Really, really, REALLY need help.

[TwistedSymphony]

I'm 18 and have been dealing with this for years. I just stumbled upon this forum and wanted to post this.

My biggest fear is getting *sick* in front of people and embarrassing myself. Every time I'm out in public, the minute I feel the slightest discomfort in my stomach, I start panicking, shaking, and I feel like I need to get OUT of there ASAP. I try to calm myself down but that feeling of being *doomed* seriously terrifies me. I freak out when I don't have a way to "escape" if I need to....for example, if I'm in a car with someone, or at a restaurant or something.

Like I said, I'm 18. I dropped out of high school when I was 16 because I'm a wimp and I just couldn't handle it. I basically sit at home all day, every day and try to avoid going out. People are starting to ask when I'm going to get my license, get a job, etc... I WANT to do all of that. I really do. I would give anything to be *normal*. I want to go back to school and actually make something of myself. But my anxiety ALWAYS gets the best of me, even when I swear that I will be stronger.

My dad and I are constantly fighting and he has threatened to kick me out if I don't get a job. This just makes me panic even more and I get so furious with myself.

I really don't know what I'm asking for...just advice I guess. I don't want to live the rest of my life this way. I know counseling or something would probably do me some good, but I'm too terrified to leave my house to go!!

Help please :(

[Mamafear]

Oh you poor love, you really are feeling broken huh? I'm sorry you're struggling. You've come to a great place, it's really helping me! I think your Dad could benefit from reading a bit about Emetaphobia, (there is a section at the top of this forum). In the meantime, feel free to come talk anytime! Big hugs!. Xx

[Miss_Pink24]

So sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time. You have come to the right place though, plenty of people around here that know exactly what you are going through and are always willing to offer support and advice. So hopefully it will be able to offer you the same much needed support.

I agree with Mamafear about your dad benefiting from reading a bit about Emetophobia, so he can realise that you do in fact have a problem and he needs to support you rather than threatening you. Things are much better explained when they have a name to them afterall.

You have made the right first step in asking for help. That is definitely a massive step forward for you. I just hope with the support of the people on this forum and hopefully your dad that you should be able to take the next step in seeking that much needed help i.e. from a counsellor or something.

I hope it helps to know that you are not alone and we will do what we can to support you. Feel free to chat, post or PM anytime. X

[xxrachmarie]

I'm so sorry to hear you're struggling. I'm going through the same thing and am currently unable to get myself to go to school. That "trapped" feeling is the absolute worst! I know how you feel though, as I have the same fear of public v* and embarrassing myself. I'm completely terrified to leave my house, but when I do eventually get myself out, I feel a lot better. I force myself to therapy, and despite being anxious all the way there, by the time I leave I feel a little more confident. This feeling sucks I know, but giving up sucks a whole lot more. Have your dad sit down and read not just about emetophobia but anxiety in general as well. Some Dad's don't have that motherly instinct and can be a little insensitive. Just let him know that you're struggling and that it's not your fault, and it's not his fault either. Some of what I said my night have made sense, but feel free to come talk to us anytime (hugs) Oh and just remember this, if you're at a restaurant, or somewhere where you can physically move, you can get away. You aren't trapped in a restaurant, you can get up, walk around, take a few deep breaths. My therapist always tells me this, and it's true. If you absolutely need to get away, and are not in a vehicle or something of the sort, you can. I hope things start looking up for you.