Dealing with emetophobia and being in highschool

[stephiiee]

I don't know how my fear of vomiting started but it's been really hard, especially the past few months. Everyday I think about whether or not I'm going to be sick. Most days I experience digestive upsets (don't know if this is from anxiety or a physical problem) which fuel my anxiety and lead to a seemingly never ending cycle or feeling sick, worrying I'm going to be sick and having a panic attack. It's been hard going to school and I don't really have friends that I can talk to about my issues which makes going to school even harder. Lately I've been feeling like there's no point. I just want to know if there's any young person out there going through the same thing as me? I know I'm not alone I just need someone to talk to about it.

[Quercus]

Hello Stephiiee and welcome to the forums.

It sounds like you are really struggling at the moment and I was wondering have you been able to ask for help offline too? It is very important to do this.

I am a mum of two and being confided in by our children is vital. How can your family help you if they don't know? As a minor you need the help of your parents to get the support you need so this is step number one to take. Do you think you could try? Even showing them this post if the words are difficult.

It would help for your parents to take you to the doctor about this. There are medications that can help anxiety and also many techniques you can learn that dont require meds. Seeing your doctor is important.

If you feel unable to ask family how about a trusted teacher or school nurse or any other adult you feel comfortable speaking to? The kids helpline is a good place to try practicing talking about what you are feeling if you need a bit of help first.

Also... Is there anything happening at school which has triggered this fear? I know some parents will pack a spare uniform, underwear and wipes etc in a discrete bag at the bottom of the school bag just in case it is needed. Would having this help ease your anxiety?

I do hope you can return and keep talking when you feel able to.

Nat

[stephiiee]

Thank you, I forgot to mention in my post but I do have amazing support from my family which makes it easier to cope. I've been to doctors and I'm on medication for anxiety but it still doesn't help with the sick feeling I get almost everyday. Its been hard and I feel really selfish because I have an amazing family but I still feel so alone. Does that make me a bad person?

[Quercus]

Thanks for writing back Stephiiee,

It is good to hear you have support around you. A bad person? Nope. Not remotely.

Trying to describe how anxiety feels to someone who hasn't experienced it is so difficult and it can be lonely. There is nothing bad about you for feeling that way.

I probably should have asked what you have tried so far? Have you been on your meds for long?

I really do wish I had some ideas that could help. Have you had a chance to search for threads using 'vomiting' as a keyword? I know there was a thread recently where a member was struggling with a similar issue. Might be worth a read to get some ideas.