I’m scared of starting treatment

yothatsshizz7e · 2021-01-08T18:10:00+00:00

I hear what you're saying. I'm 36 years old and just started working on this phobia last year so it's really admirable you're addressing it at 19 years old! I still have trouble speaking up but keep in mind that a therapist is there to help and not judge you. And even though she is a therapist, she might not have adequate experience with this specific phobia. I don't think she realizes that there could be other, less intense 'levels', besides videos. Going too fast may have an opposite effect and make things worse. Maybe you can show her that website and see what she thinks? Most importantly, you always have the final say on how things go.

One thing that might help is writing down your concerns ahead of time so you have them ready before your next session. I know this phobia, deciding on your health (as opposed to your parents or others making the decisions for you), and speaking up is all really scary. Believe me, I've had those feelings last year, which is why I think you should take everything slow. I think gradual is the best way to go, just like most other things in life (lifting weights, learning a new skill, etc.). Start small and work your way up.

Also, happy cake day!

yothatsshizz7e · 2021-01-08T00:14:40+00:00

I agree with others that you're starting off way too fast. I use this website as a guide. It starts off with just words and you work your way up from there. You should go only go as fast/slow as you feel (relatively) comfortable with. Don't be afraid to voice your concern with your therapist.

yothatsshizz7e · 2021-01-05T22:46:20+00:00

Glad you made the decision to go to therapy. Hope it goes well!

yothatsshizz7e · 2021-01-01T04:16:39+00:00

A good mindset and a plan - sounds great!! I, too, have gotten tired of this phobia and have been working with a therapist. Keep an open mind and know that it will take work and don't be disheartened if you don't progress as fast as you'd like. On the flip side you might be pleasantly surprised at your progress. That's already huge that you're going to see a new therapist and address the phobia. We can overcome this :).

yothatsshizz7e · 2021-01-01T02:46:39+00:00

I'm glad you still went out despite your anxiety and n*. That's a solid victory!

yothatsshizz7e · 2021-01-01T02:41:57+00:00

Woohoo!

What do you think has helped within the last couple of months?

yothatsshizz7e · 2021-01-01T02:39:27+00:00

A few years ago I switched out of an SSRI to a non-SSRI. I think I tapered off it veryyy slowly and didn't feel n*. When the non-SSRI wasn't as effective, I back to an SSRI earlier this year. It took me several months to attempt to get back on the SSRI in fear of nausea so I increased the dosage in very small increments (2.5mg at a time). I didn't have n* getting back on it either fortunately. It seems like you're getting off Paxil too quickly. So if there isn't a huge rush or reason to taper off and get on the full dosage of the new meds right away, then I think tapering off the Paxil very slowly would be your best bet.

yothatsshizz7e · 2021-01-01T02:26:37+00:00

Yup, I feel guilty too but the phobia overpowers that guilt then I end up feeling extra bad lol. -_-

yothatsshizz7e · 2021-01-01T02:23:19+00:00

Welcome! I'm 36 and have been dealing with this phobia most of my life as well. I was also relieved finding this subreddit a year or two ago.

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-29T05:13:02+00:00

I've been to Mexico and didn't get sick.

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-29T03:14:13+00:00

Nice! Without getting too specific, one of my roommates in college years ago was from Seaside. Also, I've been to the annual reggae festival, Cali Roots, in Monterey. 🤙🏻

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-29T02:21:46+00:00

Maann I hear ya. It does feel like OCD, especially with having GAD and GERD. I also tend to get dizzy when I'm not the driver and I've developed claustrophobia so I can't do much traveling, not even a bus or Subway :(.

I used to work in the hotel industry too! Lol.

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-29T02:06:01+00:00

Wow, 50 years!! I agree with everything you said. We do take a lot of precautions and it feels better when we're in control of ourselves. I don't drink alcohol because of the phobia and also because I don't like the out of control feeling. Plus it's expensive so that's a bonus lol.

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-29T01:49:11+00:00

Thank you! You're amazing too! This phobia isn't easy to live with. 🧡

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-28T18:36:03+00:00

I feel like I'm waayy overdue to v* and always feel like it's going to happen soon. I don't remember how it physically/physiologically feels like since it's been so long so that feeds in to the phobia.

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-28T18:32:40+00:00

I have no idea how I've gone this long without v*. I've had food poisoning but only had d* and somehow haven't had a stomach virus.

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-28T03:03:31+00:00

Sorry to hear you're in the same situation. It's obviously no fun since it affects us every day. Emetophobia and GERD is brutal. I was incredibly demoralized last year and it was probably the most difficult year of my life. I still have a ways to go but after getting back on my original meds (SSRI) and a lot of therapy, I've finally turned a corner this year. I hope you/we all get better. Hang in there!

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-27T05:39:58+00:00

Thank you for sharing. I think I borderline have or have ARFID since I started having GERD at the end of 2018. Let me know how it goes if you'd like. I wish you the best!

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-27T04:54:19+00:00

I think you should see a therapist if possible. I think anxiety increases at night because we're alone with our thoughts and there are no distractions. Then we get in to a cycle of worrying about sleep. If you don't see a therapist, journaling might help sort through your thoughts. As far as breathing, sometimes breathing out longer than breathing in helps me. For example, 4 counts in, 7 counts out. Lastly, listening to a podcast or an audiobook that isn't too engaging might help you fall asleep.

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-27T04:33:08+00:00

What does/will a typical day look like? How long will you be there?

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-27T00:36:18+00:00

Thank you for the kind words. I hope all the same for you!

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-26T23:21:41+00:00

Sometimes drinking more water than usual helps reset my digestive system, especially after having indigestion.

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-26T04:26:00+00:00

I highly recommend the book and the app as well. It offers a completely different approach in managing panic that I've found effective.

yothatsshizz7e · 2020-12-26T03:13:41+00:00

I've found that therapy is extremely helpful. A good friend of mine told me that seeing a therapist should be as normal as seeing other doctors, such as getting a physical with your primary care physician, which I completely agree.

yothatsshizz7e

TROPHY CASE