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[Jacqueline3]

Hi Everyone,

I've been looking through this site over the course of this year and can't believe I'm posting in it -- it makes this phobia really real. I can't say exactly when this started or why but my senior year of high school (I'm now a junior in college) it was very brief. I was able to dismiss any thoughts that I would be sick so I was able to enjoy my last year of high school. When I started my freshman year of college I moved away to school. I was a mixture of excited and nervous (as most usually are). But soon I developed anxiety over not being home which turned into "I could get sick when I'm not at home" this went on for the better part of a month at which point I decided it was in my best interest to move home. After that I was able to finish the year without so much as a hiccup. Sophomore year went great, no problems at all until the end of my spring semester that year. I came down with the stomach flu, the first time in years! I was really only sick for one day, after I was fine, but really I wasn't. From then on I started having anxiety attacks on the train (I commute to school) and now it's gotten increasing worse this semester, everyday is a struggle. I'm starting to get a little better as I've learned how to recognize my fear and when I'm having a panic attack. Now I know how to deal with it a little better but it''s still there. I'm hoping to just cope with it and get better little by little. I love reading the success stories, it makes me feel like it can be overcome and it's nice to know other people have this fear, I don't feel as silly about it. Ha ha. Thanks everyone!

[sage]

I'm so glad you posted something! Thanks for letting us know about your struggles - you're not alone. I hope you continue to get better. My website may have some resources to help - check it out!

[olschesky]

sounds like you are doing all the right things to overcome the fear.......great job. i love success stories also .

welcome

[Jacqueline3]

Thanks to both of you! Yes, I'm really trying to take it a day at a time (as it usually works that way anyway). Soon my semester will be over and I can use my break to really work on keeping it in check, hopefully next semester will be better. I'm also working towards getting my license (yes, I know, I'm a little old for it) but I think driving to school will make it a lot easier to overcome.