Need Immediate Advice

[onelittlerose]

I have severe anxiety about food ( emetophobia ) , and am constantly afraid that the food I eat will make me sick. This causes panic attacks and incredible amounts of nausea. I have to attend an event today at a restaurant and already I'm beginning to feel sick and anxious. I've taken Lexapro as usual and I have bands on my wrists designed to help decrease nausea but I'm still extremely anxious. Any ideas for how to survive?

[Hidden]

Oh I have such compassion for you. When my anxiety hits hard I have no desire to eat, I get it! I'm here for you, whenever or whatever you need. God Bless You! Lisa

[onelittlerose in reply to Hidden]

You're so sweet, thank you <3

[Hidden in reply to onelittlerose]

Try to think of things that make you happy. Take deep breaths in through your nose out through your mouth. Hope this helps you!

[onelittlerose in reply to Hidden]

I'll try it for sure

[Hidden]

I forgot to tell you when breathing do it slowly! Good Luck!!!!!!! Be STRONG!

[onelittlerose]

Update: It went very well, and I had a lot of success with the breathing technique!

[Regina48]

You might try the below link. It's a site for Emetophobia. It helps knowing we aren't alone with this phobia.

emetophobiafallback.proboards.com

[onelittlerose in reply to Regina48]

That's really helpful, thank you so much!

[Cheeto]

Please get the book by Scott Stossel My Age of Anxiety. GHe had your exact problem and I think it would halp you so much. They probably have it at the library. No easy answers, but I think it helps to know other people with the same problem. He has tried just about everything and maybe something in the book will help you. It is a must read for your particular problem and for others with severe anxiety. Just hold on. There are some things we cannot change completely because of the way we are wired, but we can do the best we can. I hope you know that I am thinking of you and write me if you need someone to talk to.

[onelittlerose in reply to Cheeto]

I'll check it out, it sounds perfect!

[shannon_nicole777]

I read the book my age of anxiety by Scott stossel, very good book about anxiety and this guy has it bad!! Plus, he has emetaphobia, you really need to check out this book!

[Vrt14]

Also, I can recommend probiotics, I rarely get upset stomach since I started taking them

[onelittlerose in reply to Vrt14]

I've tried them if anything they make me feel worse- but what do you use?

[Vrt14 in reply to onelittlerose]

I take Florastor, it's expensive

[onelittlerose in reply to Vrt14]

Cost isn't an issue

[powrrlesspotato]

I know EXACTLY how this feels. I hate it. I hope you have gotten some advice!

[Aesclepius]

Hi,

Have you actually gotten sick from the food?

I think that the food is a symbol that stands for something else. Try to figure out what it could be.

[Eriq70]

Cold water hands and face. Deep breathing. Focus on one thing only. Eyes shut. 5mins