the philosophy of phobia

[johnyricer]

I'm a philosophy minor in college, and I thought id share with you a philosphical view on emetophobia.

Phobia is a form of addiction. It is an addiction to fear. An addiction is a phycological obsession with something that accomplishes nothing, however, hurts our lives in several ways.

For us emets, I believe we should do two things to concur our fear:

1.) learn all we can about our phobia and emetology in general. Learn about the viruses and bacteria or poisons that can cause it, and learn how to stay away from these situations, and how to develop healthier lifestyles. We should learn about the things we can control. Nothing wrong with that!

2.) Keep telling yourself that thinking about it, worrying, is accomplishing Nothing! IF we think about v* all the time, phycologically our minds think we're sick all the time, which puts a negetiveconotation on everything inour life. Don't worry about it, just enjoy your life. I'd bet +90% of people who get norovirus and v* dont know half the stuff that we do about how to get it, and how to stop v* in general. Therefore we are at the lowest risk of anyone to come down with these things!

Control what you can, don't worry or concern yourself with what you can not.

[johnyricer]

This is how I'm trying to overcome my emetophobia, and so far, I think it's working. Especially since I personally believe that a lot of us emetophobics are afraid to v* because at the root of things, we're afraid to loose control. This way of looking at it, puts us in more control of v* in general. We'd probably be just as afraid of diarhea if we couldnt control it to some extent.

[lianaismadchill]

whoaa. In a way I actaually understand what your saying. That is another way to look at it. It does make sense like how it's like we have a fear of loosing control.

[turtleiam]

I agree totally. I'm thinking of writing down some of the info on this web site that seems to bring me peace. Your philosophy will definitely be part of it! Many Thanks !!!


- Susan

[ginger_saves]

I'm a philosophy minor in college, and I thought id share with you a philosphical view on emetophobia.

Phobia is a form of addiction. It is an addiction to fear. An addiction is a phycological obsession with something that accomplishes nothing, however, hurts our lives in several ways.

For us emets, I believe we should do two things to concur our fear:

1.) learn all we can about our phobia and emetology in general. Learn about the viruses and bacteria or poisons that can cause it, and learn how to stay away from these situations, and how to develop healthier lifestyles. We should learn about the things we can control. Nothing wrong with that!

2.) Keep telling yourself that thinking about it, worrying, is accomplishing Nothing! IF we think about v* all the time, phycologically our minds think we're sick all the time, which puts a negetiveconotation on everything inour life. Don't worry about it, just enjoy your life. I'd bet +90% of people who get norovirus and v* dont know half the stuff that we do about how to get it, and how to stop v* in general. Therefore we are at the lowest risk of anyone to come down with these things!

Control what you can, don't worry or concern yourself with what you can not.

Wow, this was very interesting. Thanks for sharing this. [img]smileys/smilies_39.gif[/img]

[glitta_fairy]

It's nice of you to share your philosophy, but I don't think it's the right way to go abouthelpingus at all. As you said, alot of emets have a problem with being out of control. If we find ways to stop ourselves from vomiting, without dealing withthe underlying problems, such as this fear of losing control- we'll neverget better. It's easy to say "don't worry about it," but in reality we all do.None of us would be here if all it took was someone telling us not to worry. Andeveryone isaware it accomplishes nothing- that doesn't mean we won't do it. For alot of emets, other issues such as anxiety and fear of rejection have manifested themselves into this phobia. How will controlling vomiting help those other problems? And for those who had a traumatic experience with vomit- isn't it possible the feelings of panic related to it would just come back if they or someone else got sick? Even if they didn't throw up, but were feeling nauseous? Also, your theory doesn't really cover those who only fear seeing others vomit.


I would much rather be able to vomit and see others do it without fear, than have to bother myself with taking steps to control it, as your theory suggests. To be honest, it sounds like you'd rather be cured of this in some easy way... we all would, I'm sure... But that isn't very realistic.If you don't go to therapy to deal with the underlying problems, you will always fear vomiting.


Kayla

[chemicalemotion]

I agree with Glitta.


It’s logical to try and construct a healthier lifestyle by things we can control, I agree, but simply how will avoiding bacteria, poisons andviruses conquer a fear that has been seeded since childhood? If I took a gamble as to how many people here know about all different forms of parasites, virusesand bacteria, most would sustain a knowledge that could dazzle a microbiologist. Yet they’re still here...


I’m not abolishing your two-step theory into overcoming this fear. Thinking like a philosopher, that’s exactly what needs to be done. But thinking on terms of a psychologist, you know that it will take a great deal more effort, wisdom, strength, and courage to overcome something that has your mind laced in steel bands.


It simply isn't enough.Edited by: chemicalemotion

[happyteacher]

I also totally agree with glittafairy and chemicalemotion


How are we supposed to conquer anything if we continue to avoid it? Our goal isn't to never v* again, it is to not fear it and not to fear the loss of control that comes with it. Johnnyricer, you are never going to get over anything until you challenge this thinking! You are missing the point entirely!

[new.slang]

Thank you so much for sharing this! However, I don't quite agree. I feel like if I studied vomit-relasted illness and learned as much as I could, I would be a wreck all of the time. There are so many intricacies of this phobia. I mean, I can tell that you suffer from emetophobia from reading this. It's like you are rationalizing what you simply cannot just rationalize. This phobia is not black and white, cut and dry. It's so complex that every person's treatment, way of life and coping strategiesare going to be quite different. I feel like you are almost contradicting yourself. You cannot control vomit-related illness- I could be an absolute expert on appendicitis but if I got it, I would have it and it might make me vomit. I wish more than anything I could simply "not worry about it" but I can't. I can cope with the worry but I can't stop worring. Anyway, thanks again for sharing, I hope I didn't sound too mean! I'm a nice girl with big opinions. [img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]

[1scareddj]

We all have our opinions....LOL I'm not sure what MINE is on this thread! I agree but I don't...but that's ok! That's why none of us are the same....somethings may work for certain people that won't work for others ya know?