Need help/advice

Question

Ok. My question is slightly odd, but one that bothers and affects my life. I have this undying fear of being sick and especially vomiting. I've had this my entire life, but in recent years it's gotten worse. I'm paranoid of public places, foods and how they're cooked and being around sick people. Generally when people are ill I avoid them and their house. If I'm ever around someone who has been sick, I worry myself constantly if I will be ill, sometimes to the point where I make myself sick. Even just reading about vomiting or someone being sick is enough to set me off and freak out. I need advice on how to control this, as I'm the mother to an 11 month old and I can't very well ignore her when she gets sick.

Clysta · Answer

Thank you!! I guess the reason I'm scared to tell anyone, is because it's something we all do. I don't want someone to think I'm just an idiot for being worried about it. Even typing this hear now makes me sound so stupid.

This might sound stupid, but when I was pregnant I had HG so I could hardly eat. After I gave birth, I was still scared of food and now every time I eat, in the back of my mind I wonder if I'm going to get sick. Then I got Gastritis and GERD and it still made me sick, and now those (along with IBS) I'm nauseous 24/7. I'm not sure what there is out there that can actually help me. It's driving my husband crazy. I'm always wondering if he's ok, and if he says he feels sick I freak out completely. I'm also always questioning if something is fully cooked or done right. Nighttime is the worse though--I normally get super nauseated then and it makes me worry even more.

snails528 · Answer

Clysta, I suffer from this as well. I always thought it was hypochondria but never knew it had it's own name. I am scared to death of the stomach virus or food poisoning. I do not travel at all during the winter for fear of contracting it.  The more I read up on this forum the more I realize I need therapy and should have gotten it years ago. I suggest you do the same before you no longer have control over your thoughts and fears.

nursegirl6572 · Answer

Hey Clysta!

What you're experiencing is likely "Emetophobia", or the fear or throwing up.  Surprisingly, it is not that uncommon.  It boils down to being anxiety and if it is affecting your life to this extent, seeking some professional help for it is a good idea.

Anxiety is anxiety, all of us share similar struggles, even though our "fear" may differ.  Some people have health phobias, fear of having a heart attack, fear of going crazy, fear of driving, the list is endless.

Try searching the forum, we have a few posters that deal with this also.  "Erin" is one of them.  Sometimes it just helps knowing we're not alone.  My advice to you is to seek out therapy, specifically CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and start addressing this so you can reign the anxiety in.

Let us know how you're doing and thanks for stopping by!  :0)

Hugs!