Hi all,


I'm a newb to this site & i'm absolutely amazed at how many people feel the same way about.. well you know what..


I'vehad this phobia since being about 7. As far as I know it all stems from someonebeing s* at the side of me on a coach. I can't think of any other time before that I was so scared. My phobia is not just of v*, it's also of being in contact with anyone who maybe carrying any kind of germ, be it headache, stomach ache, anything catching really, but mostly s*!


I have 2 children (one of school age!) [img]smileys/smilies_10.gif[/img] & the fear is getting worse everyday. It has now come to the point where I dread him coming home from school - & it shows. My partner didn't know just how bad it had become as I tend to put on a brave face for the children, but in the last fortnight there has been a nasty stomachbug locallygoing round & i've not stopped scrubbing my hands. As a result, I have not touched my partner or my children in any way - no love or affection, all i've done is snap &drink water. I am feeling very shaky & anxious everytime someone goes towards the loo just incase something terrible comes out [img]smileys/smilies_06.gif[/img].


When my children are s* I usually cope quite well openly, but inside i'm a complete mess. The words of kindness usually, 'its ok love, you'll be alright' are accompanied by me breathing deeply to stop me fainting, but they aren't being aimed at the offending vomiter, they are me trying to tell myself its going to be alright & I feel really guilty for not being able to be a good mum & partner by looking after them..


Isthis phobiatreatable by a doctor? I was contemplating hypnotherapy as it has got so bad in the last 2 years, & my partner has threatened to leave me because of my anxiety..


Any help or reassurance would be greatly appreciated..