Killing me?

Question

I'm a 16 year old and I suffer from emetophobia (fear of vomiting) I could swear to you that I rather die than vomit; I haven't thrown up in about 6 years. I'm seaking for your help because I wonder if this is going to kill me.. I suffer days and even weeks w/out sleeping because I panic, and feel sick, and can't sleep, etc and still go to school all tired and can't concentrate on my life. I know there is not really a cure for phobias, so how getting over it? I sometimes wish I die because I'm scared to grow up w/ the phobia and won't find myself friends or a husband(since my family is tired of me). I hate feeling lonely and I hate people to see me looking like a weirdo...
any suggestions? I don't want to end my life here...
PS: I've gone to doctors, councelors,psychologists, etc and it doesn't work. The only words I can remember is, "If you can't help yourself, no one will." But how?...I feel desperate...for those of you who have emetophobia know exacly what I mean..

Answer 1

Honey..you won't die from this..I promise..I'm 31 years old, have suffered from this phobia since at least the 6th grade. I now have a wonderful husband of 12 years, and 3 beautiful sons. You will have a life with this phobia hon. Don't let it stop you from enjoying everything life has to offer. This is a rough time of year for all of us who suffer from this phobia, but like every year, we'll get through it :)

Answer 2

There are ways to overcome phobias, but you need a specialist. Clearly you haven't found one yet. You should also be on anti-anxiety medication. Keep searching for the right doctor. No, fear of vomiting won't kill you, and neither will vomiting. There are books on the subject of overcoming phobias, if you can't find a doctor, then you can read a book. You need to start by replacing negative thoughts with positive thoughts. When you start thinking about death or vomiting, say something positive to yourself, like "I am strong and healthy." Read "Cybernetics" by Doctor Maxwell to learn how to do this. Also, really, search out some books on overcoming phobias, and get on some anti-anxiety medication.

Answer 3

Really sorry to hear that it is taking up your life - I am the partner of someone with a severe phobia and he has an interesting and full life. So living proof that you can find a way to come to terms with it .

You are at an age which is very difficult of itself so that probably is exacerbating the problem.

I suggest you find someone who has been trained in person centred counselling to work with (not someone who just says that they are person centred - there is a big difference) because they will hopefully not say such tedious stuff but take their lead from you and try to understand, rather than pontificating.

I have two friends who have this phobia too and it deosnt rule their whole life anymore just goign on planes and boats.

Answer 4

Hi, Gosh, You sound really upset about this. I am sure nobody see's you as a 'weirdo', I myself have a severe fear, but mine is of security, not of vomiting. You will find yourself friends and a husband, I can assure you that a phobia will not ruin your life (although at the time, I am sure it feels like that) Just think about it this way, You havent vomited for a whole of six years. That is a long time, and chances are you wont vomit for years and years and years at this rate. You have to try to be optomistic, although I know isnt easier said than done.
Good luck.

Answer 5

The only time you would vomit is if you are sick or have eaten something bad. Just know that Vomiting isn't an every day thing, and that you CAN Live your life normally every day. And sucking on sugared ginger or drinking chamomile tea is great for avoiding that "vomiting" urge. Don't let it take over your life, especially since you've been so successful in not throwing up in six years. i wish I had that record. I dread the flu every year.

Answer 6

if your not on anti anxiety medications you need to be. there's plenty of options out there, you're at the end of your rope, what's the harm in trying out medications. medications take at least a month before you see any effect, i suggest you use a medication for 2 mts at least, if you feel like it has done nothing, TRY ANOTHER, keep on trying to find different types of meds i really think this might help you. i've seen on tv the way they try to cure ppls phobias by pretty much scaring them with it, i know its scary but you have to be brave, i think you should look at pictures of vomit. then i might even suggest you make yourself vomit, in order for you to get over your fear you must have some courage.

Answer 7

Dear Asker!
Here are some information about Medical Treatment of Phobia (panic attacks)



Generally, panic attacks are treated with reassurance and relaxation techniques. By definition, panic attacks last less than an hour, so many times a person already feels much better by the time he or she makes it to the doctor's office. Nevertheless, because the diagnosis is made by excluding more dangerous causes, people may be given medications during their attack.

Some doctors will prescribe various antianxiety medicines such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan) during the evaluation.

* Once the diagnosis of panic attack is made, however, the person may be surprised that no medicines are prescribed. Before medications are started, the person requires further evaluation by a mental health professional to check for the presence of other disorders. These may include anxiety disorders, depression, or panic disorder (a different diagnosis than panic attack).

* If medications are prescribed, several options are available. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluvoxamine (Luvox) are often the first choice. Clinical trials have shown SSRIs reduce the frequency of panic attack up to 75-85%. SSRIs must be taken 3-6 weeks before they are effective in reducing panic attacks and are taken once daily.

* Other choices of drug treatment include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), or diazepam (Valium). They effectively decrease panic attacks by up to 70-75% almost immediately; however, they must be up to 4 times per day. Additional drawbacks include sedation, memory loss, and after several weeks, tolerance to their effects and withdrawal symptoms may occur.

* Tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and MAO inhibitors such as phenelzine (Nardil) have also been used, but many individuals experience side effects that are difficult to tolerate.

Self-Care at Home

* If a person has been diagnosed with panic attacks in the past and is familiar with the signs and symptoms, the following techniques may help the person stop the attack. You may also try this for yourself if you are experiencing the symptoms of a panic attack.

o First, relax your shoulders and become conscious of any tension that you may be feeling in your muscles.

o Then, with gentle reassurance, progressively tense and relax all the large muscle groups. Tighten your left leg with a deep breath in, for example, hold it, then release the leg muscles and the breath. Move on to the other leg. Move up the body, one muscle group at a time.

o Slow down your breathing. This may best be done blowing out every breath through pursed lips as if blowing out a candle. Also, place your hands on your stomach to feel the rapidity of your breathing. This may allow you to further control your symptoms.

o Tell yourself (or someone else if you are trying this technique with someone) that you are not "going crazy." If you are concerned about not being able to breathe, remember that if you are able to talk, you are able to breathe.




Hope that may help you!
Good luck!

Answer 8

You need a good shrink to help you. No one can prescribe anything for you because your problem needs to be understood first. Think about your quality of life, you want to get out from under this thing ASAP and not have it hang over your head longer than necessary You can be helped so find a Dr that can help. Keep looking if you want to return to normalcy. You owe it to yourself!!!

Answer 9

I am sorry, this probably isn't what you want to hear, but you have to face your fear.
So go o the bathroom and puke! It's really not that bad, you have to do it, to get over it.
I am afraid/terrified of heights, but to face my fear day in and day out, I found an apartment on the top floor (5 stories). I do it all, like when I am on vacation I go to the top of buildings for the view (Eiffel tower, sears tower, rockafeller tower, stratosphere).
To conquer is to do!
Good Luck!
Please, don't kill yourself!

Answer 10

You need to take something that will really make you vomit like crazy. That will solve your phobia.. You do not need all those so called analysts. Fix it yourself...