New member - anxiety, panic and phobia

[kermit]

Hi,
I've had anxiety since I was a kid and I'm now in my 30s.  I also developed emetophobia (fear of vomiting) but also have a strong aversion to germs in general.
On television last thursday I saw a news caption saying there was a tummy bug sweeping the country and I panicked - since then I have been feeling panicky, more anxious, teary and just down.
I've been on and off medication since I was 18 but it didn't really help so I'm currently med free. I was doing okay until this news story hit and it's affected me big time.
My husband has 2 kids from a previous relationship and I feel anxious when they're around as kids can tend to get sick more (or this could be just my perception) and it causes a huge strain on our relationship.
I feel so helpless and so alone.
Kermit

[cubmanben]

Hello kermit. Your anxiety problems are not uncommon, so don't feel as though you're the only one. Certainly what you see on the news can be frightening. Part of the development of my anxiety came from working at a bank and watching everyone saying how this was the worst banking collapse of all time everyday.
There are a lot of medications out there, and perhaps if you're having a lot of problems coping that one of the many new ones out there would work for you or perhaps some counseling may be in order for you to help you learn how to deal with some of your struggles.
I know that anxiety can feel very dibilitating, but keep your head up. There are always better days ahead. Feel free to post questions or concerns on the boards here. There tons of us that have had similar experiences and know how you feel. Welcome to The Zone and get to feeling better!!

[sixpack]

Welcome to our group

You are not alone.  Lots of people have specific fears.  Yours just happens to be of vomiting.  I don't have a fear of it more of just a disgust of it.   Yes, it's gross.  I understand that.  Maybe, I don't know if it helps any, but can you look at it a bit differently?  Yes it isn't pleasant, to be sure, but in the end it won't really harm you.  I can understand your being anxious around the kids if you are afraid they might have a stomach bug. They can certainly pick up on that and maybe worry they've done something wrong.  And you don't want them thinking that I'm sure.

I agree with cubmanben.  There are many meds out there now.  I was just talking to my BIL about this this morning ( I have two BILs--one's a psychiatrist: the other is a psychologist)  The psychologist one and I were chatting about meds.  He said it really is a crap shoot as to which med will work for a person.  Sometimes it really is trial and error.  He says some are really more geared for depression but will make anxiety worse.  Sometimes a GP may not be that 'up' on meds, so if you are looking to go back on meds to help you, you may ask a therapist about it.   

[kermit]

Thanks for the posts, it's awesome to know there's people out there who suffer from the same stuff I do.  Dunno about meds, I'm going to see another psychologist soon so hopefully that will help and I'm also learning about mindfulness which is meant to be really effective in helping with anxiety and all sorts of things. Have you guys tried it?

I've tried so many meds and they cause me so many other side effects and my psychiatrist said I've tried all the major groups so if they don't work then that's pretty much it. I've heard that xanax is okay but I think when i took it i got really drowsy! not good when you're at work!

Thanks again,
kermit