Newbie

[Carebear79]

Hello, I am new on here. I live in Courtenay, on Vancouver Island. I have been dealing with this debilitating condition for years. I have three children and it gets especially challenging for me when the annual flu bugs are going around. Is there anyone else that is close by that has this problem?

Does anyone know of any support groups? I am in a constant state of panick and can barely eat because I can't get my mind to shut off that I or someone in my family will get sick. I wash my hands like 20 times a day and am terrified if I hear someone at work has had the flu.

My husband tries to be understanding but he gets very frustrated and I don;t blame him. I would get frustrated too! I am afraid to even hug my children when they are sick and am constantly disinfecting my bathroom with bleach.

When the anxiety gets too bad I will take Atevan to help calm me down. But I have been too ashamed to tell the doctor why I need this medication in case they laugh at me and won't give it to me.

Help!!!!

[KaydeeJayde]

Firstly, Welcome to the forums! I hope that you find the same support and help that I have here

Secondly, I'm not anywhere near you (Melbourne, Australia!) but this is the best support group I've found. I think the closest you'll find to an emetophobia support group is an anxiety support group. Have a look at the doctors office or ask them about it. They're not going to laugh at you for this. Anxiety is a serious thing, and if they laugh at you, you're well within your rights to report them. They might suggest therapy, which isn't a bad thing. I personally believe that medication without therapy isn't going to be as effective.

Anyways, there are plenty of mothers who will be able to give you advice as to living with emetophobia and having children!

Welcome again to the forums