mom is v* upstairs

[asm18]

This is my first post. I came here because my mom has been v* upstairs for the past two hours and I'm tired of barracading myself in my room because of the fear I have inside.

Some backgorund info:
My name is Mandy. I'm 16, female, living in NJ, USA. I've had this phobia since preschool. There was a boy in my class who v* every single day, for about a year, until the school asked him to leave. It's gotten worse as I've gotten older. I get clammy, cold sweats, heart palpitations, I lose my appetite, I can't sleep. My mind tricks me into thinking I myself am sick. Just seeing the word "vomit" makes me uncomfortable.

My mom was fine earlier today and now I'm worried that I'll get sick.

I see a psychiatrist for depression/self-injury, but I was wondering if any of you know of any breathing exercises or diversions to hold me over until I see her.

[purpleteacher]

First of all, welcome. You have come to the right place and we can relate to you and your fears.


Second of all, do you know why your mom is sick? It could have been something she ate or possibly a headache. She could also be having trouble with a new medication that she started taking. You don't know for sure if it is a virus.


Do your best to stay away from her and her illness. She is probably going to stay away from the family while she is sick anyway and just make sure you keep on washing your hands. If you can, try and help take care of things around the house while she is sick - this will keep you busy.


Breathing exercises just make me burp, so I don't have many to recommend. I would just try and find out more about how your mom is feeling because if you know why she is sick - it might put your mind at ease.

[asm18]

I think if it were something she ate, it would definitely put my mind at ease, at least a little bit. But just the fact that she is v* is keeping me from leaving my room. I'm afraid I'll hear or see her getting sick. I feel so selfish when people in my family get sick because I'm afraid to leave my room and help out when they're the ones who are really suffering. :/

Thanks for your help though.

[crystalmom]

Welcome!


Well, I agree with purpleteacher. It could be any number of things. But, if it was me, I would steer clear too.


You are experiencing the lovely panic attack. I HATE them. I can trick myself into thinking I am ill as well. I used to have a very high number of panic attacks in one day, every day, so I know that they are hard, and emet is hard. I, too, have had this since I was little (2years old), and I am 28 now, so it's been a while.


I think most of us here have had our share of depression and self-injury, if on;y to make the panic go away. Go to the 'treatments' thread on the main page, and there is a wonderful document in there by Sage. Print it. A few times. Take one to your shrink (I can't spell the proper term....lol) Give one to your mom, if you think you can. It is very informative, and will give you a really good picture of what we all feel and it is comforting to know there are others out there like you!


Anyhoo....good luck, and hope to hear more from you!


Crystal


Alberta, Canada

[asm18]

So I'm actually having panic attacks? I had no idea, I thought it was just some phobia related thing. But now that you said it, it makes sense.

I'll print out that paper, I skimmed it and it looks very informative.

[donna1216]

I hope you are doing better now, I hate to hear that you (and your mom[img]smileys/smilies_06.gif[/img]) had to go through that!! Let us know how you are doing!

[crystalmom]

I was diagnosed with panic disorder WAY before I realized that it was all about v*ing. Although, my panic attacks were always v* related. It was all about that.


They suck, by they are manageable!


Crystal

[blondie90]

both of my parents are sick right now too and i feel so self-centered and immature that i can't help them out around the house, let alone be in the same room with them. my best advice is to just keep yourself busy. i've disinfected my house and i've just been making sure to wash my hands everytime i touch something. i'm sure you mother understands your fear, so don't worry about feeling selfish. keeping your mind off of it is key, and get out of the house for a little while too, if you can. i spent a good portion of the day just aimlessly driving around and taking long, deep breaths. it'll make you feel better to get some fresh air. good luck, and hopefully you and i will get through our parents v*ing without getting sick!!!! let me know how you make out with everything.

[one who squeaks]

I live in NJ too. [ /off topic]

Throughout elementary and middle school, I knew a student who would v*
every time he ate something. He suffered from mental retardation and
was bullied to the point of it being ridiculous. I was quite afraid of
him (my phobia wasn't as bad then as it is now), but tried to have
friendly conversations anyway. Still, when he approached me, my first
instinct was to run; I felt so bad. :/



When I get panicky, I usually try to meditate. Guided imagery is my
favorite because I become immersed in whatever image I'm building.

You can probably find some CDs online-- if you decide to try it, choose
whatever makes you feel most comfortable. I'm a big fan of nature-based
imagery myself (forests, mountains, lakes, etc). The woods are my home
and I feel safe when I'm "there."



I hope your mom is doing better. Good luck. :}

[asm18]

Thanks for the help everyone. My mom is doing better now, thankfully. No one else in our family got sick, which is a miracle!