Diaryofanemetophobe's Blog

Getting help

diaryofanemetophobe — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:25:49 +0000

I started with a visit to my GP. Believe me this was excruciatingly painful. Why? Because it is such a nonsensical, irrational, ridiculous phobia. I am embarrassed at myself. But, I went and I said my bit and my GP suggested some Cognitive Beavioural Therapy (CBT).

The only problem with the CBT is that my commute from my hometown to my place of work is approximately 2 hours meaning, of course, that I would be unable to make any appointments during office hours without losing a lot of my working day. I am fortunate in that my work are leniant and allow time off for doctors appointments, however I didn’t want to take the mick. Now, at this point you may question why I didn’t believe my mental health was more important than my job. Quite simply because I love my job, it is all I have at the moment and I would not want to jeopardise that.

My GP was unable to suggest any alternatives until I realised that included in my induction pack were details about a free, confidential counselling service funded by my employers. I was able to have 5 free sessions, the last of which has just finished.

The story so far…

diaryofanemetophobe — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:51:22 +0000

Where to start?

I have been aware that I had an issue with sick for approximately the past two years. Shortly after this realisation a google search confirmed to me that I was an emetophobe. This was both a fantastic and a terrifying discovery. Fantastic that I was not alone, that this affliction had a name, but terrifying because it meant that maybe I had to admit there was something not quite right with me.

Thinking about it in more depth I have had an issue with sick for much, much longer than 2 years. It has been having a deep impact on my life for the past 8 or so years, but I believe that I have had an issue with sick throughout most of my childhood although I find it difficult to place an exact date.

Over the past two years the phobia has developed to the point where it dictates almost every decision that I make and is severly restricting my life. I have decided that now is the time that I should regain control of my life.

Introductions

diaryofanemetophobe — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:34:03 +0000

This blog is designed to be my story against my battle with emetophobia. I’m going to start with the recent past and hopefully progress towards recovery. Or, at least as close to recovery as I can manage. Wish me luck!

What is emetophobia?

In short it is a phobia about sick. Here are a few links to people who know what they are talking about much better than I do;

http://anxietyuk.org.uk/condition_emetophobia.php
http://fearofvomiting.co.uk/

What is my emetophobia?

My experience of being an emetophobe differs slightly from the information comprised in the above links. Whilst I certainly avoid being sick, I do not exhibit any obsessive compulsive behavours to achieve this. I believe that my phobia centres more around other people being sick.