Emetophobia

It's normal to get stomach issues once in a while take it easy

I had a friend in college that had emetophobia, and while I don't necessarily have that, I have anxiety that centers around illness and when my anxiety flares up I get flushed and feel nauseated, so I can relate to a degree, there was a point in life that my ocd centered around it quite a bit, just not severe. I'm really sorry that you are having that current struggle, is there any technique you have used in the past to help calm the fear that flares up when you feel the panic rising? One thing that helped me with the anticipation type worry with sickness was to sit and take a few deep breaths and remind myself that it was probably my fear and not an actual illness. It took me time, but I was able to lessen my reactions over time. Cold water on the wrists also helped me when my face would flush.

That sounds truly awful. Would you be able to have an anti nausea medication prescribed? Or maybe a homeopathic remedy like nux vomica? Have you seen a dr to rule out maybe mono or a longer viral infection? I was running a lot when I was younger andbI have tummy issues with running (super common) but all of a sudden they got super bad and once I recovered from runs I was okay. I thought I had a mental block with running where it was one of my irrational fears, but I finally broke down and went to the dr and it turned out I had Mono and my spleen was enlarged, I had to stop running until symptoms subsided, my mono lasted 3 months. It took me a while after to start trusting food again and to know I wasn't going to be sick at the drop of a hat.

Well, realizing it is not a physical issue and it is definitely mental means you've taken the first step to getting back on track. It took me months to be able to eat normal again. It sounds like your exposure therapy is working and you're not caving. Good for you!!

I struggle with this too, I used to not eat(still don’t for other reasons not ocd related) but I’ve worked hard to improve. I definitely understand the whole mental aspect of it. I’ve not gotten sick in years but this probably would happen to me if I did. If you need to talk or need help, I’ll be here for you❤️

I’ve been struggling with this for the last three years or so as well, controlling my eating and socialization. Trust me it all feels so real in the moment, and really does control your life.

I’m right where you are right now. I got sick about a month ago after not having anything like that happen for years and I’ve relapsed so severely. It’s so hard and I don’t know if I have any good advice but you’re not alone in this. If it’s gotten better before, it can get better again

I can’t imagine what it’s like to go through that your whole life. I have emenophobia too. When my stomach hurt, I scan my body, and list the possibilities of what could happen when it comes to puking. (Food poisoning, stomach flus, motion sickness, etc) I got traumatized after I puked randomly one time and I just remember how it felt and I absolutely hated it! So you are not alone!