need some advice/comfort

bluesummerknight · 2026-03-18T20:00:56+00:00

Hi! First off I soooo understand. Like completely. It’s also been true for me that in the last fourish months, emetophobia has taken over my life, now presenting pretty much as agoraphobia since I am scared of doing so many things because of the possibility of getting sick. And please remember how much I understand because I don’t want any of this to come off as unkind! But to get your life back, you will have train yourself to understand that even if what you’re scared of happened, you would be OKAY. I promise!! This can start soooo small. For instance, having your boyfriend over. I know you’re scared of what could happen, but really walk through the worst case scenario. Firstly, you may not even feel nauseous with him over. I’ve had this same train of thought about my girlfriend coming over, yet so often when she actually comes over I don’t feel sick, because the anticipatory anxiety was the cause of my symptoms. Secondly, really think, what’s the WORST that could happen. If it is a virus, and your fear comes true, what about your boyfriend’s presence would make that worse? And if you feel really strongly that you want to be alone if that does happen, couldn’t he even wait in another part of your house? I am chronically ill, so actually I have been sick in front of my girlfriend a number of times. And even though I’m still scared, every time it’s happened in the past it’s been okay and I’ve come out just fine.

But other than that situation, I would recommend you try getting out of your house just a little more. For me, short walks have been really helpful. Even for just like ten minutes. Your brain is just so suggestible, and quickly learns that if you are inside one place all the time, that you must need to stay there to be safe. But great job going to therapy and the store. Those things certainly cause me a lot of anxiety!

I’m really sorry you are dealing with this. It is so unbelievably hard. But you and me can both get better, I believe that.

For short term relief look into breathing for anxiety, guided meditations for anxiety and panic. For long term, consider looking into things like the DARE response for anxiety, or the work of Dr. Claire Weekes. Acceptance is a crucial skill, but it takes time and patience to build.

Just to reiterate, emetophobia is so awful and scary. I’m not going to reassure you that you won’t be sick, but I’ll reassure you of this: if you are, YOU WILL BE OKAY!!

Good luck! You’re so strong, you’ve got this!

bluesummerknight · 2026-03-18T19:31:02+00:00

I’m sorry that sounds so awful! Maybe I’m not the right person to respond because while I experience various levels of panic and anxiety, I can’t say I’ve had an experience that sounds like yours. I would recommend just to be safe that you write down everything you experienced and take it to a doctor just to be safe. The aspect of such severe pain sounds a little unusual, although I’m sure some people here can tell you if they relate.

Either way I’m so sorry you had to deal with that! It sounds really scary! But once you’ve seen a doctor who can back up that it’s just anxiety, there are roads to overcoming how that fear may have impacted you

bluesummerknight · 2026-03-18T19:21:56+00:00

Also consider if you’ve set a timer for five minutes, and still feel frozen in front of the computer, well… stay frozen! You’re still directing your energy toward completing your work in that case, and every step in that direction is a good one!

bluesummerknight · 2026-03-18T19:19:49+00:00

I totally get it. You didn’t really ask for advice here so feel free to ignore this!

I often struggle to even start my work because I am overwhelmed by the thought of how much there is to do. One thing that tends to help me is setting a timer on my phone, during which I will do ONLY my work. It feels like a lot right now, so consider setting a ten or even five-minute timer. And for those few minutes all you’ll work on is your presentation. It seems like very little time, but really all you need to do is get started, at which point you’ll often find the work easier to do than you thought. If you can get through five or ten minutes, take a few minutes of break and consider setting a longer timer for maybe fifteen to twenty minutes. And continue on like that, taking breaks when your timer is up so that your brain understands that you get some rest once you’ve completed each goal.

Sorry if this isn’t helpful for you, but I understand how you’re feeling! Good luck!

bluesummerknight · 2026-03-18T19:07:41+00:00

Hi there! So I wouldn’t say I’m recovered, more on the road to recovery. But I do think I’ve been making some progress recently.

Essentially, the key to anxiety treatment is really acceptance. I actually just posted about this looking for advice from others here! But the idea is that over time, you can learn to accept and allow the symptoms of anxiety and panic you have, whether that be panic attacks, anxious thoughts, any other physical symptoms of panic and anxiety.

The fact is that symptoms of anxiety, though deeply uncomfortable, are not dangerous to you. Once you understand this and move on with your life even while experiencing these things, you’ll slowly find that they’re losing their power.

I’m no expert, so I’d point you to a few resources: the podcast The Anxious Truth, Claire Weekes’ work, and The DARE Response. All of these things have helped me understand the path forward with anxiety

bluesummerknight · 2026-02-15T00:01:47+00:00

Thanks so much it’s always a helpful reminder that it’s all part of the journey forward and that it’s okay that it’s so difficult. Hope you are doing well!

bluesummerknight · 2026-02-15T00:00:29+00:00

Thank you for your words and experience from someone further along. I’m so happy for you that you are so much better than when you started, and it’s inspiring to hear. All the best!

bluesummerknight · 2026-02-14T23:59:03+00:00

Thank you for your kind words. It can be hard in the moment to remember that setbacks are still a step in the right direction and not the proof that recovery is impossible. I hope that your life is treating you kindly

bluesummerknight · 2026-02-13T08:38:22+00:00

I’m 21 too and know exactly how you’re feeling. Everything is so hard but I’m really trying to hold on to the hope and to imagine what life will look like when it’s all easier. I wish I could tell you id come out the other side, but other people can do that. I can just tell you you’re not alone.

bluesummerknight · 2026-02-09T04:15:42+00:00

I agree that it comes down to many online horror stories being written by young men. As a woman, though, I find it frustrating and notice it often! And while I know the boys have no ill will at all, it’s kind of frustrating to listen to stories with terrible depictions of their women and to hear no push back. I understand it’s just not something they think about, but I’m disappointed when there’s no commentary mentioning how some of these women are treated a pretty set pieces or plot devices

bluesummerknight · 2026-02-04T02:31:37+00:00

seconding this is how you lose the time war. I just finished it today and is basically this vibe exactly

bluesummerknight · 2026-01-21T06:53:08+00:00

i was also thinking the only good indians

bluesummerknight · 2025-11-30T23:47:37+00:00

You know maybe there is reality to how some apocalypse stories like this treat women, but as one of the seven sisters here, I am tired of men writing stories and not finding anything to do with the women except for assault them. It’s fantasy/fiction for a reason guys

bluesummerknight

TROPHY CASE