A few questions....

[stefy2113]

Hi everyone, I am new to this site as of today. I am nineteen years old and have been emetophobic since I was 10. I'm wondering if anyonecan relate to some things...sometimes I feel like I have some weird sixth sense...like Iget this feeling that ifI eatcertain things or if I don't wash my hands I will get sick. I honestly feel like I could become agoraphobic from this if somethingdoesn't change soon...the only placeI ever feel okiswhen I am at home. And lately I havebeen freaking out in the car, especially if I am not driving. It's actually the worst on the freeway. Just wondering if anyone else feels this way ever?Edited by: stefy2113

[charzysbebe]

Gosh yes...I know how you feel. I know what you mean about the 6th sense too. I think all of us emets feel that if we don't wash our hands or eat certain things, we will get sick. So you are not alone. Do you feel your fear gets worse on the freeway because of someone maybe getting carsick? I used to be agorophobic, but luckily it only lasted a couple of years. (long time though, when you stay home all the time) Do you see a therapist? You may need to work through some things before you do get agorophobic. [img]smileys/smilies_02.gif[/img] Charlotte

[alliecat]

Hello! I'm Allie and I'm 19 too! I have the same feelings as you! If I'm in a car, I HAVE to be driving, otherwise I feel yucky. I am also obsessive about washing my hands and making sure any chicken or turkey I eat is completely cooked. Any food actually! So, no, you're not alone in your feelings!!


xoxo


Allie

[spilled_milk]

Welcome to the site! If you have any questions, everyone here would love to answer them! I can also relate to you about the sixth sense thing.


<3 Anya--

[ontariogirl]

Welcome to the site. You are not alone. I have had this for 30 years, I am agoraphobic to, I am trying to get over it . I don't like being in a car if I am not driving, it is a lack of control. I am not only afraid of someone feeling sick in the car but what happens if I do? If I am alone I am ok, if I am in the passenger seat I freak. I constantly wash my hands when I get home. Today and tomorrow I am going to christmas shopping and I have my hand sanitizer with me at all times, too many germs out there, especially on the carts.


Rhonda

[sage]

What you are experiencing is "normal" for an anxiety disorder. However, you are correct that it will get worse if you keep avoiding the fearful situations. The "sixth sense" you talk about is simply anxiety (that isn't logical). Your logical part of your brain knows that excessive handwashing, etc. doesn't make sense but "sommething else" is telling you to do it. That something else is anxiety. The trick is not to avoid germs, it is to avoid anxiety!


This disorder is very treatable, don't worry. If you go to the "treatments" thread there is good information at the top about how to address the anxiety from all directions, and how to reach out for help.


Good luck!

[stefy2113]

Thanks so much to everyone that responded. I am trying really hard to avoid anxiety but somedays, especially this time of year it's really hard.But it's really good to know that I am not alone! Thanks again![img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]