Fear of being sick: I don't know what to do

[Wondering]

Okay, so I'm not positive where to begin, but right now I'm really, really scared. I haven't gone into a panic attack yet, but it's not an uncommon thing for me. My worst trigger is the flu- stomach bug. I'm terrified, and I mean terrified of throwing up, I would rather die than be sick with the flu. I don't know what my problem is and the psychiatrist I go to says he's never heard of such a thing.

Anyways, now everyone in my class of 15 people is starting to get sick. I go back and forth between wanting to sob hysterically, giving up, (as in going into to depression so I don't feel anything anymore), giving into the anxiety and feeling miserable, and trying desperately not to give in to any of these temptations. I don't know what's wrong with me, my mom says I've been terrified of getting sick, but only with the flu ,since I was a toddler. How can a baby have such a fear? I'm on anxiety medication and I have panic medication just in case- but more than anything I don't want to get sick or have a panic attack. I don't know what to do, I just don't know what to do. Even with all the progress I've made with my anxiety and panic disorder I've barely made any in this area. I don't know if anyone has any words of advice... :helpme:

 

[Retired]

Re: I don't know what to do

My worst trigger is the flu- stomach bug

The flu is neverpleasant for anyone, to be sure. If people around you are showing signs of flu like symptoms, and you are that concerned, one of your options is to remain at home to avoid being infected.

In future, take advantage of flu shots when they become available to add to your protection.

If it is the flu, the virus is transmitted by contact where the flu virus comes into the body usually through the mouth, nose or eyes. This happens when your touch an object handled by an infected person such as a doorknob, pencil or chair then your hand contacts your mouth, nose or eyes.

One defense is frequent hand washing, avoiding direct contact with others, such as shaking hands and carrying some hand sanitizer and using it often.

I will let others speak to your panic and anxiety question.

 

[NicNak]

Re: I don't know what to do

What medication are you currently taking?

For me, personally, the panic medicication works fantastic. Once I start to get that weird feeling in my head (those are my warning signs of a panic attack, yours could be different) that is when I take my panic pill.

I relate to having fears, that is for sure. The places I fear, or are uncomfortable in, I try to expose myself to in small time frames.

Unfortunetly this is your class room and students that is currently causing your anxiety. I really don't know what to suggest.

Is it a stomach flu going around your class?

Have you taken your panic medicine? The reason I ask this is because I was initally afraid to take mine, when I was first prescribed it. I was afraid it would cause me to become dopey or that people would know I took it etc.

This was not the case when I did take it. I felt my symptoms come on, I took the pill and a few moments later I took a breath and thought "wow, I am calm" There was no "high" feeling or anything like that.



Most actual stomach flus can be avoided by hand washing after using the washroom. Stomach flu are not caught by air born bacterias. They need to be ingested.

Stomach Flu

Gastroenteritis is caused by swallowing certain viruses. The body fluids of infected people contain the virus, sometimes even before their symptoms begin. The virus can be spread by direct contact with an infected person (for example, kissing or shaking hands) or by sharing food, drink, or eating utensils.

What can I do to help prevent stomach flu?
The single, most helpful way to prevent the spread of stomach flu is frequent, thorough hand washing. Also, avoid contact with the body fluids of an infected person, including saliva. Don't share food with someone who has stomach flu.

 

[Wondering]

Re: I don't know what to do

Thank you so much for your words of advise.
I can't go home unfortunately because I'm studying abroad so my classmates and I live in dorms- the girls in one and the boys in another. Oh, and I'm afraid to get a flu shot because my Dad has had to get them all the time because of his work and they always make him violently ill, if he didn't get the shots he would never got sick, that was the only time he ever got sick when I was growing up.

For my anxiety I'm taking Citalopram- a generic form of Celexa and I take that daily. For panic attacks I take Clonazepam. It's unusual, in that it takes 30 minutes to kick in, but it lasts for 24hours- I think or 12hours- because when I go into panic attacks they can last for days or a week or if I'm lucky just the whole night.

I have taken it before but I should only take it at night as it knocks me out. But that's fine as I'm really adept at hiding my anxiety throughout the day and preventing panic attacks during the day, but at night I'll wake up from a dead sleep with them. That's usually when I get them so I take one and my doctor told me I can take two if I need to.
I'll make a concious effort to wash my hands more- not obsessively but reguarly enough.

Oh, and yes the stomach flu is going around my class- techinically one of the boys has it right now and our host family has a little girl and she has it too and one of the girls in my dorm has it. I think what got me into a frenzy was the fact that I was playing with the host family's baby boy and I didn't know they're daughter had the flu and I was kissing him and just generally having a wonderful time. I later found out that their daughter was sick and I had patted her on the head. -the fact that touching her head and playing with her little brother freaked me out so much is just not normal because one of them had the flu.

Though, I must admit I'm one hundred times better than I've ever been- I used to not be able to eat for days on end until no one in my house was sick with the flu anymore and often times I couln't leave my room because I was so terrified. The fact that I can go out and interact with my classmates even though I know they may be carrying the flu bug and can eat and feel hungry are great strides.

 

[Atlantean]

Re: I don't know what to do

I would recommend getting flu shots as well, but when I was pregnant I got the flu shot and still ended up getting sick, though it was much, much milder than what everyone else was experiencing.

Regarding the anxiety, I think all you can do it take your meds and try to calm down and relax and sit and try to figure out why this terrifies you so much. Maybe if you can sit and think logically about it, you can realize that even if you get sick, it wouldnt be the end of the world. Of course, I have severe anxiety and barely leave my house, so I know that its much easier said than done, and I in no way mean to minimize the intensity of what you are feeling.

It sounds like youve made great progress. Keep up the good work.

 

[Wondering]

Re: I don't know what to do

I would recommend getting flu shots as well, but when I was pregnant I got the flu shot and still ended up getting sick, though it was much, much milder than what everyone else was experiencing.

Maybe if you can sit and think logically about it, you can realize that even if you get sick, it wouldnt be the end of the world.

I'm afraid, you see, to get sick with the flu no matter how mild- so to me getting the flu shot is just not an option. To me also, I get so terrified that I would rather die than get sick with the stomach bug and need to throw up. So, in a sense, I guess I would prefer the end of the world to getting it . I'm exaggerating of course, well not about that dying part, but I just don't know what to do. I've logically worked through everything else, but this stupid fear just won't leave me. I hope I didn't sound like I was throwing your words back in your face- That wasn't my intention. Oh, and I'm terribly sorry you suffer from so much anxiety- even as bad as I've had it- I've never had it that bad- thanks for your words of advice .

Oh, and shame on me- I just couldn't eat lunch today- I just couldn't handle it- I pray that this won't last and I'll be able to eat dinner. I'm not sure what to do if it lasts a whole day- I have hypoglycemia and I really can't afford to be missing any meals. I at least ate breakfast this morning. I'm rather frustrated with myself because I thought this was something I had conquered.

 

[Atlantean]

Re: I don't know what to do

I'm afraid, you see, to get sick with the flu no matter how mild- so to me getting the flu shot is just not an option. To me also, I get so terrified that I would rather die than get sick with the stomach bug and need to throw up. So, in a sense, I guess I would prefer the end of the world to getting it . I'm exaggerating of course, well not about that dying part, but I just don't know what to do. I've logically worked through everything else, but this stupid fear just won't leave me. I hope I didn't sound like I was throwing your words back in your face- That wasn't my intention. Oh, and I'm terribly sorry you suffer from so much anxiety- even as bad as I've had it- I've never had it that bad- thanks for your words of advice .

Oh, and shame on me- I just couldn't eat lunch today- I just couldn't handle it- I pray that this won't last and I'll be able to eat dinner. I'm not sure what to do if it lasts a whole day- I have hypoglycemia and I really can't afford to be missing any meals. I at least ate breakfast this morning. I'm rather frustrated with myself because I thought this was something I had conquered.

I get ya. But just so you know, not everyone gets sick from the flu shot, I didnt. '-)

Anyway, best of luck.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Re: I don't know what to do

Okay, so I'm not positive where to begin, but right now I'm really, really scared. I haven't gone into a panic attack yet, but it's not an uncommon thing for me. My worst trigger is the flu- stomach bug. I'm terrified, and I mean terrified of throwing up, I would rather die than be sick with the flu. I don't know what my problem is and the psychiatrist I go to says he's never heard of such a thing.

I'm surprised that your psychiatrist has never heard of this. In my experience, it's not that uncommon.

What would help is a skilled therapist with some expertise in managing anxiety disorders (especially in the use of cognitive behavior therapy) and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The "syndrome" you describe has elements of both.

 

[Wondering]

Re: I don't know what to do

I'm sorry, I mean my psychiatrist has never heard of someone being so afraid of the stomach flu and not being afraid of getting any other sickness.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Re: I don't know what to do

It sounded to me like you were more specifically worried about vomiting. Is that incorrect?

 

[panickedchick]

It sounds to me that you have a bigger fear of vomiting than being sick. I have the same fear. My worst panic attacks come when I feel like I have to throw up. Recently, after reading books on anxiety and panic I realized that fear of vomiting (emetophobia) is not uncommon. I also found some sites that offer help to those suffering from this phobia.

I myself when confronted with panic from fear of vomiting have to rely on the coping skills I use when dealing with any type of panic. I usually repeat a mantra in my head, or I count to 5 over and over again until the fear goes away. Sometimes I can prevent myself from vomiting. Other times I just keep telling myself that I'll be alright over and over again even if I do vomit until I believe it.

Do a google search for "emetophobia" or "fear of vomiting." There's a number of helpful sites out there.

Good luck.

 

[dlewin]

Im not the only one I too have a phobia of throwing up. I will take a the worst cold you can throw at me. but I am so afraid of throwing up I cant even see someone else being sick. i shake and cry and hide in my room. and I am a grown woman I'm 30 years old. if I feel sick I take a gravel and hope it works and I get a flu shot every year. I do not get very sick off of it I just get a bit of a fever. and when I do get the flu its not as bad as it would be without a flu shot.