Struggling with the fear of my kids having a tummy bug.

[RayRose05]

I feel like such an idiot but since becoming a mom 10 years ago my anxiety for sick is at an all time high. Hearing the word, seeing the word, writing the word drives me into an anxious spin & im driving myself crazy! My husband works away all week which has became a very recent thing, he's amazing with stuff like that & deals with it head on as I'm cowering in the corner, but now he's away I literally can not stop thinking about being stuck on my own with poorly kids. I feel like such a terrible mother because I feel like I can't comfort them when they are poorly because of the fear of catching it. I take anti nausea medication everyday because my fear causes my stomach to do back flips. Even seeing seeing that little green emoji causes my heart to beat fast.
Please tell me I'm not the only one? Any advice on how to tackle it would be greatly appreciated

Stomach viruses are usually spread by touch. So everyone needs to hand wash and commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs and countertops need to be cleaned regularly. If you do these things you will minimize the chances of catching it.

I had a stomach bug a few weeks ago. No one else caught it. Being proactive about it should help with your anxiety.

Also, don't touch your face when there is one in the house, I swear by that. Have been recommended EMDR for my emetophobia. CBT was useless.

Sorry it took me ages to figure out how to reply not my finest moment haha
The dr has gave me anxiety tablets to help but I'm so extreme I don't think I'd ever 'get over' it. I presume when someone looks pale or even has hiccups they are going to be s**k.
I've tried breathing techniques & was even told to watch videos of people being 'ill' to get myself used to it.. no the hell I won't!
I'm at the end of my nerve with it I really am. I'm ashamed to admit it but sometimes I'm like quite suicidal due to it. I just feel so pathetic.
I'm always cleaning & when the kids are ill (we've all got a bad cold at the minute) I'm forever cleaning everything we've touched. I'm exhausted physically & mentally. What a stupid phobia to have!
Thank you for the replies

Oh you poor thing, that sounds exhausting. I think you need some extra support to help you as it must be awful living with a phobia like this. I know there are people who specialise in treating emetophobia - have you considered something like that? Could you go back to doctor and say you think you need something more?

Medication can be a help but it’s useful to look at CBT or other forms of therapy.

Is your fear around your child actually being ill or you catching it? I have emetophobia and am currently pregnant and am already really anxious about facing this and having these feelings. I have heard CBT is really useful but I don't like the idea of being exposed to it. Have you tried any other talking therapies? How does your DP reassure you?

I am so sorry you are going through this. It sucks

I'm emetaphobic too but you sound worse. It affect my life most days but usually mildly and I only take anti-emetics occasionally. Can you return to your GP? It might never go away but could be got to a level that is more manageable?

Some children don't often get stomach issues so you might never be faced with it when your husband is away. I automatically call my husband to deal with it and run a mile but I have been alone and something amazing comes over me and I go into auto pilot to get through it and can't believe it after! I do get anxious when my husband isn't there though.