Emetaphobes - do you send yourselves into a spiral of panic when you feel a bit ill?

[ArtichokeTagine]

I have posted on a couple of Emet threads but keep telling you all that I am loads better than I used to be due to CBT. However today is proving a hard day.

Do any of you find that if you detect a hint of nausea you then make it worse by panicing and concentrating on every tiny bodily sensation?

I woke up feeling slightly sick this morning and paniced. I recalled two people I know have had stomach bugs this week. I have not seen them in the flesh so it is hardly likely I have caught it from them but it still added to my panic. The panicing itself makes my tummy churn so that made me feel worse and the panic then got worse. A vicious circle. I am now at work but have avoided eating in case I am coming down with a bug. Hunger makes me feel sick too though. Another vicious circle. I am interviewing this afternoon and my worst, worst fear is being sick in front of others. Interviewing is a prime anxiety inducing situation as I cannot just leave if I start to feel worse.

Now I don't know where I am. I feel very nauseous but that may well be down to panic and hunger rather than a bug. But it may be a bug and I can't risk eating in case it makes me sick in the interviews which start in 40 minutes. I hate myself when I get like this as it is so stupid and illogical.

I just wanted some symapthy really and assurance I am not the only crazy one here.

bump

Don't have much time to post AT, but YES, I feel like this frequently. Can really identify with the vicious circle of anxiety and nausea. Have you any calming tea, like camomile or peppermint? It may help you to slow down, focus and hopefully feel a bit more able to face your afternoon.

Thanks Tatties. I don't have tea but am slowly sipping fizzy water. Its just so unfair that our brains are wired like this. How do others manage to take it in their stride? hopefully the interviews will distract me rather than make it worse. For years I avoided dentists and hair appointments due to the fear of being stuck in a public place and feeling sick . I am determined to never let this control my behaviour again though.

Sipping the fizzy water may have a similar effect. I find sipping tea helps me take my mind off how I am feeling, and there is also the element of me believing it will calm me down and settle my stomach. Also talking about it can make me feel like a weight has been lifted.

It is just not fair is it? I also cannot comprehend how others can take this in their stride... I really envy them. I hope your afternoon goes well.

God that sounds awful Artichoke. Am not an emetophobe but I used to get myself into a similar vicious cycle when pregnant.

I just wanted to offer sympathy.. sorry to not much help.

Also.. Coca Cola (the proper stuff) has stomach calming properties I believe and it has helped me.

Thanks for the support. I got through the interviews .

It was actually fine once I had the candidates in front of me because I had no time to worry. I think distraction is the best thing when I get into a state (although when I had CBT they said it was better to face the fear head on). Also once I have not felt sick for a little while because of a distraction I can tell myself that would not have happened if it really was a bug so I can get out of the cycle.