Bad to...Worse

[imroo2]

Hi Everyone,
So my emetophobia has gone from bad to worse. For the last two and half years I have been able to control it to where I can enjoy life. But the past month its progressed v*ing is the only thing I think about. It got so bad at one point that the first day of the second semester of school I gaged in the morning. My nerves were so bad I was unable to eat for a few days. My mom suggested seeing a counselor. When I saw her she was really nice and soon after talking with me she suggested a psychiatrist. Lately usual things that I could do before are hard now; I get nervous about going to work. In the past work was almost like a comfort zone for me. I get nervous for ridiculous reasons. For the last month I have not been able to go to restaurants without being nervous and being unable to eat. I haven’t called the pysch but im nervous about that. I also haven’t been able to sleep because I wake up and get nervous about the next day to come. This is taking over my life, days that might slightly overwhelm me are killer. The counselor suggested that it might I progressed because of my family situation but I just cant get complete control of it. Will mild anxiety pills help? What can I do? I’m not a germaphobic like many others, Im actually a server so that’s the least of my worries. I feel like I might lose everything.
Thanks for listening all,
Imroo2

[crystalmom]

Hi....I know how you feel. I have been there. Got the t-shirt [img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]For me, the solution was meds. I was put on anti-depressants, and I am still on them. I am not ashamed of this at all, b/s this gave me back my life. I went on to get married (nowdivorced, not emet related), have a child (he'll be 5 in March), and am taking nursing through distance ed.


At one time, I was COMPLETELY housebound. Didn't eat or sleep. I was VERY under-weight. I was 18 years old. I got a bit better, and went to college. And then, at the beginning of my second year, I got a sv, and actually v*ed at the school. Needless to say, I never finished that semester, and still have problems going in to that school. I got better after that, and have gone up and down, but never low enough again to be completely housebound.


You need to figure out what is right for you. Some people don't like the idea of medication. Some people can't afford counselling. It's up to you and your resources right now. You can always ask for advice and assurance here, noone will ever judge you. We are here, and have most likely felt as you do. And you, can help us too!!


Hope to see you again, and don't be afraid to ask anything!!


Crystal

[thestruggle]

I had the same exact problem several years ago. AlthoughI've dealt with these sameproblems almost all of my life things really came to a head back in 2001-2002. You have to do something to break the cycle. As much aswe tend todislike change, continuing with the same avoidance routines will keep you in the trap. Do you have any problems with being by yourself in an outdoor setting? Try going for walks around theblock. Move them to the park. Progress to nature and hiking trails. Getting out of the house and getting some exercise will go a long waytowards relieving some of the stress and anxiety. And it will break the routine of sitting in the housedwelling on v*. And you're exposure topeople orthings that might cause you more anxietyis low. Do it in baby steps, work your way up as you begin to feel more comfortable.It's actually abig deal to sit down and eat a meal at a restaurant without some sort anxiety associated with this phobia, so don't sweat it. Go to an ice cream stand or fast food restaurant, where you feel you have more control to leave if you have to. Try to find as many routines outside of the house that make you feel comfortable as you can. I have beento the point where v* was the only thing on my mind 24 hrs a day.You have to break that mindset or chances to progress are very slim. And don't hesitate to ask you doctor about meds. It's hard to seewhat's happening to us sometimes because we are in themiddle of the storm. Therapy and meds can help you to see where you are and where you want to be.