A long, SAFE day at an AMUSEMENT PARK

[Jess44246]

LONG BUT VERY VALUBLE! PLEASE READ!

Well, I just spent my day at an amusement park. I've known about the trip for about two weeks now, and I've worried about it every second. After getting there at 9am (rides opened 10:30), and then leaving around 6pm, I managed to have no panic attacks! I had to go because my entire band really needed me there. So, here's how my day went...

I woke up around 6:45, got myself ready while worrying incredibly about the trip, and arrived at school at 7:30. After spending time with my friends, and trying not to worry too much, we left around 8. When we got there at 9, we had to walk through the parking lot and park to get to our pavilion where we would leave our stuff. I was trying so hard not to panic. In short sleeves, I pretended I was shivery to hide my shaking (I'm actually very tolerant to cold). I saw not one, but TWO v*s crisped to the parking lot pavement, so no wonder why I was shaking!!! Naturally, every little stain on the pavement (in and out of the actual park), ever bird droppings, freaked me out, as I swerved well out of my way to avoid them. One at the pavilion, I was able to calm down because I had an hour to sit around with my two close friends (one knows, one doesn't). Then, it was out to the rides. Of course, being a severe emetophobic, I didn't go on any big rides. I went on the Ferris wheel, bumper cars, this mellow thing, and the merry-go-round (the forth was for the h3ll of it, as my two friends and I could recall being really little at the mall on their merry-go-round)

Around 2:15, we made our way back to the pavilion (and nothing bad had happened yet) for one friend and I to perform at 4 with the band. Being around my Trombone made me feel MUCH safer (Trombone is the only thing that can make my thoughts leave Emetophobia, as for I'm a future professional). After awards starting at 5, I got to leave around 6. Besides comments from both my friends and both their moms and seeing two v-like substances splattered and hardened in the parking lot, and my stomach feeling a bit suspicious because of all the fear from my environment, I was safe! Of course I really worried the whole time, but I had no panic attacks!

PLEASE ADD TO THIS FORUM! ALSO, PLEASE SHARE IT WITH FELLOW EMETOPHOBICS! I HOPE THIS HELPS TO LOOSEN THE WORRIES TIED TO PARTICULAR PLACES!!!

[crd08]

I spent a lot of time at parks because of band and I still do just because I like them. I've never had a bad experience (I did pass out once, but that was my blood sugar lol). I was always so nervous at first..long bus rides, kids, rides, heat, etc. It was always so fun though!
I was (and still am) the same about stains on pavement. But just know most of that is pop/drink/food/etc. I think I have seen v* ONCE in the many many times I have gone. It got easier each time I went and now I ride things I never thought I would ever ride. I just don't ride any of the ones meant to make you dizzy, but none of my friends like those either.
Glad you had a positive experience! I've totally been there. I almost quit band because of all the trips we took and stuff, but I couldn't do it because I loved it too much. Very glad I didn't... All those trips and experiences helped me so so much.

I played trombone too! haha

[mdgirl1977]

that's really awesome and I appreciate you sharing. I used to love amusement parks when I was your age. now, no. keep pushing on! you're doing great facing this fear!

[Jess44246]

Thanks crd and md for replying! You just hae to fear amusement parks, airports, public boats, etc. because you can't help it. It limits the fun you have, but the key is to keep the state of mind that you're there to have fun or to do somethin important.