Panic with strange feeling in stomach

[reachersgal]

Hello everyone,

I have agoraphobia and it effects me by not being able to be a passenger in any form of transport, avoid motorways and bridges, going down in a lift - these for me are 10/10 on the anxious scale and other things queues/ cinemas bother me but not quite so bad.

What makes the transport such a big issue is that I have got in the past this aweful stomach churning feeling (like you get on a rollarcoaster or when a plane takes off). I think I get this feeling becauce I get so worked up and panicky because I am worrying about getting this feeling, if that makes sense. It is an horrible sensation and completely takes over me.

Last week I decided to go down in a lift and I made one floor - massive progress and I was fine and didn't get this feeling, so thought the next time would be easier, but I am worrying about the next time!

I am in the process of going back to work (I took a career break to look after my kids) and will work in a hospital and WILL have to go in a lift at some time and may possible have to go as an escort with patients in a car/ambulance. I am now getting really bad anticipatory anxiety and had a sleepless night worrying and a panic attack (feel dreadful today - as you do).

I am going to the doctors (when I can get in!) but I am going to need an occupational Health assesssment because of all the depression I have had in the past. I am very stressed about this assessment and a current prescription for anxiety is notgoing to go down well I am sure and I'm worried I'll not get the job.

I hope all this makes sense - I'm absolutely shattered this morning.

Thankyou so much for listening.

[thoughts and actions]

hey

i know exaclty what you mean

I also get the churning stomach all the time- and i suffer from emetaphobia so as soon as i get the twinge i start panicking thinking am going to be not well.

I think your right to be going to the docs- you need some support to get through your phobia- for me, i had CBT- it worked as i am a lot better and no with time, i will get there.

I dont know if you like reading but if you do you might want to read Claire Weekes books - they are fantastic and have really helped me get through my panic and phobia.

You must be so proud of yourself to be going to work despite having these phobias - what is it that scares you abotu going into the lifts etc.

If you want you can pm me

xx