Help getting back to normal after confronting phobia

@kelseaballerini i can sympathise with you on this. I have emetophobia aswell and it's incredibly hard to get back to normal once it's been triggered. Do you have safe foods that you can go to at all? I tend to have a few things that I go to just to keep it simple when trying to get back to normal and to get something into your system.

I completely understand the anxiety when it comes to not wanting to leave the house because of it. Try to be gentle with yourself and take things slowly. Even if you can only manage to eat something small then that's something.

You aren't alone. I hope you can ease your way back into things, it just takes time. We are here for you 🙂.

Hi @kelseaballerini

I'm sorry to hear that your anxiety is heightened and that after a few months of being managable, you are now experiencing an episode of emetophobia.

It's unfortunate that your family support is currently unavailable and you're facing this challenge alone.

However, you have shown strength and self awareness by reaching out and sharing your struggle.

There is always someone here to connect with, happy to listen and offer their support.

Anxiety is not helpful when it comes to emetophobia and I'm wondering if you have any relaxation methods or grounding exercises that you can utilise at this time.

I find meditation or relaxation apps can be useful for my anxiety, or being outdoors in nature.

CBT is also helpful for emetophobia as it's a great way of challenging your thinking.

May I suggest Headspace, Calm or Insight Timer, who offer a range of meditation and relaxation programs. And I love MoodGym's CBT program.

These practices could help reduce your anxiety as you slowly re-introduce small and easily digestable meals.

Of course, if you continue to feel unwell you should seek the advise of your GP.

I hope this is a short lived episode and you are back to doing what you enjoy soon. Sending you strength.

Kindly Alisse

Hey @Former-Member thank you for sharing your shared struggles! It’s always comforting to know other people do think similarly.

I do have safe foods that I’ve definitely been sticking to, but I actually just branched out a little to try for some protein so that’s a win!

yeah I know I will get through this eventually, just hoping it lets me continue on with normal life programming soon 🙂

Thank you for all the encouraging words @Alisse 🙂

I have been trying to use my cbt and dbt strategies to stay grounded and cope in the moment which has been working to an extent. The biggest obstacle is the anxiety about the long term. I can self soothe by distraction all day, but otherwise I’m so afraid of how to get through a normal day at work for example where I can’t just lie down with an ice pack and watch TikTok until I feel a little better…

thank you for those suggestions, I will definitely check out the MoodGym program!
and thank you for the support it is much appreciated 🙂

@kelseaballerini so glad to hear you have been able to eat something and even stepping out of your comfort zone and eating some protein. Well done, you should be super proud of yourself.

I'm sure given time things will get back to normal for you. Just know we are always here for you 🙂