Hate the nights, Emetophobia!

[samg]

I have had emetophobia most likely from horrible experiences during childhood. This has caused severe anxiety which controls a lot of my life, it makes me feel horrible, and plays horrible tricks on me, For instance now, as its come to sleep time (the time when I'm most anxious because there is nothing going on) I start to panic and think, it could be tonight! I probably have said that to myself every night for the past 9 months? There was a three month period where I felt amazing, but now its back and its taking over even more, I am having hypnotherapy with a new hypnotherapist and its going really well, but she has said that it is going to take time, I also have been referred by my doctor to a organisation called L.I.F.T run by the NHS, but I am struggling to fit the appointments in around my work. I love keeping busy and having things to do the whole time. I wish that the 'night' and 'sleep' didn't exist because its just the time when I'm most anxious. My hands are sore from washing them so much and I take lots of vitamins to keep my immune system high to reduce my risk of getting ill. I need just a bit more help to smash it for good so I can start living again!

[nickynicknic]

Hi, I suffer the same and have had emetophobia since I was three. I know how horrendous the fear is and lying there waiting for it to happen is soul destroying. Ive had good patches but I too am suffering at the moment with a bad patch. Im here if you need to talk. Nicola

[samg]

Hi Nicola, yes it is soul destroying, but knowing that there is a way of life that does make me feel good keeps me reassured that we can both get there. :)

[Twinset]

My phobia of D&V viruses is a million times worse at night. And I hate going away overnight, even just one night, because being ill and being away from home combined really frightens me.

[chicaplatense]

I don't know if this is what you are talking about but I find that my panic is worse at night. I feel worse when it is dark outside and there is not much to do. I also feel that when I have nothing to do or if I am bored. I used to have terrible panic at night and not be able to sleep but that hasn't happen to me for a long time now. Now its mostly feeling panic when it gets dark. Sometimes I even get a sudden surge of sadness and hopelessness when night comes. I have done a few things that have helped me such as having a night routine: I run on an elliptical machine until I am exhausted, I lift weights, I try to eat dinner with my husband and kids and talk to them about their day, I bath my 2 youngest kids, then I heat up a rices sock in the microwave (they are easy to make and keep you warm) and get in bed with my 2 younger kids and the warm socks and read them stories, and then I read a book to myself. By the time I am done with this whole routine I am exhausted and my mind has been occupied enough to keep panicky thoughts at bay. If I am still anxious I will take some Klonopin or Xanax if I am having trouble sleeping. Sometimes listening to music from Enya helps me calm down.. Also if I feel that I am doing something to take good care of my body I also feel more relaxed: I take vitamins before going to bed, a good glass of water or milk and cookies, etc. If I do end up with Panic, at least I know that I am being good to my body and doing good things for my kids and family by spending time with them. If you live alone or have no family you could call a friend or maybe go to the gym at night so you are out of your house and busy until last minute, when it is time to sleep. I hope these suggestions help you! Don't loose hope!

[samg]

Brilliant reply chicaplatense!! Will have a look for the music. Keeping yourself busy is something I will be trying, I look forward to it. Thank you :)

[chicaplatense]

Check out youtube: Here are some titles for Enya:
"May it be", "Only time", "Water Mark", "wild Child", you can even create a whole Playlist of relaxation music with relaxing imagery....

[evilimbic]

I'm a fellow emet - it seems to be a common though vastly under talked about issue. There is a book kicking about called "Overcoming Health Anxiety" which has a chapter in it specific to emet. If you're London based one of the writers of the book is Dr David Veale who is the only person I've found who specialises in emetophobia and may be worth checking out? His website is at http://www.veale.co.uk/