Just want to see if anyone can relate to me

[MissJ715]

Hi, my name is Jackie and I have been suffering from emetophobia since I was very young. When I was 5 years old I had a horrible stomach virus and ended up in the hospital. That's where it started but it got much worse when I got older and started dating. I have a huge fear of throwing up in general but throwing up in public or at someone else's house scares me to death. It has caused many problems in my social life and dating life because I don't eat at restaurants or at people's houses. I could be starving but as soon as I see or smell the food, I lose my appetite. I have gotten a little bit better in the last 6 months. I met a guy that I really liked and forced myself out of my comfort zone and dealt with my anxiety attacks as we went to restaurants, bars and parties. I'm not with him anymore, but I've continued to work on it. I actually went to a restaurant with my friends last night and actually ate a little bit. This was a huge step, considering a bad stomach virus is going around my job. I did have a bad setback this weekend though, because my friend had a stomach virus on Friday and because I saw her Thursday, I was terrified that I was getting it. I hardly ate Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is really bad for me because I already only weigh 95-100 lbs, depending on how my anxiety levels are. I can't afford not to eat but sometimes my fears take over. I hope others can relate and maybe we can be there for each other. I would love to overcome this and lead a normal life, instead of a life where my fear takes over and prevents me from doing the things I wanna do.

[GrammarGal]

Hi, Jackie! I can tell you that your story hits close to home with me. I, too, am deathly afraid of getting sick in public or away from home (in addition to being afraid of throwing up in general). It has affected my social life and my health. I don't want to leave the house. I weigh about 100 lbs. and cannot gain weight because my anxiety makes me so sick. I'm sorry that you're going through this. It can be debilitating. I have found comfort in reading about others' thoughts and experiences. I hope you find comfort here, too. And sometimes you just have to laugh about it! Phobias of any kind are no fun, but there's silliness to be found everywhere.

Have you looked into counseling or therapy of some sort? How about meditation or yoga? Try to get hooked up with a therapist who will take the time to understand your phobia and who knows how to treat it properly. Welcome, and best of luck to you!

[olschesky]

welcome to the forum.......i think the majority of us can relate to you........but just know that things can get better......just pushing yourself like you did the other night to do something that scares you is the best thing you can do congrats on that! keep pushing out of your comfort zone....

i take prozac for my anxiety, obsessive thoughts.....and it works wonders for me.........i'm able to lead a pretty normal life.......althought this sv season is always stressful to me no matter what,,,,hoping to conquer that one day also.

the more positive things you can do ......the more your mind will realize you can do and they won't be so scarey anymore.....keep fighting!

hope you find lots of help and comfort here