Emetophobia, 5 year old daughter

[pinkhairmum]

Hello, I have pretty severe emetophobia which wasn’t so much an issue until my little girl started school n getting sick more often, I’ve always refused to go near sick people and I will leave when someone feels unwell, but I am not able to leave my daughter as she is 5, but I literally live in constant fear every single day to the point I hate my partner leaving me for long periods because I wouldn’t cope if my daughter was sick, when he hasn’t been here I’ve had to bring people in to help me deal with sick etc and I feel bad because I should be able to help her but I can’t do it the second she whinges her belly hurts, I feel sick my heart starts going I no longer feel hungry, when she is sick I don’t sleep or eat for days and I’m constantly on edge I can’t even sleep in my own bedroom, has anyone else been through this because my partner thinks I need therapy but I’m not even sure it would work at this point.(also my partner isn’t allowed to sleep in my bed when he’s sick because I’ll be awake in fear that he’s going to throw up on my bed etc)

I agree with your partner. This fear/anxiety is ruling your life and if it's not already affecting your daughter, it will soon.

Please see your GP. Or print out this post and show them.

I agree with @KassandraOfSparta - if it’s impacting your life and your family life that badly then you really should look into therapy.

I’d recommend CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). Even if it can’t help you overcome your phobia it can hopefully help you to train your reactions. If you Google it I’m certain there’ll be examples of CBT and emetophobia so you can see if it feels right for you. Hope you overcome this x

Hi, sounds like something CBT can help with. You can self refer via your local NHS talking therapies or via GP. Waiting times vary over UK. You can also try private CBT too but make sure they are appropriately accredited (e.g. BABCP Accredited).

As someone who experienced emetophobia CBT helped me. I am also trained in CBT and have helped lots of clients with this. I really do feel therpay can help reduce the anxiety. Good luck 🍀❤️

im honestly just convinced like at this point therapy won’t do anything it’s been going on too long, I’ve had it for years I’ve always hated it but it’s since my daughters started picking up bugs it’s so much worse

It is really really treatable. It will be hard work on your part and not fun. But completely worth it and essential.

She’s just said to me “I’m sick” n honestly I had to run out the room and leave her with my partner because if she is sick I won’t eat or sleep 😭 I feel so mean but at the same time the anxiety from it wrecks my body too

Please please get the therapy and throw yourself into it, it can and does work for even the most severe mental health issues so don’t be worried about it not working. Do it for yourself and your daughter.

OP- what mental health support have you had in the last 5yrs since having your child or beforehand??? If none, then PLEASE seek help now! Things can improve with support. Its not too late. YOU saying its too late is your own mind ruling yet again!

I'm sure you wouldn't want your own child to have the same fears and anxieties that you are having?

You’ve 2 choices -

do nothing and live your life worrying and fretting. You will inevitably pass the fear onto your daughter too.
or
seek therapy and hopefully it will help you deal with your condition.

I sympathise, honestly. But only you can do anything to resolve this. If you don’t, nothing is going to improve and your whole family will be impacted.

Please book an appointment with your GP.. this is having a real significant impact on your life and also on your daughters. I would be considering all possible treatments whether medically or talking therapies.

You're wrong. Therapy can fix problems that have been going on for decades.

Ok so you try therapy and it doesn't work - you are no worse off than you are now.

On the other hand you try it and you are able to manage your fears/anxieties better - that's a win. You have absolutely nothing to lose by giving it a go.