Which phobia is this?

Question

Okay, so i haven't been out for far too long because i am scared of either throwing up or losing bowel control in public.

For a long time i have thought i am agoraphobic..

But i don't get panicky UNLESS i start to feel sick or stomachachy..

And ALL of what i have read about agoraphobia... people avoid things because of a fear of a panic attack..
i avoid things because of a fear of the 2 things i said.

If there was something that could guarentee that i wouldn't vomit/crap myself.. - -- i would be out living a normal life. an agor wouldn't right?

I mean i go for walks, and i don't panic at all...but something holds me back incase it DOES happen.

But in public places i do NEED to get out of there..to a toilet just incase...

so do i have agoraphobia? or is it a separate phobia of the two things i mentioned...?

I am trying to overcome this but there is no point in me getting treatment for agoraphobia if i don't actually have it.

Thoughts?

Yes i do have a therapist appointment but not for a month! ..

i mean i have the same problem at home or at peoples houses - if they take too long in the bathroom i start to get nervous incase i need to go in there.. that has NOTHING to do with agoraphobia has it?

Answer 1

Sounds like BMF - Bowel Movement Fear. I'd look up this website for possible treatment options...

http://www.phobia-fear-release.com/bowel-movement-fear.html

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

I suffer from agoraphobia. You are very right! Agoraphobia is the fear of panic attacks in public. Usually agoraphobia is a later effect of panic disorder (it just gets THAT bad). Here is the interesting thing. Someone with panic disorder just begins to panic for no apparent reason. most don't know whats going to happen, just that it will be bad, and we panic. Some people have triggers (what sets off a panic attack) and alot of the time it takes therapy to find the triggers so you can recognize and treat them. Lots of little descriptives, but suffice it to say that you seem to have the same thing going on...you are just a little farther along than others. You already know your triggers. You begin to panic when you are afraid of being too far from a bathroom. I begin to panic anytime my heart rate speeds up. (there are other triggers as well but I haven't figured them out yet. sometimes it seems very random) So its basically the same thing. Just to a bit of a different degree. You should definitely see someone. It will dramatically improve your quality of life. And just from my experience I can tell you that without doing something it gets worse...not better. And I strongly suspect that you will be diagnosed with agoraphobia.

Answer 3

Agoraphobia is fear of open spaces which manifests as fear of being in public places. My sister has had it for years. Do you indeed have a bowel problem like irritable bowel so you have to go suddenly and truly can't get to a restroom quick enough? My sister also has a fear of vomiting. It's all related to a fear of losing control. There are some great support groups for these things and they help you deal with and get over them. My sister went to one for her agoraphobia and they work up to going to a public place slowly with a buddy. She did well with it. Most insurance covers at least some of this if it interferes with your life and/or work. You should look into it. You'll feel better just knowing there ARE other people with similar issues making their lives difficult.

Answer 4

Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting. I know someone who has it. I never could. I used to be bulemic.

But you sound more like you have anxiety disorder. You probably don't have agoraphobia. I know what that's like. You wouldn't be able to go for walks, alone.

Answer 5

I'd say that you have a fear of losing stomach control, or a phobia related to your digestive tract.

It could be anxiety, though, that makes you have these problems (or think that you will) if out in public.

Is there no way you could get in to see any type of doctor or counselor sooner?

Answer 6

You sound like you have generalized anxiety disorder which can manifest itself in many ways including panic attacks, like you are experiencing. Counselling and medication can help you to lead a normal life.

Answer 7

I've actually heard of that before. Pretty sure it wasn't agora. Sorry I don't remember the right word, but I do think you are on the right track. Good luck to you.