Whyy so many phobias?

[harryc]

Hii...

I suffer from a number of phobias. The strongest is emetophobia. Constant fear of vomiting even though my stomacj is well, i haven't overeaten or in absence of any factor for vomiting. I keep taking Reglan as a precautionary medicine. I know its not good to do that. I abuse the prescription given to me by my GP. I also have overwhelming fear of snakes and lizards. I am never comfortable in lawns, gardens for fear of snakes. I am damn scared of lightening. I also have phobia of flying. I keep sweating all the time in plane. keep listening to every small sound that planes make and get scared if anything is different. I have hyperactive reflexes and smell, motion or vibrations completely imperceptible to other are great for me. then I tend to overreact. Hence for me there are many "false alarms." Nothing happens I am scared. I also suffer from GAD and hypochondria. I don't know how many other phobias I have... earthquakes, fire, health, heart attack, thunderstorms etc etc. Pls help me.

[ocdengineer]

Harry,

I would suggest Exposure and Response therapy, but you have a lot of phobias and that may mean that you have an anxiety disorder rather than simple phobias.  I am not a doctor, but I think seeing one would be very beneficial for you.  You should plan on telling the doctor everything that is bothering you and make sure the doctor understands the phobias.  I was agoraphobic for a year or so and I had to slowly force myself out the door.  I remember the first day.  I went about 50 yards to the dollar store with my mother and it was the first time I had been off the couch in months.  I was horrified, but slowly I got more and more used to it until the anxiety subsided.  That is essentially what exposure and response therapy is.  You slowly force yourself into uncomfortable scenarios until the scenario doesn't bother you anymore.  However, I later found that my situation was more than just phobias.  I have OCD and due to that anxiety which caused me to become agoraphobic.  I am now on medication and have changed my life style quite a bit to learn to cope with my anxiety disorder.  It is about 90% effective so far.  I have my bad days, but I never keep myself from doing something due to fear.  I know all to well what happens when you start catering to your fears.  You end up on a couch for months.  I definitely think you should go see a doctor and see what he/she thinks.

Take care,
OE

[harryc]

Hi OE

thanks a lot!! I am considering psychotherapy for my anxiety/phobias. I will visit a psychiatrist soon. I am trying to learn manage my anxiety but can't. I hope therapy would help.

[ocdengineer]

I hope you feel better soon.  Psychotherapy is good.  I have had some really good luck with therapists, so keep us posted on your progress.

Take care,
OE