How can I help myself

[j17c27]

I have really really bad anxiety. Specifically emetophobia (fear of throwing up).  I get severe panic attacks and have anxiety pretty much all day, every day.  I am perscribed 100mg of Pristiq which I make sure to take every day.  Im in college, and I am finding it hard to do my work, go to class, and have fun because this anxiety holds me back so much.  I have been in therapy several times but never found someone who would actually take my phobia as serious as it is.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can help myself fight this phobia? I know the traditional deep breathing, exercise, healthy eating...those type of things that help generalized anxiety but are there any techniques to ease a specific phobia so I can just live my life not in complete terror everyday? Its hard because vomitting isnt something you can control so you cant just avoid it...

[beyoubehappy]

Ironically, I have the exact same condition, take the exact same medicine, and am having the exact same reactions as you are. I have tried all of the techniques you listed, and i have also tried to face it head-on. Not to bash on mammo or anything, but seeing someone fall and hit their head and having to deal with it isn't an everyday occurrence-being around people and fearing you will vomit in front of them (social anxiety) is an everyday occurrence. So technically I am facing my problems "head on" every day I see another person (which is every day for most people). That isn't helping me, I just suffer through it equally each time. I have read online tips to stop vomit from coming up (like rubbing your chin to your neck, deep breathing, etc.). Also, doing 20 minutes of cardio (not muscle work) and 20 minutes of yoga/deep relaxation a day can help reduce your production of cortisone. It's a slow process, and I have my ups and downs, but that has seemed to work the best for me. I hope some of this helped. If you want more information or need someone just to understand, feel free!

[mammo]

I have learned that facing your fear is the best way to overcome it, you'll learn that the only thing to really fear about vomiting is the fear itself. I can only base this on my own experiences.  Before I had children I had a horrible fear of seeing someone after they've fallen and hit their head and I would run the other way.  I had my first child and he fell on the side walk and my first instinct was to run but this was my little boy and his well being meant more to me than my fear.  When I lost my son I welcomed my next panic attack in hopes it would take me with him, since the fear of having one was gone....I never had another one.  So, I learned purely by accident how to overcome things caused by my anxiety and fears.  I know you've heard it all, but try to keep in mind that this is a natural body process and a necessary one at times that may save your life.  Maybe think of it as a good thing that you will vomit when necessary. I never feared vomiting but the thought of it made me fearful until I was pregnant with my first child...then it became second nature and I no longer worried about it.  I'm sorry I don't have any words of wisdom, I don't take your fear lightly because I've had my own and they're horrible. You should look to see if there are therapists who deal mainly with these types of fears, sometimes we need to see several before we find the right one. Hopefully, someone else will jump on here with some good ideas on how to better help you. Take care.