Please Help...I am not sure what to do anymore

[nadeen]

To start with I have been suffering for almost 4 years with emetophobia. I used to go weeks without eating for the fear of getting sick in public areas, thats how this all started, the past few months I started the emetophobia recovery system which was really starting to help, I was even able to start eating again at work but just a little and I found the best way for me to eat more is by myself so I kinda became a "closet eater" which I know is not normal but I had lost a lot of weight and was down to 98lbs. Anyways I had a huge housewarming party the other week and all those old feelings came back and I have been feeling ill for the last week and havent really been able to eat, I basically feel sick 24/7. Can anyone please tell me what I should do, Im really thinking about seeing a doctor but I dont know anyone and I dont have a lot of money.

[artoo16]

First off, welcome! It sounds like you've had a rough few years with this phobia, it is no fun. I'm glad you have found something that works for you and are starting to improve. For us, a lot of people is a huge stress, and I congratulate you on even doing something like that. I think what you are experiencing is anxiety from having to deal with a large group of people, food, germs, etc... Whenever I'm around a large group, I always wonder if anyone has been sick lately, or is sick now, and afterwards, we always wonder if we were careful enough to avoid getting sick if someone was.

I think you need to remind yourself that people get together with others all the time and usually don't get sick from it, plus, the "waiting period" is most likely over, if you were going to get something, you would have symptoms by now. Just try getting back into your usual habits, and keep busy, I find that is the best way to keep your mind off of things. Good luck and I hope everything works out for you!