Just had a huge panic attack...

[Andy1991]

ok this is my first post so here goes.

Ive suffered from anxiety and depression for 5 years now but I only developed emetophobia recently (over the christmas period thanks to the media's noro health scare). I'v been in counseling but I've had to be put onto a waitting list for a new counsellor (the one I had was relocated elswhere). I wasn't bothered too much by it because I was making progress (I was a wreck to start with) but now I've slumped again. Been getting panic attacks on a dailly basis, and tonight was one of the biggest. Turns out my dad just drank too much beer but at the time, I honestly thought he had some kind of bug. I started breathing quickly and ended up blocking my ears and closing my eyes. Cried a fair bit too, I'm still in a bit of shock even now. I'm still waitting for concelling and I promised myself I wouldn't turn to medication. Can anyone give me any advice atall?

thanks for reading

[Tonster]

Hi Andy, I sympathies with you - my Father was actually an alcoholic, and with my emit, I walked on egg shells. I cannot remember how I developed my emit, but I wonder, with a little dash of hope, that because it is early on you have a good chance of overcoming your fears.
If your emit started from the media - please dont listen to it! You cannot believe what they say, but I'm sure you know this already next time turn off your t.v/radio if it effects you.
It is unpleasant to be sick, but it is not the end of the world, nor will it harm you. It is not dangerous in anyway. It is only unpleasant and you can deal with unpleasant. All you need to know really is to wash your hands before eating/ preparing food and try not to touch your face.

[punchbuggy]

My advice is to train yourself to become a master in deep breathing exersice (there are toons of guided videos on youtube). When you feel anxious breath deeply and this will calm your anxiety.

It's a good thing your emet is quite recent as maybe that will be easier to conquer then some brains that have been functioning like this for 20+ years .

All the best !

[KimberlyP]

I agree with Punchbuggy. Deep breathing is AMAZING! Sometimes I wake up with the most terrible panic attacks; it's terrifying. But I have learned how to do deep breathing through therapy and that usually brings me out of them. There are several kinds so googling or YouTube is probably best. Also, have you tried aromatherapy? I will smell lavender when I'm having a panic attack and it usually helps soooo much! I truly hope you can overcome this phobia. I'd do almost anything to go back in time when mine began and start therapy ASAP.

[Andy1991]

Thanks for the kind words and advice everyone. I havnt tried aromatheropy but I might give it a try. Ive been going through different techiques over the years and I seem to be slowly recovering. Im still on a waitting list to see anoter counsellor at uni, the last one was moved on but the funny thing is, I knew more about emetophobia than she did so it felt like I was a teacher or something. I hope I get seen to soon because I just really want to kick my emit in the arse and try and live a normal life again.