this, but you need to see your GP and get yourself referred to someone who can solve this for you. Have you looked at the website Meerkat mentioned? If you just google phobias you will find loads of websites. I can give you some websites if you like, but it might be better for you to prowse through them yourself and find one that you feel comfortable with.

There is a lot that can be done to help you you know. How do you manage day to day at the moment?

Original poster
carla · 03/11/2005 11:31

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Lonelymum · 03/11/2005 11:34

Of course you can't - that is the nature of the porblem! - don't they think of these things? (I am exasperated for you, not with you BTW!)

Have you anyone who can come with you? DH/P? Anyone you can ring? If not, ring the psychiatrist and say you can't get out to see him/her. Don't let them thinkm you just didn't turn up. It is important they know you really need and want the help.

Original poster
carla · 03/11/2005 11:35

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Lonelymum · 03/11/2005 11:35

Oh sorry, assumed appt was for today but realise reading your post again, it might not be.

You need to book somoen to go with you. Who knows about your problem? If dh/p is the only one to know about it, then he must be the one who comes with you, even if he has to take time off work. He has to see that this is the help you need to get on the first step of the ladder to recovery.

Original poster
carla · 03/11/2005 11:41

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carla · 03/11/2005 11:42

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Lonelymum · 03/11/2005 11:45

no problem. Enjoy yourself. Think about telling dh though, or someone. It is a huge burden to carry alone.

Original poster
carla · 03/11/2005 12:02

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Jasnem · 03/11/2005 12:04

Please tell someone, ideally someone who can help get you to the psychiatrist.

If you can't, then try to call back and tell why you've cancelled appointments. You may be able to get home visits and support from a psychiatric nurse, but if you don't ask, they probably won't offer.

Jasnem · 03/11/2005 12:06

missed you last post while I was typing. Tou're way ahead of me.. Well done

Lonelymum · 03/11/2005 12:13

Carla that is fantastic news. I wasn't sure whether that was possible (a home visit) but for your phobia, I think it should be and I am delighted that he is coming.

I am assuming the reason you are seeing the psychiatrist is for the phobia and not something else? I am not prying, just it seems disturbing (to me who is thinking about getting treatment) that seeing him about your phobia is actually making it worse.

I am intrigued by your situation and how you have managed to hide it from everyone. Surely people can see you won't leave the house? What about your firend who is coming? What excuse do you give her for not going round to her house occasionally? Sorry if I am being too curious, just...well...I am!

Original poster
carla · 03/11/2005 12:36

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Lonelymum · 03/11/2005 12:47

But not if it isn't working.....

mummytosteven · 03/11/2005 13:47

carla - sorry to hear about this. my friend's mum has also recently developed this problem, and is making reasonable improvement with the help of a combination of drugs, CBT and counselling. the no panic website may have something useful on this phobia. are the CPN/psych suggesting you do anything on the lines LM suggested (like going to the gate by yourself, going to the end of the road by yourself). phobias and anxiety thrive on stress - try and eat well, sleep well, do a bit of relaxation/exercise as that should help a little.

take carex

PS Am online rarely as computer is broken (yet again - DH's fault this time!!)

Original poster
carla · 03/11/2005 19:26

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carla · 03/11/2005 19:58

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carla · 03/11/2005 20:00

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Lonelymum · 03/11/2005 20:02

I know how much phobias mess up your life. I hope you get your sorted out, and the drinking too. I wish I could help in some way. Is there really no friend you could talk to about this? It is very common and quite well known about so I don't think you would be thought odd.

tegan · 03/11/2005 20:02

I have a huge phobia about people breathing near me. I know it sounds silly but I can't even have dh sleep facing me