I’m ready to finish this

[soluene]

I started at IES about 7-8 years ago. It was unbelievable to find so many others who had the same fear that I did, and it provided me with the support to push forward in my search for my cure.

For those of you who remember me, I have made a lot of progress in emetophobia since then, but also have had a lot of heartache - although strangely enough, that also helped with my anxiety and phobia. I stopped visiting this site because I found myself obsessing over other posts, and focusing on v* 95% of the time.

Anyway, with therapy and the support of my sisters and friends, I got to the point where animal and most baby v* no longer scares me, I can travel long distances (I flew to Austria last year! Not without anxiety, but I did it!), and I no longer fear v*ing on a daily basis. In addition, I got a divorce, moved to a new city, with a new job....bought a new house and got a new dog.

For me, leaving my husband of 7 years was a huge step. I learned that I was trying so hard to be what he wanted that once I left him, a large portion of my anxiety left me as well. But new anxieties set in because I depended so much on him to keep me going...now I am working on believing that I can keep myself going!

Ok, so I finally can recognize the difference between a panic attack and the feeling you get before you v* (by not recognizing the difference, I thought I was going to v* every day). But the problem is that the "conquering" of my fear is based on the belief that I am NOT going to v*, not in the belief that v* is not truly scary. So, when I really am sick, panic still rules my life. What I want is to NOT BE AFRAID of v*ing at all .

I am here to try to refocus my energy on getting better, rather than ignoring it and thinking that how I am living is acceptable. It is ok, but not great. I want it to be great!

Thanks for listening!

[mxw08]

I feel the same way.

I have no solutions... so if you find any, let me know!!!

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[SimplyMe]

I remember you! Welcome back! So glad you're doing well! I'm going to pm you!

[centipede]

Welcome back.

[HDogg]

I remember you also. Welcome back! I'm sorry to hear about your divorce, but am happy for you that you want to heal and live a healthier, happier life.[img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]

[Hale]

Hi ya Soluene
I remember you too. I haven't been on here for ages but thought I would read up on a few posts and I glad to hear that you are doing ok.

[+ kozi +]

+ I recently learned how to decipher a panic attack from the feeling of real nausea.
It can be difficult to convince yourself that you aren't going to v* no matter how real it may feel.
Usually when I feel a panic attack arising, I try to focus my mind on something else.
I try to tell myself that this isn't real and it's all in my head, a fan myself and try to calm down.
Once it passes, I start to occupy my mind with something so that I won't think about v*******.

I don't know how one can truly free themselves from this fear, unfortunately.
All I know is that support from friends and family can really help you through your struggle.
I wish you luck! +

[sage]

Hey Soluene! So awesome to see you again. Although I usually advise people not to come here once they get all the information they need! It does tend to make one obsessive about the fears.
I have set up a little website with some articles I wrote, and a gradual exposure site and a kit for therapists. Check it out and see if it's helpful at all. www.emetophobiahelp.blogspot.com