Letting go of guilt and anger

[ballykissangel]

I need to learn to let go of the guilt and anger that I get along with this phobia. The guilt of not being able to be more help/support to my kids when they are sick. The guilt I feel when I want to run and hide from them. Frustration at not being able to do anything about it. I didn't ask for this phobia. I would give almost anything to be rid of it. But, honestly I can't see being ever free from it.

The anger I get realizing how many hours and days I have wasted living in fear. Time I will never get back. Every Christmas, every Thanksgiving, ruined by anxiety. Fear of becoming ill. Not only myself, but someone else getting sick.

I have come along way and I don't live every day in anxiety, but when I read these forums my heart goes out to everyone. It can be so debilitating and miserable to live with.

[Harmon00]

I completely agree. I hate the fact that I get scared of my own kids. This phobia is so debilitating and paralying.

[ballykissangel]

Yes, it is very hard sometimes. I must say as much as I feel for everyone who has this phobia, it IS comforting to know I am not the only one.

[jess_colleen]

I also feel like i will never be free from this phobia. I've had it since i was 4 years old and i'm 21 now and it has only started getting worse. I feel like people don't understand and think i'm being 'silly'. More people need to be educated about emet and how horrible it actually is to go through.

[ballykissangel]

I would be willing to bet most people have never even heard the term emetophobia. When they do it's bewildering to them. Their first reaction is "well, no likes to vomit". They do not have any idea of the intensity of the fear that accompanies the very thought of it. And we can't get away from it. It's like someone said before... we take our stomachs with us wherever we go. Also, aside from stomach viruses, there are so many other factors that can make one sick. I strongly feel that people really don't realize what emetophobes go through. For me, personally, the meds that I am on do help me so that I don't live with thinking and worrying about it 24/7. And as I am a person of faith and prayer, I rely on God heavily to help me get through. Having lived with this for 30+ years, I so want to help others who are dealing with it as well...in any way I can.

[jess_colleen]

i feel exactly the same way, helping other sufferers make me feel more positive and better about dealing with my emet.