first post, my experiences and what to do?

[julia.]

Hi, this is the first time I've ever spoken to anyone about my phobia.. most people that know me know that I'm, ''scared of sick'' but apart from my mum nobody knows how serious it is. (Even my boyfriend of 3 years who I now live with)

I haven't been officially diagnosed or anything, but I know for sure I have the phobia. For as long as I can remember I've always looked out for signs people are ill, have to have water and mints with me at all times, had to sit on the end of aisles, had to find out where the exits and toilets were anywhere I went. I never used to eat anything in restaurants or other peoples houses. (This has actually improved over time although other aspects have got worse.)

I'm 21 now and I'd say over the last couple of years my phobia has got a lot worse. I've started to convince myself I feel sick and get panic attacks in any situation I'm not comfortable with, I always avoid busy places and the thought of being in an enclosed space like a plane or train makes me panic. (I have to take 4 plane journeys in the next few months and Im worried about it every day) It's getting to the point now where I'm worried I'm going to become housebound. Ive already started avoided doing things I know enjoy.

Basically I feel like I have so much to say about my phobia but could never say it all in one post. I just feel I need to talk to people who are going through the same thing as me, and wondered what steps to take to finally overcome it. (If it is possible)

[Tasha'93]

Hi, this is the first time I've ever spoken to anyone about my phobia.. most people that know me know that I'm, ''scared of sick'' but apart from my mum nobody knows how serious it is. (Even my boyfriend of 3 years who I now live with)

I haven't been officially diagnosed or anything, but I know for sure I have the phobia. For as long as I can remember I've always looked out for signs people are ill, have to have water and mints with me at all times, had to sit on the end of aisles, had to find out where the exits and toilets were anywhere I went. I never used to eat anything in restaurants or other peoples houses. (This has actually improved over time although other aspects have got worse.)

I'm 21 now and I'd say over the last couple of years my phobia has got a lot worse. I've started to convince myself I feel sick and get panic attacks in any situation I'm not comfortable with, I always avoid busy places and the thought of being in an enclosed space like a plane or train makes me panic. (I have to take 4 plane journeys in the next few months and Im worried about it every day) It's getting to the point now where I'm worried I'm going to become housebound. Ive already started avoided doing things I know enjoy.

Basically I feel like I have so much to say about my phobia but could never say it all in one post. I just feel I need to talk to people who are going through the same thing as me, and wondered what steps to take to finally overcome it. (If it is possible)

Hi Julia. I think you've definately come to the right board for support. Everyone on here is really friendly and most importantly, suffering with the same phobia as you.

I think the first thing you need to do is adress the situation and make the people closest you you i.e. your mum and boyfriend, know just how serious your phobia is and make them understand just what terror you are going through. It is difficult sometimes, especially with a phobia like this for people to understand fully why or how you can be scared of something so natural but if they love you, which im sure they do, they will understand & should offer you the support you need.

As for getting help, the best thing you can do is go to your GP, explain your phobia and how much it's effecting your everyday life and ask if they can refer you to a counsellor. You will most likely be put on a waiting list (the more populated the area you live in is, the longer you will have to wait, which could be upto around four months) and will just have to wait for a team in your area to contact you.

I've just recently got my therapy date through for next month which im extremely happy about as now I can feel as though progress is possible. I honestly think you should go for it, I doubt it will make you worse and it's at least worth a shot to try and over come this fear. I hope I helped in some way or another! Take care

[julia.]

Hi Tasha, thanks so much, it makes me feel a lot better to know other people are going through the same thing and that there are people I can talk to about it who actually understand it. (part of the problem I've had with telling people is that they don't see how serious it is and just dismiss it, which makes me anxious they wont be prepared or help me if I or someone else is sick near me!) Nice to know a fellow Yorkshire person has it too

I think I'll definitely look in to getting help, quite worried about going to the doctors and telling them about it... even though I know they must have heard it before I feel like they wont understand. But I think I need to do it.

[Tasha'93]

Hi Tasha, thanks so much, it makes me feel a lot better to know other people are going through the same thing and that there are people I can talk to about it who actually understand it. (part of the problem I've had with telling people is that they don't see how serious it is and just dismiss it, which makes me anxious they wont be prepared or help me if I or someone else is sick near me!) Nice to know a fellow Yorkshire person has it too

I think I'll definitely look in to getting help, quite worried about going to the doctors and telling them about it... even though I know they must have heard it before I feel like they wont understand. But I think I need to do it.

It's fine, I can really relate to what you've said because I am going through exactly the same thing, as is nearly everyone else on here i'm sure (generally speaking!). If you want someone to talk to or just for some reassurance you can send me a private message anytime, you don't need to feel alone with this.

I understand being worried about seeing a doctor about it. I was a bit apprehensive at first and thought she would think I was a weirdo but she was more understanding than I thought, i'm sure you'll be pleasantly suprised if you do decide to go, infact I strongly advise you do, it must be worth it before things start to get worse for you, no one deserves this.

[chocolategirl]

Welcome! i havent been officially diagnosed with emet either, but i know that i have it. Its really confusing for others to understand, but there are people who do. I hope you find great support here!

[orton99]

Hi Tasha, thanks so much, it makes me feel a lot better to know other people are going through the same thing and that there are people I can talk to about it who actually understand it. (part of the problem I've had with telling people is that they don't see how serious it is and just dismiss it, which makes me anxious they wont be prepared or help me if I or someone else is sick near me!) Nice to know a fellow Yorkshire person has it too

I think I'll definitely look in to getting help, quite worried about going to the doctors and telling them about it... even though I know they must have heard it before I feel like they wont understand. But I think I need to do it.

Hi Julia, I know telling your GP about his may seem daunting, but they are there to help and there really isn't anything that the average family doctor hasn't heard before a thousand times, much of it far worse than a phobia! That's not to belittle it of course, but to put it into context that you won't, I promise, leave your GP open-mouthed with shock at what you tell them. I promise!

Chances are they will recommend "Talking Therapies", which is the NHS programme for all sorts of mental health issues. A few links are below. However, don't forget to give yourself the best chance by telling your doctor everything. I'm not saying you'd do this, but if you or anyone goes to their GP and just says "I don't like being sick" the doctor is likely to be rather nonplussed. But make it clear just how much it is affecting other areas of your life and then you'll have given them something to work with.

Best of luck, I'm sure it'll go fine!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/emotiona..._talking.shtml

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/20...king-therapies

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-...01102115920807